Hollywood actor Mel Gibson (L) and California Governor Gavin Newsom | FPJ Wed team
California wildfires are still raging and state Governor Gavin Newsom has begun to take flak over management of the inferno from people who’ve lost their homes, Hollywood celebrities included. Mel Gibson, who has starred in hit movies like Braveheart and directed The Passion of The Christ, has joined the list of celebrities slamming Governor Newsom.
“Spend less on hair gel,” said Gibson in an interview with Fox News, indirectly suggesting that the governor wasn’t doing his job and was only interested in media bytes. Gibson was asked if he wanted to give any message to Newsom.
Gibson is one of thousands of people whose homes have been destroyed by wildfires raging through Hollywood town of Los Angeles and other parts of Los Angeles County. Reports in Local media have said that the flames have engulfed more than 10,000 structures till now. Other celebrities like Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore have lost their homes as well.
On Sunday (January 12) the situation was grim. Firefighters were battling the flames but the wildfires were not fully under control. Strong, tornado-strength winds have been aiding spread of the fire last few days.
US media has said that 11 people have died so far but the number is expected to rise as investigators can venture into destroyed compounds only when fires are fully doused.
Governor Newsom, a Democrat, has been facing a lot of flak. The criticism became sharper as it was gradually revealed that many fire hydrants in the Los Angeles County were dry and the ones which were working had less water pressure.
Although the government departments have avoided blame-game till now, the fire chief has indirectly expressed her displeasure as it is civil administration’s responsibility to run and maintain fire hydrants.
