LA mom confronts Newsom about ineffective wildfire response.

Why were there no hydrants filled with water to fight the fire?

LA mom confronts Newsom about ineffective wildfire response.
LA mom confronts Newsom about ineffective wildfire response.

On Thursday, a distraught mother from Los Angeles confronted Governor Gavin Newsom about the ongoing wildfires in the city, demanding explanations for the depletion of fire hydrants and information on how he planned to restore the devastated communities.

Rachel Darvish, a Pacific Palisades resident, ran towards the governor as he was about to enter a black SUV, having observed some of the devastation caused by several fires that ravaged the once-idyllic neighborhood, renowned for its charming homes and breathtaking coastline views.

Darvish, wearing a white industrial-style mask, said in a clip captured by Sky News, "Governor! I live here, governor! That was my daughter’s school, what are you going to do?"

Gavin Newsom confronted during wildfires
A Los Angeles resident confronted California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday about the city's raging wildfires, demanding answers about why fire hydrants ran empty and what he was going to do to fix communities that have been reduced to ash. (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images, left, Sky News, top right, Eric Thayer/Getty Images, bottom right.)

Newsom says he was "literally conversing with the president" to determine what actions he and Biden could take to assist Darvish and her daughter.

"I don't believe it!" Darvish exclaimed, shaking her hands with deep skepticism.

"Five attempts have been made, and I'm walking to make the call because I have no cell phone coverage and am trying to reach Biden," Newsom stated.

Newsom expressed his deepest apologies and sympathy, saying, "I'm devastated for you and especially for your daughter."

Darvish proposed that they obtain cell service together, and she wished to be present when Newsom spoke with Biden about the devastating effects on local schoolchildren who had lost everything. She demanded explanations regarding the insufficient water in the hydrants to extinguish the deadly flames.

WATCH: California mom speaks out after confronting Gavin Newsom

California mom speaks out after confronting Gavin Newsom

"Governor, why were the hydrants dry? Will it be different next time?" she inquired.

"Of course, it has to be," Newsom replied.

"What are you going to do?"

""Whatever I can do, I will do," the governor stated."

"Darvish said, "I would fill up the hydrants myself. Would you do that?" before raising her voice."

Darvish countered Newsom's statement by saying, "But you're not!"

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades on Jan. 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.  (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

The city's inadequacy in preparing for and controlling the spread of the fires has been severely criticized by both Newsom and L.A. Mayor Bass.

On Wednesday, Newsom received a briefing from Biden on the wildfires ravaging California. The president declared a major disaster for the state on Thursday and announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the disaster response costs related to the wildfires for 180 days.

On "Jesse Watters Primetime," Darvish explained that Newsom did indeed seem to be attempting to contact the president.

LA fires
A firefighter works at the site of a brush fire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 7, 2025. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)

"I saw the call log and noticed that it wasn't the first number on it, but I know he was trying. Therefore, I saw that he was trying. I also saw the White House number."

The governor of the state was questioned by her about relying on network coverage during an emergency.

"No cell phone reception in certain areas is a significant issue, and it's even more problematic that he doesn't have a satellite truck with a cell phone," Darvish remarked, as she was conducting the interview with Watters from a satellite truck.

Californians should start electing leaders who are qualified for the job instead of voting based on party lines, according to Darvish.

"These guys are deeply rooted in their work, and I believe it's time for a change. It doesn't have to be a political party; it could be someone who knows how to plan and execute effectively. Just ask a mom, that's all we do."

The city abandoned her, and despite the scorching flames inching closer to her home, nobody came to help her.

Before and after pictures of the Palisades fire
A restaurant in Pacific Palisades burned on Tuesday. (Michael Ho Wai Lee / Sipa via AP)

"The last fire was unusual because I didn't see any fire trucks, official personnel, or anyone come up to me to offer assistance. I left my house after receiving a notification of the fire, and the flames were right next to me. As I descended, I didn't see any fire trucks arriving to help me."

She stated that the blame lay not with firefighters but rather with the orders originating from the top.

Planet Chronicle' Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.

by Michael Dorgan

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