Gavin Newsom Discusses Organizing a “Marshall Plan”, To Rebuild Los Angeles Following Apocalyptic fires
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said that the destructive fires in Los Angeles which have destroyed Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other areas, require a response to rebuilding he describes as a Marshall Plan for the area.
Newsom agreed in an interview with Jacob Soboroff of NBC News that the fires would end up as the worst natural catastrophe in U.S. History “in terms associated with it and in terms of its scale and scope.”
The governor stated that he is working with a team to “reimagine L.A. 2.0” when it comes time to rebuild. “We are just beginning to lay out.” We’re still fighting fires so we are already speaking to city leaders. We already talk to civic leaders. We already talk to nonprofits and business leaders. “We’re already talking to business leaders and nonprofits.”
Newsom issued an executive order in an effort to stop fraud and price gouging and to speed up the inspection process, so that those who lost their homes could receive their insurance claims. Newsom also said that the executive order eliminates California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and addresses property taxes assessments.
He said, “I worry about the time it will take to complete these projects.”
Winter rains are another concern, he added. He said, “I have to fix the canyons in this area to prevent flooding from atmospheric rivers.”
Newsom said that rebuilding efforts would also be tied to Los Angeles’ hosting of the Olympics in 2028.
“The Olympics and other sporting occasions only reinforce the urgency of moving quickly and doing so in the spirit collaboration and cooperation. Donald Trump was instrumental in bringing the Olympics to America and to Los Angeles. We are grateful to him for this. “This is an opportunity for Donald Trump to shine. This country will shine. California and the community in which he lives will shine. With all of this and with pride and spirit, and not only from hosting three iconic games, and venues but also, I believe, rebuilding at the same time, we thank him.”
The federal government will need to provide massive assistance for the rebuilding process. Joe Biden, the president of the United States, has promised to provide 100% federal assistance for disaster recovery in the next six-month period. However the rebuilding process will take much longer. The applications are available at Disasterassistance.gov.
Trump, who is set to become president in January, has accused Newsom of starting the fires. Newsom has denied the accusation and invited Trump to inspect the damage. Trump claimed that the state reservoirs weren’t filled due to environmental concerns about the Delta smelt.
“I’m not sure what he means when he speaks of the Delta smelt being in reservoirs. Newsom stated that the reservoirs in Southern California were completely full. This misinformation and disinformation, I do not think, benefits or helps any of us. We would need to spend another month on Donald Trump’s insults. They are very familiar to me. “Every elected official with whom he disagrees is very familiar with these people.”
The Los Angeles Times, among other media outlets, reported that the reservoir serving Palisades wasn’t full.
Newsom stated that the President-elect’s statement was inaccurate and inexcusable. “Also incomprehensible for anyone who understands the water policy in California.”
Newsom has ordered a independent investigation into the water supply issue.
“We all want to know the answers and I don’t have time to wait, because so many people ask me.” Newsom stated, “I want to know these facts.” I want to know the facts, Newsom said. It’s not about pointing fingers.
Soboroff asked Newsom if his order to conduct an investigation was just a way of shifting blame.
Newsom replied, “How can it be that we are doing an independent investigation but we only want to adjudicate the facts?” It’s not about pointing fingers, as I said. Answering the questions that you and everyone want answered is what it’s all about. People want immediate answers to these questions. They want response and responsiveness.”
Newsom replied, “You’re the governor of California.” When asked by Soboroff if the responsibility rested with him, Newsom said, “I don’t know, I mean you are the governor.” It could just as easily be the mayor. We’re in this together. We are all better when we all do better. And we are all better when we work together to support people and take care of them. We’re empathetic. We’re not only here in the immediate crisis but also after it. Instead of creating a crisis by dividing people and playing political, we take cheap political shots.”
Newsom replied, “I believe in our community.” When asked if he had faith in Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, Newsom responded, “I do.” I have confidence in our leaders. “I have faith in our ability to work together.”
Newsom stated that Trump had not replied to his invitation, but that he has warned that he would withhold assistance.
Newsom explained, “So this is his style.” “And we’ve taken it seriously in the sense that it has previously taken a bit longer.” I have been very vocal about it in the context of someone who threatens our first responders, in terms of supporting their immediate needs or recovery.
