California Wildfires: Palisades Resident Confronts Governor Gavin Newsom on Disaster Response | US News
A resident from the fire-stricken Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles confronted Governor Gavin Newsom, stating she would “fill up the hydrants myself” in response to the government’s handling of the crisis.
Rachel Darvish, a lifelong resident and lawyer, had to evacuate her home along with thousands of others due to the destructive wildfire.
While speaking with Sky correspondent Martha Kelner, she spotted Mr. Newsom in the street and rushed to his car.
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Governor Newsom stated he was in the process of calling the president for further help
Rachel Darvish approached Governor Newsom’s vehicle
She exclaimed that her daughter’s school had been destroyed and pressed him for a plan of action.
Holding up his phone, he informed her he was “literally talking to the president [Joe Biden] right now to specifically respond to your needs,” stating he had attempted “five times” to get through.
While Ms. Darvish’s own residence survived, many of her neighbors lost their homes, leading her to express skepticism about his claims and request to witness the call.
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He assured her he was working to secure “reimbursements, individual assistance, and help,” expressing sorrow for their situation, particularly for her daughter.
Ms. Darvish pressed him about the “lack of water in the hydrants,” declaring she was ready to “fill up the hydrants myself,” and inquired if future incidents would be handled differently.
He responded, “It has to be. Of course,” emphasizing that he was in discussions with the president “to address everything I can right now, including ensuring the safety of people like you.”
Shortly thereafter, he got into his vehicle and departed.
Five lives have been lost in this series of wildfires, exacerbated by fierce winds, sweeping through the Los Angeles region and destroying communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, resulting in the evacuation of over 179,000 residents.
Officials have indicated that more fatalities are likely.
The fires have devastated over 17,000 acres in Pacific Palisades, with reports indicating that the flames remain 0% contained, as per the latest update from the Fire Department.
More than 10,000 acres are currently burning across multiple wildfires, identified as Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Sunset.
