Amid all the loss and destruction, a distraught mother whose daughter’s school burned down encountered California Governor Gavin Newsom during a visit to the Palisades.
The interaction was caught on camera by Sky News. Longtime Palisades resident Rachel Darvish was talking to the outlet’s Martha Kelner when she spotted Newsom getting into his SUV.
“Governor you got a second?” she hollered to Newsom. “Governor! Governor! I live here governor, that was my daughter’s school governor. Please tell me what you’re going to do.”
A security guard for the governor stood between the two with Darvish assuring him “I’m not going to hurt him, I promise.”
Newsom told the lawyer that he was on the phone with President Joe Biden as she ran up to him.
“I’m literally talking to the president right now to specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter,” he assured her.
As he explained that, Darvish asked if she could listen in on the conversation because she didn’t believe him.
He then showed that he’s tried calling the president five times but was unable to get through.
“Why is the president not taking your call?” Darvish asked.
“Because it’s not going through,” Newsom said pointing to the poor cell service in the fire-stricken area.
Darvish continued her pleas with the governor saying that she wanted to be present when Newsom and Biden speak on the phone.
Newsom calmly told her that he was calling the president “to immediately get reimbursements, individual assistance and to help.” He then explained and offered his sympathies to Darvish’s daughter as he has four kids himself.
“Everyone went to school there, they lost their homes, they lost two homes because they were living in one home and building another,” Darvish emotionally explained. “Governor please tell me what you’re going to do with the president right now.”
Newsom told her he was “getting the resources to help rebuild,” but Darvish still had questions.
“Why was there no water in the hydrants? Is it going to be different next time?”
He then told her “It has to be, of course.”
Darvish told him that she would fill up hydrants herself, but asked if he would do that.
“I would do whatever I can,” he explained.
Darvish is addressing the issue of hydrants going “dry” during the firefight in the Palisades.
On Wednesday, officials said the massive demand for water led to crews dealing with dozens of “dry” hydrants that had diminished water pressure and, in some cases, no water at all.
But Darvish wasn’t buying that, holding back tears and saying that she believed Newsom and the government weren’t doing their part.
“Do you know there’s water dripping over there, Governor? There’s water dripping out there, you can use it,” she said pointing behind Newsom.
“I appreciate it, I’m going to make a call to address everything that I can right now, including making sure people like you are safe,” he explained to her.
“Can I have an opportunity to at least tell people that you’re doing what you say you’re doing? Could somebody have a contact? Can I have your contact information?” Darvish pleaded before Newsom directed him to his point person before getting into his SUV.
Newsom’s office says they’ve spoken with Darvish to connect her with Recovery Services and local support.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, has scorched nearly 20,000 acres. As of Friday morning, officials say it’s 8% contained.
At least 10 people have died in the wildfires that have stretched across Southern California with 180,000 people told to evacuate. Officials say over 360,000 acres have burned so far.
Amid all the loss and destruction, a distraught mother whose daughter’s school burned down encountered California Governor Gavin Newsom during a visit to the Palisades. The interaction was caught on camera by Sky News. Longtime Palisades resident Rachel Darvish was talking to the outlet’s Martha Kelner when she spotted Newsom getting into his SUV. “Governor […]
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