Californians in the Bay Area are fed up with rising crime and are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to send aid as Los Angeles continues to battle wildfires that have destroyed multiple communities.
Newsom makes looting in a fire evacuation zone a felony after prosecutors called for tougher penalties as looting increases in Southern California as local residents pick up wildfire debris We are asking you to do so.
“Preying on the most vulnerable is a despicable act, and these criminals are among the worst,” Newsom said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital Thursday afternoon. .
“Looting was never legal here,” Newsom said, calling it “unacceptable” as the state continues to grapple with the raging inferno that erupted on Jan. 7.
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As fires continue to burn in Los Angeles and crime soars, Northern California residents are asking for help. (Newsome: Reuters/Mike Blake Trash: Teyfan Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Fire: David Swanson)
The governor added that he also called on CalGuard and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to protect affected residents and their property after the fire broke out.
State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones told Fox News Digital that the wildfires have only brought more attention and awareness to California's growing crime problem.
“For too long, criminals have been rampant in Newsom's California, and now we are seeing devastating consequences,” he said. “From arsonists to shameless looters preying on fire victims, this crime wave is adding to the stress on already overwhelmed communities.”
Jones added that he felt the delay in deploying the National Guard was a major failure by Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
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“Los Angeles Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom delayed deploying the National Guard, one of many failures in the fire response. This created an opening for chaos. Early deployment would have reduced the spread of crime. “They could have done it, but their failure to act left criminals free to act and take advantage of the disaster,” Jones said.
“Thankfully, with Prop. 36 increasing penalties and newly elected Los Angeles County Attorney Nathan Hockman prioritizing justice for victims, we are moving forward to hold these criminals accountable. More powerful tools are now available, and those who exploit the disaster must face the harshest possible punishment.”
Mr. Newsom's office denied Mr. Jones' claims, telling Fox News Digital that “the California National Guard has been deployed since the beginning of the conflict, and the Governor regularly increases its presence.” added that there could be up to 2,500 people.
Jones also posted a statement on X, calling on Californians to “take back the Golden State.”
“The time for timid reforms that only made government bigger is over. Californians must rise up and take back our Golden State from the deadly and devastating grip of an endless bureaucratic cancer.”
While Southern California grapples with devastating fires, one Bay Area community is pleading with Newsom to send help. start a petition Ask for help in December.
“As a resident of Vallejo, California, I am deeply concerned about the safety of my community. Our city is grappling with an increasing crime rate due to severe understaffing of our local police department,” the petition states. Paula Conley, a Vallejo resident who started , I wrote in a Change.org post. “We have the right to clean, safe cities where we can live without fear.”
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has been asked to add more California Highway Patrol troopers to help fight crime in Vallejo. (Getty)
Conley argued that the city has “seen an alarming increase in crime rates.”
“We are petitioning Governor Newsom to send CHP/Sheriffs to assist with Vallejo's spiraling crime problem,” Conley said.
Several petitioners echoed Conley and expressed similar opinions.
“How many more lives will have to be lost or harmed before the governor takes action? We appreciate the proactive efforts of neighboring CHP and neighboring county officials. “The situation needs to improve, but it doesn't seem like it's going to happen,” Vallejo resident Linda wrote.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom recently came under fire from critics for describing California as a “national model” for combating homelessness. (California Governor Gavin Newsom YouTube Channel)
“Governor Newsom, please help the city of Vallejo! This is a war zone!” wrote Theresa, another resident.
“If we don't stop it now, Vallejo will become a second Oakland. Please help Vallejo now before it's too late,” commented Elaine, another resident.
The petition has gathered nearly 3,900 signatures.
California Congressman James Gallagher said that between wildfire prevention and response and the crime in Vallejo, this really “highlights the continued failure of leadership by Gavin Newsom.”
“Despite the splashy announcements asking the CHP for help, crime continues to skyrocket, and Vallejo is just another area where this problem rears its ugly head,” Gallagher told FOX News Digital. .
Newsom's office claimed that in recent months, the governor has directed the CHP to “work closely with the Vallejo Police Department to enhance public safety and expand collaborative efforts in Vallejo.”
“By focusing on areas of mutual concern, CHP is contributing to increased police presence,” Newsom's office said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We have been directed to support our streets wherever possible and are stepping up local efforts.” . “Additionally, CHP will work with the Vallejo Police Department to provide support for future operations and surges, ensuring a stronger, unified approach to keeping our communities safe.”
The governor's office said that although these efforts have improved public safety, “Vallejo's current staffing challenges raise broader local governance issues and require support far beyond routine measures.” “It shows the need,” he added.
“Cities that cannot provide police services typically rely on contracts with county sheriffs. This approach has been successfully implemented across the state, including more than a dozen jurisdictions in Orange County, and has “We offer a proven model that addresses public safety needs and gaps.” ”
Representative David Tangipa of the Central Valley echoed Gallagher, saying it's time to fix California.
“California is broken. Let's fix it together,” he wrote in a post to X.
“It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat, a Republican or an independent. I'm looking for Californians who care about our future.”
The city of San Francisco is also working to curb the crime rampant in the city.
San Francisco's new mayor, Daniel Lurie, has promised worried residents ahead of his inauguration that he will clean up the streets after his election, which will center on the city's homelessness, crime and drug overdose problems.
Lurie, the successor to Levi Strauss and founder of an anti-poverty nonprofit, defeated incumbent Mayor London Breed in November.
He declared a state of emergency over the fentanyl crisis, plans to replenish the San Francisco Police Department and return City Hall employees to full-time, in-person work. According to the Wall Street Journal.
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“At our best, we are the greatest city in the world,” Lurie said, according to the Journal. “If I had to bet on a city that would come back stronger and better than ever, it would be our city.”
Mr. Newsom's office says California's violent crime and property crime rates are at or near their lowest rates in 30 years, and Mr. Newsom said that in cities including San Francisco, Oakland, Bakersfield and San Bernardino He said he is stepping up efforts to ensure public safety.
Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz, Hanna Panreck and Jamie Joesph contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
