As wildfires ravage the state of California continues to be devastated by the wildfires, residents who have lost everything are looking to their state and local leadership for answers. One distraught mother saw Governor Gavin Newsom on the streets and ran to confront him on what would be done to help her devastated community. However, Newsom pretended to be on a phone call with President Joe Biden and refused to speak with her.
The latest reporting on the fires indicates that nearly 40,000 acres have been scorched, enveloping entire communities, such as the beautiful Palisades neighborhood, which once housed many celebrities. So far, over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, and 13 lives have been lost. Unfortunately, reports suggest the fire is only 11% contained.
In the video captured by Sky News, the woman, identified as Pacific Palisades resident Rachel Darvish, ran up to Gov. Newsom and pleaded with him for answers. Darvish pressed Newsom as to what would be done to mitigate the ensuing crisis and rebuild the communities. However, the democratic governor appeared uninterested in conversing with her.
“Governor, you got a second?” the distressed resident shouted across the street at Newsom. “Governor, I live here. Governor, that was my daughter’s school,” Darvish stated emphatically. “Governor, please tell me what you’re going to do,” she added as Newsom’s bodyguards moved in to prevent her from getting closer to the governor.
Attempting to skirt speaking with Darvish, Newsom said, “I’m literally talking to the president right now to specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter.” Calling him on the bluff, Darvish asked, “Can I hear Can I hear your call? Because I don’t believe it.” Pointing to his phone, showing that he wasn’t on the phone with Biden, he claimed that the calls were not going through.
“I’m sorry. There’s literally, I’ve tried five times,” he said. “That’s why I’m walking around to make the call.” Darvish then interjected, “Why is the President not taking your call?” Newsom responded, “Because it’s not going through, I have to get cell service.” However, the resident was undeterred, refusing to walk away without getting answers.
She said, “So let’s get it. I want to be here when you call the president.” Newsom then said, “I appreciate that, I’m doing that right now, and it’s to immediately get reimbursements, individual assistance, and I’m devastated for you, I’m So sorry, especially for your daughter. I have four kids…” Darvish interrupted, “Everyone who went to school there that lost their homes. They lost two homes because they were living in one building another.”
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Restating her question, she continued, “Governor please tell me. Tell me, what are you going to do with the President right now getting,” Newsom replied once more, “We’re getting the resources to help rebuild.” Darvish called out the insufficient infrastructure, questioning, “Why was there no water in the hydrants? Is it going to be different next time?” The governor replied, “It has to be, of course.”
Watch the interaction below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.