California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the devastating fires in Los Angeles, which devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena, require a rebuilding response that he described as a “marshall plan” for the region.
In an interview with Learn about journalism With NBC News' Jacob Soboroff, Newsom also agreed that the fires would ultimately be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history “in terms of the costs associated with them, in terms of size and scope.”
When it comes to rebuilding, the governor said, he has a team “looking at reimagining Los Angeles 2.0.” “We're just starting to plan. I mean, we're still fighting these fires, so we're already talking to city leaders. We're already talking to civic leaders. We're already talking to business leaders and nonprofits. We're already talking to labor leaders.”
Newsom also issued a new executive order to try to prevent fraud and price gouging, and speed up the inspection process so those who lost their homes can get their insurance claims paid. The executive order also repeals requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, addressing property tax assessments “to make sure when someone rebuilds that they have their old property tax assessments and that they have not been increased,” Newsom said.
“I'm concerned about when these projects will be completed,” he said.
Another concern is winter rains, he added. “I have to close the canyons here because it relates to potential flooding of a lot of atmospheric rivers,” he said.
Newsom suggested that rebuilding efforts could also be tied to the Olympic Games, which Los Angeles will host in 2028.
The Olympics and other sporting events “only reinforce the necessity of moving quickly, and doing so in a spirit of cooperation and coordination.” To his credit, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, was instrumental in bringing the Olympics to the United States of America and holding them here in Los Angeles. We thank him for that. “This is an opportunity for him to shine, for this country to shine, for California and this community to shine, the opportunity with all of that and all of that opportunity and this pride and spirit that comes from not only hosting those games and those three iconic venues but I also think it's an opportunity to rebuild at the same time.”
But rebuilding efforts require massive federal disaster aid. President Joe Biden has pledged 100% federal disaster recovery relief over the next six months, but the rebuilding effort will be much longer. Applications are available at disasterassistance.gov.
Trump, who will become president on Jan. 20, blamed the fires on Newsom, who backed away from that claim and called on the president-elect to survey the damage. Trump claimed that the state's reservoirs were not filled due to environmental concerns about the smell of the Delta.
“I don't know what he's referring to when he talks about delta smelting in the tanks. The tanks are completely full, the state tanks here in Southern California,” Newsom said. “I don't think this misinformation and disinformation is doing any good or helping any of us.” In response to Donald Trump's insults “We will spend another month. I am familiar with them, and every elected official who does not agree with them knows them well.”
The Los Angeles Times and other media reported that the reservoir serving the Palisades area was not full.
“This was not a state system reservoir, which is what the president-elect was referring to as it relates to the Delta and somehow associating the smell of the Delta with this fire, which is inexcusable because it is inaccurate,” Newsom said. “It is also incomprehensible to anyone who understands water policy in the state.”
Newsom ordered an independent investigation into water supply issues.
“So we all want to know those answers, and I don't want to wait because people are asking me. I want to know those facts,” Newsom said. “I want them to be objectively assertive, and let the chips fall where they may. “It's not about pointing fingers.”
When Soboroff asked if the responsibility was his, Newsom replied: “I mean, you're the governor of California. He might as well be the mayor of California. We are all in this together. We're all better off when we're all better off, and we're all better off when we work together to care for people and make sure they're supported. We are sympathetic. We are here not only at the moment of crisis, but we are here after the crisis, instead of creating a crisis in the middle of this by trying to divide people, play politics, and make cheap political decisions.
Asked if he had confidence in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Newsom said: “I have absolute confidence in our community. I have confidence in our leaders. “I have faith in our ability to work together.”
Newsom said that Trump did not respond to his invitation to visit, but noted that the next president had threatened to withhold aid.
“That's his style,” Newsom said. “And we take it so seriously that in the past it would have taken a little bit longer. I've been very vocal about that in the context of someone threatening our first responders in terms of supporting their immediate needs or their recovery.”
