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Amid all the loss and destruction, a distraught mother whose daughter’s school burned down met California Governor Gavin Newsom while visiting the Palisades.
The exchange was captured on Sky News cameras. Rachel Darvish, a longtime Palisades resident, was talking to the outlet’s Martha Kellner when she spotted Newsom getting into an SUV.
“Governor, can we have some more?” she yelled to Newsom. “Governor! Governor! I live here, Governor, that was the Governor of my daughter’s school. Please tell me what you’re going to do.”
Nancy Belanger pours water on a fire-ravaged neighborhood property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jay C. Hong)
The governor’s security guard stood between them and Darvish promised, “I’m not going to hurt him, I promise.”
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Newsom told her lawyer that she was on the phone with President Joe Biden when she ran over.
“I’m literally talking to the president right now to specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter,” he assured her.
As Darvish explained this, he couldn’t believe it and asked if he could listen to the conversation.
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He also revealed that he called the president five times but was unable to get through.
“Why isn’t the president answering your calls?” Darvish asked.
“It’s because there’s no signal,” Newsom said, pointing to poor cell phone service in the areas where the fires occurred.
Darvish continued to appeal to the governor to be present when Newsom and Biden speak on the phone.
Newsom calmly said he was calling the president “to seek immediate compensation and individual assistance and help.” He also expressed his condolences to Darvish’s daughter, saying he has four children.
“Everyone went to school there, lost their homes, lost two homes, because they were living in one house and building another,” Darvish emotionally explained. “Governor, tell me what you plan to do now with the president.”
Newsom said he “has the resources in place to help us rebuild,” but there were still doubts about Darvish.
“Why wasn’t there water at the hydrant? Will it be different next time?”
Then he told her, “That’s natural.”
Darvish told him he would refill the hydrant himself, but asked if he would do that.
“I’m going to do whatever I can,” he explained.
Darvish addresses the issue of a fire hydrant going “empty” during a shootout in the Palisades.
On Wednesday, officials said the huge water demand left crews dealing with dozens of “dry” hydrants, reduced water pressure and, in some cases, no water at all.
Why were the fire hydrants “empty” for crews fighting the Palisades Fire?
But Darvish wasn’t convinced, holding back tears as he said he believed Newsom and the government weren’t doing their job.
“You know there’s water dripping over there, Governor? There’s water dripping over there, you can use it,” she said, pointing behind Newsom.
“I appreciate it. I’m going to call you to resolve whatever I can right now, including making sure people like you are safe,” he explained to her.
“Do you at least have a chance to let people know that you’re doing what you say you’re doing? Can someone give me your contact information? Can you give me your contact information?” Darvish said Newsom I begged before instructing the instructor before getting into the SUV.
Newsom’s office said there have been discussions to connect Darvish with recovery services and local support.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, has burned approximately 20,000 acres. As of Friday morning, officials said it was 8% contained.
At least 10 people have died and 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires spread across Southern California. Officials say more than 360,000 acres have been burned so far.
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