As the flames of the devastating California wildfires rage on, leaving destruction and heartbreak in their wake, one voice has cut through the smoke with sharp criticism: actor Mel Gibson. His pointed advice to Governor Gavin Newsom to “spend less on hair gel” and more on protecting Californians has ignited a conversation about priorities—or lack thereof—in the Golden State.
A Catastrophic Toll
The numbers are gut-wrenching. As of now, at least 15 lives have been lost in these wildfires, which have consumed over 20,000 acres and destroyed more than 5,300 homes and businesses across Southern California. Entire neighborhoods now resemble war zones, with drone footage showing nothing but charred rubble where homes once stood. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to flee, leaving their lives and memories behind.
The Palisades Fire, which claimed Gibson’s own Malibu home, is one of the most destructive blazes in California’s recent history. The economic fallout is staggering, with damages projected to reach $150 billion, making this a historic and costly disaster.
Leadership Fails Where It’s Needed Most
Gibson didn’t hold back when discussing the failures of California’s leadership during an interview with The Ingraham Angle. He criticized Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their lack of preparation and their inability to address glaring safety issues.
Firefighters on the frontlines reported hydrants with little to no water pressure, a failure that left them scrambling to protect lives and property. The Los Angeles Fire Chief publicly expressed frustration, stating, “When the firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there is going to be water.”
And while the state burns, it’s been revealed that Governor Newsom made the baffling decision to cut over $100 million from wildfire prevention programs, including a $5 million reduction in CalFire’s budget for vegetation management. One can’t help but ask: Was Newsom asleep at the wheel, or does he just think a bottle of hair gel can extinguish flames?
A Preventable Tragedy
Beyond the failures in prevention, reports have emerged that residents in Gibson’s area apprehended an arsonist who was allegedly equipped to start fires. Despite their efforts, the suspect wasn’t charged. Investigations into whether arson played a role in the initial outbreaks are ongoing, but the lack of accountability raises yet another troubling question: How much of this devastation could have been avoided?
For Gibson, the losses are personal. Reflecting on his destroyed home, he spoke about his grief for the community, saying, “These are things, and they may or may not be replaceable, but they’re only things. We’re still here.” His resilience highlights the spirit of so many Californians, but it also underscores the negligence they’ve endured.
What’s Next for California?
The rebuilding process will take years, and there’s already talk of shifting toward high-density housing instead of single-family homes—an idea that has left many residents uneasy. Gibson likened it to “cattle barons clearing people off the land,” adding fuel to suspicions about California’s broader political and economic agenda.
Meanwhile, the state’s leadership continues to flounder. Newsom, often more concerned with appearances than action, has yet to meaningfully address these failures. Gibson’s sharp remark about hair gel may seem flippant, but it cuts to the heart of the issue: Californians need leaders who prioritize their safety, not their image.
Final Thoughts
California’s wildfires are a stark reminder of the consequences of poor leadership. When budgets are slashed, resources are mismanaged, and priorities are skewed, the results are catastrophic. Mel Gibson’s frustration echoes the sentiment of thousands who are tired of being left vulnerable by those in power.
Governor Newsom, put down the hair gel. California is burning, and your constituents need action—not excuses.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
Find more articles like this at steadfastandloyal.com.
What if there was a way to help prevent this?
Might not be able to stop all fires but sure can cut down the Destruction of most fires and anyone that starts a fire on purpose prosecuted and possible execution, if deaths are because of an arson death is what they deserve, looters need to be shot dead on sight, there are many things that can help, one thing all water at full capacity reservoirs full at all times, removing dead vegetation, downed trees, can cut the trees up for fire wood allowing people to do this with out these idiots green people they need to be sued along with newsom himself the mayor all that involved in this crisis that they caused, the shame is many will not be able to rebuild because they don’t have the money,millionaires, billionaires, have no problem but the working people are those that these criminals have hurt they must be held accountable, and pay for those they have took everything
Maybe arrest the homeless that start fires and keep the water supply up to par.
Only thing I say here Lucy sincerely is just make sure you don’t shoot a shop owner who’s going through the remains of his or her legally owned business.
There is. End DemocRAT control of state government.
Californians should demand the removal of Newsom. He is a WPOS as a governor!
If Newsom had his way the only oil in allowed in the California would be what what he puts in his hair.
now thats funny! Thanks for the comment!
As a resident of Colorado I know how fast these forest fires and wildfires can get out of control. The biggest problem is with the worthless DemocRat lack of leadership. The next is with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management for the racist idgits), and the forestry service. Instead of allowing everyday folks to cut up and carry out deadfalls, they continue to let all the dead wood lay around, stacking up fuel for the next fire. If they’d issue wood cutting and gathering permits, allowing people to cut up and haul off the dead wood, the forests would be cleared in no time. Especially if the government agencies didn’t get too greedy for the cost of the permit and the amount of wood they’d be allowed to harvest. Say $5 for a wood gathering permit that allows you harvest all the dead wood you can carry. The government agencies wouldn’t get rich, but that isn’t the point. Think about how much money, time and manpower would be saved if such a permit were issued. People would be lined up to get permits. Now look at the cost because of the poor management.
As long as california votes democrat for anything above dog catcher fuck them let them burn
But his hair looks so good.
And yet they keep getting voted back in, Pelosi, Newsom, Bass, and now Cumstain Harris wants the California governor position. Then there’s Shiff and Killery who want Smart cities built everywhere, President Trump needs to bring back the Gallows and line up the Democrats to swing with Piglosi and Killery going first followed by Newsom, Bass, Harris…. this was all planned because Trump wasn’t assassinated and Cumstain cried. Democrats are still very active in the Far Left Radical Agenda and will not stop until Democrats take over the political hierarchy once again. Never, never, ever trust any Democrat politician again in any position of power.
YES!!!! AND, They will try to blame Trump for their fuck-up!!!! Why was the Mayor in Africa??? For what reason???…
NOTE: This situation though very disastrous for many people is just another example of the lack of real leadership and management skills among many of America’s politicians and bureaucrats. The lessons learned presented below relay my experience. Soldier/Cop, Retired.
RAPE, PILLAGE, PLUNDER; AMERICA YOU’VE BEEN HAD!
My fellow Americans, as an 82 year old soldier/cop serving primarily in counter-terrorism and installation/community security activities throughout most of my career (joined army while Eisenhower was in office) I have been trying since 1980 to make each of you aware of the primary threats to you, your family, and your country. I have asked Americans over and over again what will it take for you to stand up and take back those rights given to you by God and promised to be respected/protected by our founding fathers when they drafted the Constitution? From what I see/hear/feel each and everyday since Joe Biden stole the presidency I must admit to the American people that those of us serving in the military and/or as police officers have failed to protect you from all of your enemies both foreign and most especially domestic.
Now, In consideration of all of the corruption/incompetence/treachery/etc., coming forth under the brightest light ever thanks to the Biden/Harris administration and their bosses/supporters here and around the world, I am just asking where most of you Americans stand in regards to your rights/roles/duties as citizens.
Seems the arrival of Donald J. Trump followed by Biden’s theft of the Presidency has stripped us all naked to expose not only the sores on our bodies, but those on our souls as well!
The lessons learned I am presenting to you may give you a glimpse into the inner world of a government that devotes most of its time/energy ruling you versus serving/protecting you from the vantage point of one who served in government from the municipal through the federal level as a soldier and cop.
Most of the lessons learned (Note: After the Biden/Harris administration’s performance to date in dealing with hurricanes Helene and Milton, and now the ongoing disaster in California displaying in roaring flames the incompetence/corruption of the far left dominated governments, I have only included those lessons learned most relevant to the current situation and eliminated those that may overly stress many of you.) were originally drafted in the late eighties as the prelude to a book titled: ‘Rape, Pillage, Plunder; America, You’ve Been Had!’ The Department of Defense denied permission to publish the book in that they classified an investigation detailed therein that named a gaggle of politicians and bureaucrats at every level of government as subjects. Three of those subjects went on to be elected to the office of President of the United States of America!
A SOLDIER/COP’S LESSONS LEARNED
*The end goal of the World/American elites and their minions is not (nor ever has been) socialism, communism, fascism, or capitalism. The elites of the World/America and their minions have used all manner of ideologies, religions, terrorism, wars, etc., to drive the masses/peasants/serfs/whoever/whomever/whatever in one direction. That direction leads to one of the oldest forms of human control ever employed in the history of mankind. That form of human control is; “FEUDALISM!”
* The ‘Seven C’s of Leadership’ according to a survey of Vietnam era ground combat veterans listed of the order of their importance to the veterans are; Candor, Competence, Consistency, Commitment, Courage, Compassion, and Courtesy. The reason the veterans chose “Candor” first and foremost, is because candor encompasses both omission and co-mission. To a combat veteran the lack of absolute candor, be it co-mission or omission, are equal sins! It has been my observation that, democrats are masters of co-mission while republicans are masters of omission! How many politicians do you know who even attempt to follow the the Seven C’s of Leadership?
*The American people are the most effectively lied to people in modern times thanks primarily to the political class, the bureaucracy, the media, and academia.
*The greatest threats to the American people are the self-serving, corrupt, and/or incompetent politicians/bureaucrats/academicians found at every level of government/academia, and the majority of the so-called media.
*The second greatest threat to the American people is that presented by radical Muslims bent on ridding the world of non-believers, installing Sharia as the only law of the land, and Islam as the world’s only religion. Note: For all of you non-Muslims who think you support Islam I strongly suggest you carefully study the game plan supposedly first presented by Mohammad (The Prophet) in the early 600’s and the current socialization/cultural practices of the current Iranian government. I submit unless you are a sadistic male you will not enjoy life as a Muslim.
*Most of the politicians/bureaucrats/academicians/media types I have encountered during my years as a soldier and a cop I currently refer to as; self-serving, witless, corrupt, incompetent, cowards. Prior to retiring to the deep woods I referred to most of the before mentioned folks as self-serving, witless, corrupt, incompetent, cowardly, piss-ants. After retiring to the deep woods I came to know that piss-ants are neither self-serving nor witless, and certainly not cowards!
*There are only two primary requirements to be a career soldier and/or cop in America. One must be smart enough to do the work and dumb enough to take the job.
*American soldiers and police officers must in addition to mastering all of their professionally mandated tasks learn to accomplish the same with at least one arm tied behind their backs, and their vision and hearing impaired 50% or more.
*After carefully watching the whole of the political class for many years I can say without reservation that most of the group will sell their souls and our bodies just to remain in power.
*Want to see what the United States of America will look like if the left/progressives take total control of the government? Take your pick, New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, or the complete packages; California, New York, Illinois, etc, etc, etc…..!
*Arrogance coupled with ignorance equals stupidity.
Have a nice day,
Soldier/Cop,Retired