Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
California officials warned last week that the federal government shutdown threatens the state’s economic stability and leaves communities more vulnerable to wildfires by slowing disaster recovery.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said thousands of federal employees in California have been furloughed, halting key programs for forest management and disaster aid.
“Communities across our state are less safe because of Trump’s government shutdown,” Newsom said, calling on Republicans to act as critical preparedness and recovery programs remain on pause.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of local leadership amid the crisis. “The federal government has shut down, but our local government will not stop working,” she said, pledging to protect Angelenos from layoffs and service disruptions. Rep. Maxine Waters and Sen. Alex Padilla both condemned federal inaction, accusing Republican leaders of prioritizing politics over public safety. Padilla criticized what he called “chaotic mismanagement” that has left essential operations in disarray.
While core emergency teams like CAL FIRE, CHP, and the National Guard remain active, state officials said the loss of federal support could delay recovery and weaken future disaster planning.
Research and grants from federal agencies such as NOAA and FEMA are on hold, and more than two-thirds of National Park Service staff are furloughed.
