PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — It’s been six months since devastating wildfires tore through Southern California, ravaging communities in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and beyond. In the aftermath, Governor Gavin Newsom stood in front of cameras and promised a “Marshall Plan” to fast-track cleanup, accelerate rebuilding permits, and get families back on their feet.

Six months later, that promise rings hollow.

Today, Newsom talked about the historic progress made, but debris still litters neighborhoods. Burned-out homes remain untouched. Streets are scarred with wreckage. What residents see every day isn’t recovery; it’s abandonment. For all the talk of “historic relief,” the only thing historic is the failure of this state and local government to respond with urgency, coordination, or competence.

While Governor Newsom touts progress in press releases and polished speeches, the reality on the ground tells a different story. It’s a story of anxiety and fear of families unsure whether insurance will come through, whether permits will be granted, or whether rebuilding is even financially possible. It’s a story of people stuck in limbo, navigating a maze of red tape while their lives remain on hold.

This isn’t just about policy failure; it’s about broken trust. Californians were told help was on the way. What they got instead was photo ops, finger-pointing, and government bureaucracy. 

Below are photos and videos that show the raw truth of what’s happening six months later. No spin. No talking points. Just the voices of the people who are still waiting for help, for leadership, for something better.

“Gavin at his 6th month event claimed the recovery and debris removal was happening at a ‘historic pace’ and the ‘fastest in modern history’ – well the place we did our event shows that is just a bunch of lies,” said Steve Hilton, California gubernatorial candidate.

Press Conference: https://youtu.be/DSOaChYlLCA 

Julia’s remarks: https://youtu.be/o_AiWyKsZic

Steve’s remarks: https://youtu.be/IXtL7GLLaf8

X Post: https://x.com/SteveHiltonx/status/1942337194624180573

Speakers Included;

• Julia Nilsen: A Palisades homeowner faces bureaucratic red tape while navigating the rebuild process.
• Houman Hemmati: Board-certified doctor and research scientist, who was forced to evacuate due to the fires.
• Gloria Romero: Former State Senate Majority Leader and education reform advocate
• Kristina Irwin: Candidate for State Senate in the Palisades, whose children now attend school in a temporary Sears building in Santa Monica after being displaced by the fire
• Barry Coe: Pacific Palisades’ first Honorary Fire Chief

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For more information about Steve Hilton’s campaign and vision for California, visit www.stevehiltonforgovernor.com.