California wildfires fully contained three weeks after fires began
California officials announced Friday, Jan. 31, that fire crews have fully contained the Eaton and Palisades wildfires after three weeks of fighting. At least 29 people were killed by the two fires.
According to Cal Fire, the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire was first reported on Jan. 7, in southern California. The Palisades Fire started the same day and burned more than 23,000 acres.
What caused the fires?
Fire officials have not determined a confirmed cause of the fires. However, high winds and dry vegetation caused the fire to ignite quickly and burn large areas rapidly. The high wind also prevented helicopters and planes from assisting firefighters on the ground.
Local authorities have made several arrests following the fires. The most notorious of the arrests was on Jan. 9, after neighbors helped arrest a man they said was trying to start fires with a blowtorch. A convicted arsonist was later arrested in Los Angeles after impersonating a firefighter. Authorities said the man and his wife were driving a fake fire truck when police found them near the Palisades Fire on Jan. 18.
What was the response to the fire like?
State officials said more than 16,000 personnel responded to the fire. They said this was the state’s biggest investment in fire response in history.
As the fire was burning, fire crews said they ran out of water to reduce the flames. Los Angeles fire officials said that during the height of the fire, some hydrants ran dry due to the high demand. They said at one point, about 1,000 buildings were simultaneously on fire.
The issue caused some politicians to blame the state’s water policy. However, experts and officials said supply wasn’t an issue, it was just the system being overstressed during the fire.
Are Newsom and Trump cooperating?
Initially, after the fire, President Donald Trump threatened to withhold aid from California unless the state changed its water laws and implemented laws requiring an ID to vote, according to BBC News.
“After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen,” Trump said.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement after the comment saying, “Conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong.”
President Trump also claimed that he ordered the military to go into the states and “turn on the water” so firefighters would have more water to soak the flames. However, state officials said they had to stop the Army Corps of Engineers from increasing flow to two reservoirs that were at max capacity. Before the Corps stopped, local authorities had to move equipment and notify farms in the area about potential flooding.
Trump and Newsom met as they toured the damage left behind by the fire. During the meeting, both leaders talked about helping the area rebuild.
“We wanna get it fixed. We wanna get the problem fixed,” Trump said while he and Newsom met with reporters.
“Most importantly, thank you for being here,” Newsom said to Trump. “It means a great deal to all of us. We’re gonna need your support.”
With both major fires contained, local leaders are now working to build back the communities devastated by the fires. Officials said more than 12,000 structures were destroyed by the fires.
How US governors reacted to President Trump’s first days in office
President Donald Trump’s first week in his second term ended with a visit to the fire-ravaged Los Angeles area Friday, Jan. 24, and a handshake from an unlikely ally in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom. Despite Trump saying he may withhold federal aid if the state doesn’t change its water policies, the two came together for a common cause to help the victims of the wildfires.
Unity has been a central theme by our country’s two most recent presidents. Former president Joe Biden spoke about it in his inaugural address in 2021.
“To restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words, it requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity,” Biden said.
Four years later, Trump referenced it in his inaugural speech at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20.
“National unity is now returning to America and confidence and pride is soaring like never before,” Trump said. “In everything we do, my administration will be inspired by a strong pursuit of excellence and unrelenting success.”
But just how united are these United States of America?
Each state has its own leadership, with the governor sitting at the top. The voice of the governor is an important one, an elected messenger of his or her constituents representing the different views of one state to another.
Trump’s inauguration and his first week as the 47th president had all 50 governors — Democrat and Republican — talking. To get a sense of the state of the United States, Straight Arrow News looked at each governor’s online presence during the past week — their social media posts, website updates, and news stories — to see how they responded to the same recent moments in our nation’s history.
While it may not come as a shock that many Republican governors’ reactions to a second Trump administration were favorable – and differed greatly from their democratic counterparts – it is worth noting that sometimes the reactions varied even within the same party.
How did governors react to Trump’s inauguration?
Several Republican governors posted to social media about their presence at the ceremony and their positive outlook on Trump’s next four years.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote, “The golden age of America has begun under his leadership.”
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong wrote, “We are beyond excited to begin working with [the president] to grow the economy, secure our borders, unleash American energy, support our farmers and ranchers, strengthen our military, defend the second amendment and protect our citizens from federal overreach.”
A handful of GOP governors described Trump’s presidency as a new era — a comeback for America — including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, current Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote, “It’s a great day to celebrate a new chapter for America As we prepare to work with this new administration to keep our nation safe, prosperous, and free!”
It’s a great day to celebrate a new chapter for America as we prepare to work with this new administration to keep our nation safe, prosperous, and free! pic.twitter.com/eKLSBl7aiN
And while these social posts only allude to the previous administration, Vermont’s Republican Gov. Phil Scott mentioned the former president by name.
Scott wrote, “It’s my hope the new administration and new congress use the peaceful transfer of power as an opportunity to start fresh, work together and collaborate to the benefit of all Americans. I also want to extend my appreciation to President Biden and Vice President Harris for their service to our nation.”
Some Democratic governors homed in on appreciation for that peaceful transfer of power in their social media messages.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore wrote, “The peaceful transfer of power is not something we invented – it’s something we inherited from our founders…”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted, “For the 47th time in our nation’s history, we have inaugurated a new president, completing the peaceful transfer of power and proving that our democracy continues to endure.”
How did Democrats use flag status to show unity with the president?
Ahead of his inauguration, Trump aired his grievances that American flags would be at half-staff when he became president due to the mourning period for late President Jimmy Carter.
On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump.
The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter.
However, things changed after House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the flags at the U.S. Capitol would fly at full-staff on Inauguration Day. Once sworn-in, now-President Trump signed a proclamation ordering flags should be flown at full mast on all future Inauguration Days.
Dozens of governors, Democrats included, began to raise the flags in their states on Trump’s Inauguration Day to commemorate the occasion, including North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, Kentucky’s Andy Beshear, Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. However, according to KARE 11 News, the former Democratic vice-presidential candidate issued his order less than an hour before flags were to be lowered once again.
“While Governor Laura Kelly continues with her directive that flags throughout Kansas remain at half-staff in honor of former president Jimmy Carter’s passing, she wishes to congratulate President Trump ahead of his inauguration,” her office said in a statement.
How did the governors respond to Trump’s executive orders?
Once in office, Trump took little time to use his presidential powers. He signed a series of executive orders on topics ranging from illegal immigration, energy and diversity. Republican governors cheered these moves.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen wrote, “President Trump’s day one executive actions and orders are impressive and are the first steps in delivering on his promise to make America secure, strong, prosperous, and great again.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said, “West Virginia has your back, Mr. President. The green new deal is dead!”
President Trump gets off to a great start on Day One. West Virginia has your back, Mr. President. The Green New Deal is dead! @realDonaldTrumphttps://t.co/5QzVUnZwPQ
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy thanked the president for the executive order opening parts of the state up for oil and gas drilling, writing, “Alaska is unleashed!”
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt reacted to Trump’s order that the federal government recognize only two sexes, writing, “…President Trump’s order recognizing the two sexes will stop the radical gender ideology that’s infiltrated our federal government…”
But it was Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship that received the biggest online response from Democratic governors.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote, “Trump’s proposal to strip birthright citizenship from those born in this nation is unconstitutional. In Illinois, we follow the law…”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy responded, “The constitution could not be more clear: citizenship of children born in the U.S. does not depend on the citizenship of their parents. That principle is fundamental to who we are as a nation and what it means to be an American.”
The Constitution could not be more clear: citizenship of children born in the U.S. does not depend on the citizenship of their parents. That principle is fundamental to who we are as a nation and what it means to be an American.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said, “The constitution is clear — every child born within our borders deserves the same rights and freedoms as anyone else.”
Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs applauded Trump’s actions on border security, but disagreed on his birthright citizenship order.
“Ending birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and un-American. We should protect what makes our country exceptional, not tear it down. I urge the president to reconsider a policy that attacks our country’s ideals and does nothing to secure our border,” Hobbs wrote.
Can there be unity in America?
After more than 20 states filed suit saying the order violated the 14th Amendment, a federal district judge in Seattle temporarily blocked the order from taking effect.
Joining in the Democratic backlash over Trump’s birthright citizenship order was California Gov. Newsom, who wrote it was “unconstitutional.”
He also reacted to Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Newsom posted images of the deadly wildfires that devastated Southern California, along with the caption, “If you don’t believe in science, believe your own damn eyes.”
The words of these governors — Republican and Democratic — show that the country does not always form one view and there will be arguments. As a Los Angeles Times columnist wrote last year: “Unity does not mean being silent.”
Despite disagreements, there are signs (like a handshake from sparring leaders) that show unity, when Americans with differing viewpoints come together for a common purpose, can be achieved in these United States.
See how each state governor reacted to President Trump’s first days:
Newsom announces LA Rises initiative to help rebuild in wake of deadly wildfires
The deadly January fires in Los Angeles caused billions of dollars in damage to parts of the sprawling American city. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, signed a bill Thursday, Jan. 23, dedicating $2.5 billion to rebuild LA. Now, Newsom announced a new initiative on Tuesday, Jan. 28, led by the private sector, in collaboration with the state and federal governments, to further those efforts.
What is LA Rises?
The initiative is called LA Rises and it is designed to aid the city in its recovery from devastating wildfires through philanthropic and government coordination.
“We can’t lose hope,” Newsom said, “I know people feel helpless. I was just at another community meeting, quite literally an hour ago. The pain, the trauma, the anxiety, the loss of community, loss of identity, self, place, traditions, lifestyles — all of that cannot give way to hopelessness.”
“And what LA Rises is about is rising out of that and providing a mindset of optimism,” Newsom added.
The private fundraising is supported by the likes of LA sports figures Magic Johnson and Dodgers chairman Mark Walter.
“This city always finds a way to come together, and it’s done that,” Johnson said. “And I’m just so happy that the governor has asked me to be a part of LA Rises.”
How will the program gather funds for the rebuild?
Walter kickstarted the program by pledging $100 million toward LA Rises through his family’s foundation, and Johnson pushed for more people to follow Walter’s lead.
“I’m urging all these businesses and companies and individuals who have money to do the same,” Johnson said.
LA Rises will gather resources through private companies, along with federal and state support, to speed up the recovery process.
Newsom said the initiative will help rebuild neighborhoods while also focusing on expanding access to money for residents and keeping them up to date on progress during the rebuild.
Fire at one of world’s largest battery storage facilities sparks safety concerns
A significant California fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery storage facilities, has raised concerns about the safety of such sites among local leaders. The heightened fears come as California increasingly transitions to renewable energy and electric vehicles, both of which require these batteries to function.
How bad was the fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant?
The blaze, which broke out on Jan. 16, marks the fourth fire to occur at the Moss Landing site since 2019. This most recent one burned for five days and destroyed approximately 80% of the batteries stored at the facility. Local officials have described the incident as a “wake-up call” and are calling for stricter safety regulations and greater local control over the placement of battery storage facilities.
How are elected officials responding to this incident?
In response to the incident, Assemblymember Dawn Addis introduced the Battery Energy Safety & Accountability Act to the California State Assembly. The proposed legislation would require local engagement in the permitting process for energy storage sites and would establish safety buffers around sensitive areas, such as schools and hospitals.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, has expressed support for an investigation into the cause of the fire and has signaled backing for measures to improve safety at facilities like Moss Landing.
What happens next?
The fire at Moss Landing has also stirred up additional opposition to a proposed battery storage project in Watsonville, located about 9 miles north of Moss Landing. An online petition opposing the establishment of additional battery storage facilities in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties has garnered over 3,000 signatures.
California Gov. Newsom slows his Trump criticism as president visits fire sites
President Donald Trump visited California Friday, Jan. 24, to assess the damage from the ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area. And there to greet him when he arrived was a longtime foe, Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The Republican president and Democratic governor have been at odds for years, with Newsom criticizing Trump’s policies and behavior. Newsom recently struck a deal with lawmakers in Sacramento to set aside $50 million to “Trump-proof” his state via legal challenges to federal orders.
But while the president has continued to fire at Newsom, doling out the nickname “Newscum” and not inviting him to an emergency briefing, Newsom said Thursday, Jan. 23, that he was ready to welcome the president.
“I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and we’re making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him,” Newsom told reporters in a briefing.
When Trump arrived on the tarmac Friday, he briefly spoke to reporters. Trump said, “I appreciate the governor coming out and meeting me,” before the two shook hands.
Newsom’s recent shift could make it easier for him and the president to agree on terms of aid for the state and its residents ravaged by fires.
President Trump and his Republican allies have suggested placing conditions on aid for California. They include requiring the state to adopt policies favored by conservatives, such as a voter ID law.
Conditioning aid on policy changes would be a largely unprecedented move. Since the establishment of FEMA in the 1970s, the federal government has helped states after natural disasters, regardless of which party controlled the state or the White House.
Newsom hasn’t been entirely silent in response to President Trump’s comments. As the president and Republicans accuse Newsom of not bringing in enough water to keep fire hydrants running, Newsom called out “mis- and disinformation” about water availability. However, he refrained from calling Trump out by name.
While fire hydrants ran dry in Pacific Palisades as the fire spread, officials say it wasn’t a water shortage. Instead, they say it was dropping water pressure as demand rapidly increased.
Reality TV stars sue LA after losing home to Palisades Fire
“Laguna Beach” and “The Hills” reality television stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, along with 20 other Pacific Palisades residents, are suing the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power over the damage to their properties from the Palisades Fire that sparked on Jan. 7. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, uses a legal concept accusing the city and utilities department of “inverse condemnation,” which gives property owners compensation for damage caused by public use.
The couple, who lost their home to the fire, and others, blame the city and utility’s operation of the water supply and inaccessible infrastructure for the damage to their properties, arguing in the lawsuit that the fire “was an inescapable and unavoidable consequence” of the water being shut off.
Court documents said the 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir, which services the Pacific Palisades area, has been offline and empty since early last year for repairs, leading to hydrants depending on water tanks not meant to handle such a large fire, and resulting in preventable damages to the residents’ properties.
DWP officials previously acknowledged if the reservoir had water, higher elevation levels of the Pacific Palisades would have had water pressure. Although it’s unclear if the reservoir’s water would have made a significant impact on firefighting efforts.
The fires were fueled by extremely dry conditions and hurricane-force winds.
As residents express outrage, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, has ordered an investigation to uncover the causes of the loss of water pressure to fire hydrants while firefighters’ battle multiple wildfires across southern California.
Following the loss of their home, the reality television pair of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have turned to TikTok to share updates with their audience and even urged followers to stream and purchase Heidi Montag’s 15-year-old album “Superficial” to help the couple generate income in the wake of the natural disaster.
According to Los Angeles officials, the Palisades and Eaton Fires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures.
Trump signs executive order rolling back EV policies, state emissions rules
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reversing federal policies that incentivize electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The new administration is also targeting emissions rules adopted by some states that further encourage EV purchases.
What Biden-era EV policies does this order target?
The Biden administration had implemented a range of measures to support transportation electrification efforts. Those included tax credits of up to $7,500 for new EV purchases, tighter greenhouse gas emissions limits and stricter fuel-efficiency standards.
Trump’s executive order directs federal agencies to reevaluate these policies, including tax credits for EV purchases, federal funding for charging infrastructure and regulatory incentives encouraging automakers to shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric models.
How will the order impact states following California’s emissions rule?
The order also seeks to terminate an exemption that allows California to enforce stricter emissions standards than those set at the federal level.
California’s standards call for a phasing out of new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035 and are followed by more than a dozen other states.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom previously pledged to maintain the $7,500 EV incentive within the state, regardless of federal changes. Newsom announced plans to revive California’s rebate program for zero-emission vehicles. The program funded the purchase of over 594,000 EVs and saved an estimated 456 million gallons of fuel before expiring in 2023.
What happens next?
Environmental groups have criticized Trump’s executive order. They warn it could slow efforts to combat climate change.
The transportation sector remains a significant contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. According to experts, light-duty vehicles are responsible for over half of transportation-related emissions.
The executive order is expected to face legal challenges from environmental organizations and states that rely on California’s emissions standards.
Huntington Beach declares itself ‘non-sanctuary’ city in sanctuary state of Calif.
Huntington Beach is going against the grain in the sanctuary state of California. The city declared itself a “non-sanctuary” city on Tuesday, Jan. 21, after a unanimous vote by its council in favor of the proposal introduced by Republican Mayor Pat Burns.
The designation subverts a state law known as the California Values Act or SB-54, which limits local authorities’ ability to cooperate with federal immigration officials.
Huntington Beach is currently challenging SB-54 for the second time since 2018 in a lawsuit filed earlier this month.
In the lawsuit, the city argued the California Values Act violates the U.S. Constitution by restricting local law enforcement’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) agents.
Burns told California’s KABC News that under the freshly passed resolution, local police will follow federal immigration rules under the Trump administration.
“We need every law enforcement officer, whenever called upon, whether it be fighting terrorist, whether it be fighting purse-snatchers, or whatever it is, we have to have every law enforcement tool to best serve our citizens,” Burns said.
Burns explained that the resolution does not mean local police will patrol for undocumented immigrants or check papers. He maintained that the declaration only loosens state restrictions on local law enforcement to make the city a safer place.
Residents react to Huntington Beach declaration
However, some Huntington Beach residents opposed the declaration, telling KABC they believe it’s a danger to some within the community.
“It really disappoints me because we have separation of federal versus state laws for this reason because we need to protect our citizens within California and especially within Huntington Beach,” resident Jacquelyn Leyva said.
The move by Huntington Beach lawmakers comes as federal authorities are reportedly initiating mass deportation efforts across the nation under orders from Trump’s administration.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to respond to Huntington Beach’s “non-sanctuary” status.
El Cajon city council delays vote on immigration resolution after backlash
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other city leaders in the state have declared sanctuary status ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term in office. However, some cities in California have opted not to declare sanctuary status. Instead, they plan on assisting Trump’s administration with his immigration plan.
Sanctuary status refers to a city or jurisdiction implementing policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Trump has promised mass deportations of immigrants living in the country illegally, starting on his first day in office.
El Cajon lies about 17 miles east of San Diego. Bill Wells, the city’s Republican mayor, has stated that El Cajon is not a sanctuary city. Wells explained that in 2017, California passed a state law prohibiting cities from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
“So say we’ve got a Venezuelan gang member that we’ve arrested and we know they’re not legally here, we can’t call ICE and say ‘Hey, come and deport this guy back to Venezuela,’” Wells said on the Real America with Dan Ball podcast.
Mayor Wells has proposed a resolution to “assist federal immigration authorities in their enforcement efforts to the maximum legal extent… for the purpose of removing those posing a threat to public safety from our community.”
However, California law prohibits local governments from assisting federal immigration authorities.
Wells spoke to KFMB News, explaining that the resolution sought clarification on El Cajon’s legal responsibilities regarding immigration.
“We have the federal government saying we could be prosecuted if we don’t cooperate with them. We’ve got the state government saying our police officers could be prosecuted if they do cooperate with the federal government,” Wells said.
“I’m here to oppose the resolution to assist federal immigration authorities because it will destroy the life of many families that only want to work in peace and give a future to their children,” one resident said.
Another resident expressed concern about the impact on the relationship between police and the community. “My concern is what is going to happen with the relation between the police and the community?” the resident said. “I’m pretty sure it’s going to be hard.”
“It’s uncalled for,” another resident added. “I understand, like, there’s criminals, and you get them. That’s fine, I don’t mind. But, you put the police officers in a bad situation because now they feel compelled to ask for papers from everybody, especially if you look brown like me or whatever. So, I’m very emotional. I’m very upset with you guys, to be honest, and disappointed more than anything else.”
In response to the backlash, the El Cajon City Council postponed the vote on the resolution until they can clarify its wording.
The council will vote on a revised version of the resolution at a later date.
Former Oakland mayor indicted on bribery charges in money scheme: FBI
A federal grand jury has indicted Oakland’s former mayor, Sheng Thao, in connection with a public corruption scheme exposed by the FBI. Thao faces bribery and conspiracy charges alongside three co-defendants, including her alleged boyfriend, Andre Jones, and two East Bay businessmen, Andy and David Duong.
The indictment accuses Thao and her associates of orchestrating a plot to use Thao’s position as mayor to secure city contracts for the Duong family businesses. The Duongs own a local housing company and the city’s recycling service.
Investigators claim that Thao pushed the city to purchase housing units from one of the Duongs’ companies and to renew a contract with David Duong’s recycling business. In return, the Duongs allegedly helped fund a $75,000 ad campaign that attacked Thao’s political opponents and arranged nearly $400,000 in wages for a “no-show” job for Jones, prosecutors say. The investigation also revealed the job did not exist.
The IRS traced the money and found Thao and Jones used part of it to cover expenses for their rental home.
Thao, elected mayor in 2022, was ousted by voters in a recall election in November 2024. Federal agents say she began planning her scheme weeks before the election. They also say she took advantage of her office to secure financial gain.
The FBI raided Thao’s home in June 2024 after receiving a tip from Oakland’s Ethics Commission. Thao has denied the charges and insists she is innocent.
During her two years in office, Thao faced intense criticism over the city’s growing public safety problems. While homicides in Oakland dropped, the city remained a leader in property crimes. In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a public safety initiative. It included cracking down on illegal car shows and retail theft. During a months-long operation, the California Highway Patrol recovered over 2,000 stolen cars in the city.
The violence in Oakland was so severe that In-N-Out Burger closed its location there, citing safety concerns for its employees. It also became the first time the burger chain had closed an outpost.
Thao has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court in February.
The Duongs’ defense attorney has denied the allegations, calling the investigation “fabricated.”