Governor Gavin Newsom spent Thursday traveling between Pacific Palisades and Altadena, meeting fire‑victims, rebuilding crews, and community members while reviewing the state’s recovery efforts.
Rebuilding milestones
Newsom reported that “2,193 permits have been approved as of last week.” He placed that figure alongside other disaster‑recovery benchmarks, noting Maui lost roughly 2,200 homes and had 465 permits approved two years later, and Paradise recorded 385 permits after a full year. He acknowledged that aggregate numbers mask individual frustrations and pledged to address “stubborn and frustrating” homeowner experiences.
AI regulation clash
Newsom asserted that “Washington partisan politics have no role in federal disaster aid, or in Artificial Intelligence,” after President Trump signed an executive order that blocks states from enforcing their own AI regulations. He highlighted California’s “nation’s first AI frontier model regulation, SB53,” signed last year, describing it as a model for the country. Newsom called the president’s order “patently illegal” and said the state will work to ensure it does not succeed.
Former chief of staff under investigation
When asked about former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who faces 23 federal counts, Newsom replied, “As it relates to any independent investigation… I’m going to be careful and say let those independent facts flow.” He noted that Williamson has pleaded not guilty, was placed on leave over a year ago, and left the governor’s office a month later.
Potential next steps
The administration could issue additional executive orders to accelerate rebuilding, while state officials may explore legal avenues to contest the presidential AI executive order. Meanwhile, the ongoing federal case against Williamson may proceed through the courts, potentially influencing future staff vetting practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rebuilding permits have been approved?
Governor Newsom announced that 2,193 permits have been approved as of the previous week.
What comparisons did Newsom make about permit approvals?
He compared the 2,193 permits to Maui’s 465 permits approved two years after a disaster that destroyed about 2,200 homes, and to Paradise’s 385 permits after one year.
What was Governor Newsom’s response to President Trump’s AI executive order?
Newsom said the order is “patently illegal,” emphasized California’s leadership with SB53, and warned that the state will work to ensure the order does not succeed.
What do you think will be the most significant impact of the governor’s upcoming actions on California’s recovery and regulatory landscape?