The Rubin Report: Anderson Cooper Stunned by Gavin Newsom Blaming Locals for Fire Problems

Host: Dave Rubin
Guest: Dr. Drew Pinsky
Release Date: January 9, 2025

1. Introduction and Context

In this episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin delves into the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County, focusing on the mismanagement and poor governance that have exacerbated the crisis. Rubin is joined by Dr. Drew Pinsky, a native Californian from Pasadena, to discuss the immediate impacts of the fires and the broader systemic issues contributing to the disaster.

Key Points:

• Over 2,000 homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.
• At least five fatalities in the Eaton and Palisades fires.
• Dr. Drew Pinsky joins the discussion live from Pasadena, which remains relatively safe but is on high alert.

2. Fires in LA County: Impact and Challenges

The episode provides a grim overview of the recent wildfires, highlighting the extensive damage and the challenges faced by firefighters battling the blazes under extreme conditions.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Drew Pinsky [03:31]: "77 years old. Man, I can't walk up these hills. It's like Mount Everest here. It's like, you know, pretty steep."

Key Points:

• Pasadena and Pacific Palisades have been severely affected, with the latter largely destroyed.
• Extreme wind speeds (85-100 mph) have hindered firefighting efforts, making aerial support like helicopters and planes ineffective.
• Firebreaks and fuel management, once prevalent in Southern California, have been abandoned, contributing to the rapid spread of fires.
• Insurance companies have pulled out of areas like the Palisades, and the Fair Plan is on the brink of bankruptcy, complicating rebuilding efforts.

3. Critique of Gavin Newsom's Leadership and Policies

Rubin and Pinsky critique Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of the wildfire crisis, attributing poor outcomes to his administration's policies and governance failures.

Notable Quotes:

Dave Rubin [04:41]: "There's no water in the Palisades. There's no water coming out of the fire hydrants. This is an absolute mismanagement by the city."

Dr. Drew Pinsky [09:13]: "If they are actually interested in reducing CO2 emissions, their number one job should be managing fires in Southern California."

Key Points:

• Water Management Failures: Fire hydrants ran dry, severely limiting firefighting capabilities.
• Regulatory Obstacles: Environmental laws and restrictions prevent effective forest management and firefighting strategies.
• Historical Neglect: Abandonment of firebreaks and fuel management practices that were effective decades ago.
• Financial Mismanagement: Billions spent on unrelated projects like over-budget rail systems instead of addressing immediate wildfire threats.

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the LA Fire Department

The conversation shifts to the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on the effectiveness of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).

Notable Quotes:

Dr. Drew Pinsky [38:13]: "If you shifted the focus to 30 to 40 year old males of Irish and Italian descent, and we only selected for 30 to 40 year old males of Irish and Italian descent... you would start accepting people in order to meet that mandate that we would otherwise not have accepted."

Dave Rubin [43:37]: "What does any of this have to do with putting out fires?"

Key Points:

• High Salaries for Equity Chiefs: Positions like Kristen Crowley, LAFD's first LGBTQ Fire Chief, earn significantly high salaries, raising questions about priorities.
• Perceived Competence Issues: Rubin and Pinsky argue that DEI mandates may compromise the quality and effectiveness of firefighting personnel.
• Recruitment Practices: Efforts to increase diversity may lead to lower hiring standards, impacting the department's ability to respond efficiently to emergencies.

5. Criticism of Mayor Karen Bass

Rubin and Pinsky heavily criticize Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her perceived incompetence and lack of presence during the wildfire crisis.

Notable Quotes:

Dave Rubin [33:14]: "Madam Mayor, have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today who are dealing with this disaster?"

Dr. Drew Pinsky [32:32]: "She's been an activist most of her life. She's been focused on ideology most of her life. We need people that are... engineers to solve problems."

Key Points:

• Absence During Crisis: Bass was reportedly in Ghana during the outbreak of the wildfires, leading to accusations of negligence.
• Policy Failures: Criticism of Bass's policies, which Rubin and Pinsky argue have weakened the city's emergency response capabilities.
• Public Apologies: Bass's lack of a substantive apology or actionable response heightens the perception of her ineffectiveness.

6. Firefighter COVID Vaccine Mandate and Terminations

The episode addresses the contentious issue of COVID-19 vaccine mandates within the LAFD, highlighting the termination of firefighters who refused vaccination without exemptions.

Notable Quote:

Dave Rubin [45:06]: "And if you think that leads us to this point here? Did I give you something there?"

Key Points:

• Mass Terminations: 113 firefighters suspended without pay for defying the vaccine mandate.
• Impact on Firefighting Workforce: The policy has significantly reduced the number of active firefighters, exacerbating the department's ability to manage ongoing fires.
• Legal and Social Repercussions: Potential legal actions and community backlash against the mandate and resultant workforce reductions.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In closing, Rubin and Pinsky reiterate the urgent need for competent governance and effective policies to address the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles. They emphasize that mismanagement, compounded by DEI policies and leadership failures, has left the region vulnerable to natural disasters.

Notable Quotes:

Dr. Drew Pinsky [49:56]: "We are destroying it. And how much further we going to let this go?"

Dave Rubin [50:21]: "Love ya. Love Susan. Stay safe. And if obviously you got a room here. Anytime, my friend."

Key Points:

• Call for Leadership Change: Strong advocacy for replacing current leadership with competent individuals focused on pragmatic solutions.
• Hope for Rebuilding: Despite the devastation, Rubin and Pinsky express a commitment to fighting for California's restoration and preservation.
• Future Episodes: Teasers for upcoming shows addressing the broader implications of the crisis and potential solutions.

This episode of The Rubin Report provides a critical examination of the factors contributing to the severe wildfire situation in Los Angeles County. Through incisive dialogue with Dr. Drew Pinsky, host Dave Rubin highlights systemic failures in governance, policy implementation, and departmental management, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced and the urgent need for reform.