By Charles Switzer
3:35pm PST, Jan 28, 2025
'Tough on Crime Newsom'
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for looting in wildfire evacuation zones to be classified as a felony. "Preying on people at their most vulnerable is despicable," he stated.
He emphasized that looting "will not be tolerated" and announced that the California National Guard and Highway Patrol have been deployed to protect impacted communities.
Critics, however, argue the deployment was delayed thereby creating a window for criminal activity, a claim Newsom's office denies, asserting the Guard was deployed "from the beginning."
Here's what's happening.
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Vallejo Residents Demand Action Against Rising Crime
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Vallejo residents have petitioned Governor Newsom for additional law enforcement support amid rising crime. Paula Conley, who started the petition, wrote, "We deserve a clean and safe city where we can live without fear."
Fellow residents echoed her concerns, with one calling Vallejo "a war zone."
The petition, which has garnered nearly 3,900 signatures, highlights frustrations with understaffing in the police department and calls for the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts.
State Leaders Slam Newsom's Response to Crime and Wildfires
Criticism of Newsom's handling of wildfires and crime continues to mount. State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones called the delayed deployment of the National Guard during the wildfires a "huge misstep" that allowed looters to exploit the chaos.
Assemblyman James Gallagher echoed these concerns, stating, "This highlights the continued failure of leadership by Gavin Newsom."
Despite these accusations, Newsom's office insists his administration has prioritized public safety, citing increased CHP efforts in Vallejo and other cities.
San Francisco's New Mayor Vows to Clean Up the Streets
San Francisco's newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie has pledged to address homelessness, crime and drug overdoses head-on.
Lurie, a Levi Strauss heir, plans to declare a state of emergency over the fentanyl crisis, replenish the police force and bring city employees back to in-person work. "We are the greatest city in the world when we are at our best," Lurie said, expressing optimism for San Francisco's recovery.
His election marks a significant shift following years of public frustration over safety and governance.
Newsom Defends His Record on Crime and Public Safety
Governor Newsom has pushed back against accusations of inaction, highlighting that California is near 30-year lows in violent and property crime. His office stated that efforts in cities like San Francisco, Oakland and San Bernardino have bolstered public safety.
Regarding Vallejo's challenges, Newsom's team described the issues as "a broader local governance problem" and advocated for proven models like contractual agreements with county sheriffs to address critical public safety gaps.
Newsom remains firm that his administration has taken significant steps to protect California's communities.