The Recall of Governor Newsom

Gavin Newsom comes from wealth, power, and influence. The Newsoms are one of the four “ruling” families of California. The others are named Brown, Pelosi, and Getty. They all support and promote each other. 



Governor Newsom has been mentioned as a possible candidate for President of the United States, a goal that would be more difficult to attain if he is recalled from office. 

Former Governor Schwarzenegger warns Newsom this is not a Republican power grab. Republicans have little power in the state. These are ordinary people signing the recall petitions. 

California was once the most beautiful, rich, and exciting state in the land. Poor leadership has changed all that. People and businesses are leaving California for red states like Florida and Texas. They have figured out that they can get a lot more house for a lot less money elsewhere. They can pay less in taxes and have more freedom. 

What are some of the criticisms of Governor Newsom? As Mayor of San Francisco, he created a sanctuary city in which an undocumented immigrant who had been deported five times shot and killed Kate Steinle. Now he proudly presides over a sanctuary state. 

California faces water shortages and expected blackouts this summer while we struggle to reopen the longest lock-down in the country. 

Texas and Arizona oppose Biden’s border policies. Newsom, however, is silent as the humanitarian, security, and health crisis grows. 

In February, Newsom allocated millions of dollars to pay for food, transportation, and hotel rooms for illegal immigrants. 

Californians pay some of the highest taxes in the country. The 2017 gas tax was designated for fixing roads, but Newsom used the money for climate change projects. 

Newsom made a video instructing illegal aliens not to open their doors to law enforcement unless the officers have a warrant. Retired County Sheriff’s Sergeant Orrin Heatlie saw this as an insult to law enforcement, and he became an early driver of the recall movement. 

The homelessness crisis continues despite California throwing $13 billion at it in the past three years. 

Protecting anything designated as “old growth” forest has not just put sawmills and loggers out of business, but the overgrowth has resulted in more frequent fires and bigger, less manageable fires that take lives, homes, and natural habitat. 

The state was being mismanaged before the pandemic, but once COVID struck and Governor Newsom assumed emergency authority, his lack of leadership skills and common sense became more apparent. 

The closing of businesses, schools, houses of worship, and most everything was not applied equally. He closed wineries in 19 counties but temporarily kept open his own winery which is co-owned with Gordon Getty. 

Newsom closed schools while parents lost jobs because they had to stay at home with their children. While Newsom claimed in-class instruction was too dangerous, home-bound children became depressed and suicidal as they fell permanently behind in education and socialization. Meanwhile, Newsom’s children went to private schools and returned to the classroom in October. 

While San Diego public schools remained closed for students, we now learn that some teachers volunteered to give in-class, in-person schooling to migrant children. 

Newsom made himself a dictator by issuing proclamations without consulting others. His own legislature complained of being ignored. Assembly member Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) said they have to watch television, like the public, to get information on what Governor Newsom is doing. Leaders who could have helped Newsom were unable to get an audience. 

People complained of long delays in getting unemployment benefits. Now, Newsome is facing a scandal at the State Unemployment Agency where billions of dollars have been stolen through fraudulent claims. 

While mandating masks, social distancing and no indoor dining, Governor Newsom was caught having dinner at the ultra-expensive French Laundry Restaurant in the Napa Valley, eating indoors with a large group crowded together without masks. What was he thinking? 

Newsom looks worse by contrast with Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who has weathered the COVOD crisis while avoiding major lockdowns. 

Democrats will probably not be on the ticket to oppose Newsom lest they undermine his chances and reap the enmity of their party. Republican candidates include former Congressman Doug Ose, former gubernatorial candidate John Cox, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and others. 

Polls show recall votes fall along party lines. Democrats feel assured that they will win because Democrats outnumber Republicans by almost 2 to 1. But, unexpected events could change everything. 

COVID spikes and continued lockdowns would not bode well for Newsom. Democrats fear that a popular Hollywood star with an interest in politics could run, someone like Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. Another anticipated but as yet uncommitted strong candidate would be openly gay Republican Richard Grenell. Grenell held several high positions in the Trump administration including Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director of National Intelligence. 

These are interesting times.