A striking billboard in Southern California targets Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of failing the state on several fronts. The message bluntly states, “I’m Gavin. I destroyed CA with my BAD IDEAS. Highest gas prices in America! Record crime, violence and homelessness.” This bold declaration has sparked considerable attention, reflecting a growing discontent among citizens regarding the worsening conditions under Newsom’s leadership.
Gas prices serve as a focal point of frustration. Californians currently face an average cost of $5.10 per gallon, significantly higher than the national average of $3.58. Critics argue that state-imposed taxes and environmental initiatives are to blame. Economist Wayne Winegarden points out the impact of these policies, stating, “Policies designed to reduce gas consumption through price manipulation end up hurting people who can’t afford EVs or don’t have access to reliable public transit.” While Newsom asserts that prices have declined due to his administration’s efforts, many believe that economic market corrections, rather than state policy changes, are responsible for any decrease.
The second charge from the billboard concerns the homelessness crisis. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shows a startling increase of 37,000 homeless individuals in California over the last five years, despite state spending of $24 billion intended to address the issue. Critics, including Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover, argue that the state lacks a coherent strategy or accountability. Hoover criticized the government, stating, “The state is throwing money blindly at a crisis. There’s no accountability, no measurement… That’s not policy — that’s waste.”
Crime issues also feature prominently in public discourse. The billboard’s assertion that crime rates are at historic levels is supported by data indicating a 6.1% rise in violent crime statewide from 2020 to 2022. Residents in major cities express growing concern over retail theft, assaults, and rampant drug use. Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, remarked on the struggles faced by local businesses, saying, “Communities are exhausted… You can’t operate a small business when security and theft are your biggest costs.” Many believe Newsom’s policies have contributed to this climate of lawlessness, with lenient laws and an overwhelmed court system central to the issue.
Public sentiment reflects a broader frustration with the perceived disconnection between Newsom’s rhetoric and the lived reality of many Californians. For instance, Newsom has touted that climate policies provide “real savings” for citizens, yet gas prices remain the highest in the nation. Similarly, while he claims progress on reducing homelessness, the overall numbers have continued to climb. State audits further emphasize that homelessness programs often lack proper evaluation, raising concerns about the effectiveness of significant public spending in this area.
Currently, Newsom faces a pivotal moment as he and Democratic lawmakers consider an oil bill aimed at increasing drilling in Kern County. This legislation seeks to mitigate potential price spikes caused by the closure of major refineries, but it poses a significant shift for an administration that has historically opposed fossil fuel extraction. Critics see this as a contradiction, stating that it jeopardizes environmental goals and public health. Newsom’s previous condemnation of the oil industry as “screwing you” now contrasts sharply with the urge to rely on it to avert a fuel crisis.
The billboard, through its direct and unrefined language, echoes the concerns of many Californians regarding gas prices, homelessness, and crime rates. The stark realities it highlights indicate a disconnect between the governor’s assurances and the everyday experiences of the state’s residents. As state leadership faces scrutiny, the effectiveness of future policies remains in question.
This provocative billboard doesn’t just voice a complaint; it encapsulates a growing discontent that could signal larger shifts in public opinion. Californians are left to grapple with the widening gap between promises made and realities faced, and whether this billboard represents isolated criticism or foreshadowing of a larger backlash against the current administration.
"*" indicates required fields
