Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California

Scott Douglas Jacobsen
In-Sight Publishing, Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada

Correspondence: Scott Douglas Jacobsen (Email: scott.jacobsen2025@gmail.com)

Received: February 27, 2025
Accepted: N/A
Published: March 1, 2025 

Abstract

Randy Economy, chairman of Saving California, discusses the leadership failures of Governor Gavin Newsom in managing California’s wildfire crisis. He highlights the widespread devastation in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, where entire communities have been destroyed. Economy emphasizes the urgent need for stronger wildfire prevention policies, including increased firefighting resources and improved disaster preparedness. He shares a personal story of loss, illustrating the resilience of affected residents. The recall campaign aims to collect 1.3 million signatures within 160 days to remove Newsom from office. Economy criticizes the governor’s misaligned priorities and calls for decisive leadership. He concludes with a message of unity and determination, stressing the importance of collective action to bring meaningful change to California.

Keywords: Cognitive Congruence, Communication, Complementarity, Evolving Relationships, Fertility, Legal Marriage, Relationship Dynamics, Shared Values, Socioemotional Sensitivity

Introduction

This interview explores the catastrophic impact of California’s wildfire crisis and the perceived leadership failures of Governor Gavin Newsom. Randy Economy, chairman of Saving California, provides an in-depth analysis of the destruction in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, describing the loss of entire communities and the need for immediate policy reforms. Drawing from firsthand experiences, Economy discusses the challenges faced by affected residents and the emotional toll of witnessing such devastation. He also delves into the political ramifications, detailing the recall campaign against Newsom and advocating for a shift in leadership to ensure California is better prepared for future disasters. Through this conversation, Economy underscores the importance of accountability, policy-driven solutions, and grassroots mobilization to address ongoing wildfire threats and safeguard communities.

Main Text (Interview)

Interviewer: Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Interviewee: Randy Economy

Section 1: Leadership Failures and Wildfire Devastation

Randy Economy, chairman of Saving California, discusses the catastrophic failure of leadership by Governor Gavin Newsom in handling California’s wildfires. He highlights the devastation in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, where entire communities have been wiped out. Mr. Economy emphasizes the need for stronger wildfire prevention policies, including increased firefighting resources. He recounts a personal story of loss, underscoring the resilience of affected residents. The recall campaign aims to collect 1.3 million signatures within 160 days. Economy criticizes Newsom’s priorities and calls for focused leadership. He concludes with a message of unity and determination to bring real change to California.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Thank you very much for joining me today, Randy. Today, we are here with Randy Economy. He is the chairman of Saving California.

Randy Economy: Thank you very much. This will be published later, but the featured speakers at today’s press conference will include Mel Gibson and Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez. Many people recognize Mel Gibson from films such as The Passion of the Christ, Braveheart, and Lethal Weapon.

Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez is the founder of Churches in Action. Many concerns have been raised about the handling of the recent wildfires in California. While some aspects were beyond human control, there were also significant failures in management and response.

What are the key points you want to communicate at today’s event?

Section 2: The Recall Campaign Against Gavin Newsom

Randy Economy: There is one chief executive officer for California—the governor. The responsibility for managing disasters, ensuring public safety, and overseeing state agencies ultimately falls on him. What we saw was a catastrophic failure of leadership by Governor Gavin Newsom. He is accountable for this crisis.

No one bears more responsibility than he does. Whether it was the neglect of power lines—which, while we do not know the exact cause of the fire, fall under state oversight—or the broader mismanagement of emergency preparedness, these are leadership failures. The state of California is responsible for ensuring that infrastructure is maintained and that responses to disasters are swift and effective.

What happened in Altadena is heartbreaking. Yesterday, we met with Bishop Mendez, Mel Gibson, and myself to visit some of the impacted areas. The level of devastation is overwhelming. Driving through the main boulevard in the southern part of Altadena, you can see entire neighbourhoods reduced to ashes. It is completely unrecognizable.

Entire communities have been wiped out. Whether they will be rebuilt remains uncertain, as many residents have lost everything. Yesterday, we held a press event on the property of a woman born in her house 97 years ago.

Her family had lived there for five generations. Tragically, one of her family members perished in the fire. Now, that home is gone, along with everything around it. When you walk through these areas, you do not just feel sorrow—you feel a deep sense of loss and devastation unlike anything I have ever experienced.

Yesterday was an incredibly emotional day. Mel Gibson was outstanding—he spoke from the heart about what these communities are going through. That is who he is. He did not hold back, and he did not sugarcoat the reality of the situation. The same was true for Bishop Mendez.

He delivered a heartfelt message. Many of his parishioners have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and, in some cases, loved ones. Yesterday’s event was not just about speeches; it was about prayer, support, and coming together as a community.

Then, in a heartbreaking turn, Bishop Mendez collapsed. His heart stopped, and he had to receive immediate medical attention. It was a terrifying moment that added another layer of grief to an already tragic day.

But he’s on the road to recovery, and hopefully, he’ll be released today or tomorrow. It was a very emotional day. But I think we understand what this campaign is and is not about. It is not just about saying, “Oh, let’s do a recall to get rid of a bad politician.” It is more significant than that. This is our last stand, so to speak.

This is not about derailing his potential presidential campaign—it is about removing him from office. Some argue that by the time a recall reaches the ballot, he will only have about a year and a half left in his term.

But do you know how much damage the chief executive of a state like California—the fifth-largest economy in the world—can do in just 24 hours, let alone 18 months? That is why we are focused and on target. This time, not only will the recall get on the ballot, but he will be removed from office as governor.

Section 3: Emotional Toll and Community Resilience

Jacobsen: And with Bishop Mendez being part of yesterday’s event, were cathedrals, churches, or other church-affiliated properties affected by the fire? Not in terms of personal property, but as public church properties?

Economy: That beautiful community in Altadena was heavily impacted. A few pastors who oversaw congregations in the area were present, joining us in prayer.

When Bishop Mendez collapsed, everything stopped. The event was essentially over at that moment. You cannot simply continue after something like that happens—you must give your full attention to helping save that man’s life.

Thank God for the paramedics. I also thank God for intervening and doing His work and will to save that man. This will give us the right energy to move forward, even in the face of such darkness and loss.

Tens of thousands of people have lost absolutely everything. And when I say tens of thousands, I am talking about entire families and communities. Everyone knows someone personally who has lost everything.

This is not just a critical moment in California’s politics. His butt is a defining moment in American political history. We do not take what we are doing lightly.

Jacobsen: I am calling from British Columbia, where most of the population lives in the southern part of the province, close to the U.S. border. But much of the province experiences similar challenges—we face large wildfires yearly, and the struggle to manage them is ongoing.

I was glad that some Canadians could come down, fly in, and provide help during this time of need. Fires are indiscriminate. They do not care whether you are Republican, Independent, or Democrat.

Economy: That has been emblematic of what we learned from this fire.

Section 4: Policy Solutions for Wildfire Prevention

Jacobsen: What has been particularly heartwarming for you regarding people coming together—regardless of their background, political stance, or religious beliefs—to support one another and express their concerns politically and socially?

Economy: A Catholic priest once told me something that stuck with me. About 20 years ago, right around the time I was deeply involved in Catholicism at the age of 45, I also lost everything in a house fire. I was completely distraught and devastated.

I remember meeting a priest from Vietnam who was conducting a healing mass. We decided to go because we needed spiritual support. He told me, “You may not understand this right now, but sometimes with fire comes blessings.” I did not know what he meant at the time, but now I do.

When I look at the people in the Palisades and Altadena, I see that they want hope. They are looking for a glimmer of kindness. They want to feel that their stories and lives matter. And yet, if you looked around yesterday, no one was there to help them.

Not one person from the Catholic Baptist movement assembled an aid network in their neighbourhoods—no trailers, no 24-hour relief efforts.

The governor is long gone. He has moved on to something else. Now, he is focused on a new podcast or another vanity project. That is who he is as a leader. We hate to say he is just an empty suit, but the truth is, he is.

He does not care about the people—he cares about himself and his ambitions of becoming President of the United States. And yet, again, sometimes, with fire comes blessing.

That is what we are trying to focus on—the positive. Yesterday, we nearly lost one of our biggest supporters in this recall effort—Bishop Mendez. His heart stopped. So, we do not take this lightly. We see this as a mission now.

We are more united and determined than ever to do what needs to be done—getting the mechanics right and ensuring that people sign the petition. To trigger the election, we need about 1.3 million signatures within a 160-day period, which could happen by mid-summer or even earlier. It is only late February now. So, we are doing much of the work that needs to be done. And I think sometimes, you have to take that responsibility upon yourself.

Section 5: A Call to Action for Californians

Jacobsen: Regarding policy changes, leadership can shift, but certain policies can have long-lasting effects. What policy changes are necessary to make wildfire protections more robust in California?

Economy: It starts with having the basic resources to fight these fires effectively. We live in a desert. California is a fire-prone state that burns constantly. If we need a fleet of 40 massive jets and planes to use as water scoopers, we must invest in them and pay for that. If we are willing to spend $40 billion, like Gavin Newsom wants to, on some vague effort to “reimagine California”—whatever that means—then we should ensure we have the fundamental resources to protect people’s health, safety, and welfare.

We live in a state continuously battling wildfires, yet we do not have the necessary infrastructure or capabilities to fight even small-scale fires effectively, let alone the massive, months-long infernos we see now. Wildfires in California do not last for days anymore—they last for months. While the fires in the Palisades are now officially 100% contained, the devastation they left behind is only just beginning for the people who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and, in some cases, loved ones.

Jacobsen: Sir, thank you for your time and the opportunity to discuss this. I appreciate it. It was nice to meet you. 

Economy: God bless you. Thank you so much.

Jacobsen: Bye-bye.

Discussion

The interview with Randy Economy underscores the severe impact of California’s wildfires and the broader implications of inadequate disaster management. The devastation in Altadena and Pacific Palisades exemplifies the escalating wildfire crisis in the state, where entire communities have been displaced, homes reduced to ashes, and lives irrevocably altered. Economy attributes this crisis to a failure of leadership, particularly under Governor Gavin Newsom, who, he argues, has not prioritized wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness at the necessary scale.

A key theme in the discussion is the need for proactive wildfire prevention strategies. Economy highlights the lack of adequate firefighting resources, pointing out that California’s existing infrastructure is insufficient to combat large-scale wildfires effectively. He advocates for substantial investments in water-scooping aircraft, stronger regulations on power lines, and more aggressive forest management practices to mitigate fire risks before they escalate into disasters. The discussion suggests that leadership decisions at the state level have significant consequences, particularly in a fire-prone region where inadequate planning can result in catastrophic losses.

Another critical aspect of the conversation is the political movement toward recalling Governor Newsom. Economy views the recall campaign as a necessary corrective action, arguing that Newsom’s administration has failed to provide competent governance during multiple crises. He emphasizes that beyond political affiliation, the recall is about ensuring accountability and leadership that prioritizes public safety. The campaign’s goal of collecting 1.3 million signatures in 160 days reflects growing discontent among Californians who seek more effective governance in managing environmental disasters.

The discussion also reveals the emotional and social impact of wildfires on affected communities. Economy recounts a particularly poignant moment when Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez collapsed at a relief event, illustrating the emotional weight of the crisis. The resilience of fire survivors, however, stands as a testament to human endurance in the face of adversity. While Economy critiques the lack of immediate governmental response, he also highlights grassroots efforts, including faith-based organizations and volunteers stepping in where state support has been insufficient.

Lastly, the interview raises questions about long-term policy reforms. While leadership changes may shift priorities, the underlying issue remains the need for a sustainable, well-funded wildfire prevention and emergency response system. The conversation suggests that beyond partisan debates, what California truly needs is a strategic, long-term commitment to fire mitigation, infrastructure investment, and emergency management reform to prevent future tragedies.

Ultimately, Economy’s perspective presents a call to action—urging both policymakers and citizens to demand stronger leadership, better preparedness, and a commitment to protecting California’s communities from recurring wildfire disasters.

Methods

The interview was scheduled and recorded—with explicit consent—for transcription, review, and curation. This process complied with applicable data protection laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), i.e., recordings were stored securely, retained only as needed, and deleted upon request, as well in accordance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Advertising Standards Canada guidelines.

Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current article. All interview content remains the intellectual property of the interviewer and interviewee.

References

(No external academic sources were cited for this interview.)

Journal & Article Details

• Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
• Publisher Founding: March 1, 2014
• Web Domain: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com
• Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
• Journal: In-Sight: Interviews
• Journal Founding: August 2, 2012
• Frequency: Four Times Per Year
• Review Status: Non-Peer-Reviewed
• Access: Electronic/Digital & Open Access
• Fees: None (Free)
• Volume Numbering: 13
• Issue Numbering: 2
• Section: A
• Theme Type: Idea
• Theme Premise: “Outliers and Outsiders”
• Theme Part: 33
• Formal Sub-Theme: None
• Individual Publication Date: March 1, 2025
• Issue Publication Date: April 1, 2025
• Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
• Word Count: 1,702
• Image Credits: Photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash
• ISSN (International Standard Serial Number): 2369-6885

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges Randy Economy for his time, expertise, and valuable contributions. His thoughtful insights and detailed explanations have greatly enhanced the quality and depth of this work, providing a solid foundation for the discussion presented herein.

Author Contributions

S.D.J. conceived the subject matter, conducted the interview, transcribed and edited the conversation, and prepared the manuscript.

Competing Interests

The author declares no competing interests.

License & Copyright

In-Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
© Scott Douglas Jacobsen and In-Sight Publishing 2012–Present.

Unauthorized use or duplication of material without express permission from Scott Douglas Jacobsen is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links must use full credit to Scott Douglas Jacobsen and In-Sight Publishing with direction to the original content.

Supplementary Information

Below are various citation formats for Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California.

1. American Medical Association (AMA 11th Edition)
   Jacobsen S. Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California. March 2025;13(2). http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy
2. American Psychological Association (APA 7th Edition)
   Jacobsen, S. (2025, March 1). Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California. In-Sight Publishing. 13(2).
3. Brazilian National Standards (ABNT)
   JACOBSEN, S. Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California. In-Sight: Interviews, Fort Langley, v. 13, n. 2, 2025.
4. Chicago/Turabian, Author-Date (17th Edition)
   Jacobsen, Scott. 2025. “Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California.” In-Sight: Interviews 13 (2). http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy.
5. Chicago/Turabian, Notes & Bibliography (17th Edition)
   Jacobsen, S. “Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California.” In-Sight: Interviews 13, no. 2 (March 2025). http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy.
6. Harvard
   Jacobsen, S. (2025) ‘Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California’, In-Sight: Interviews, 13(2). http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy.
7. Harvard (Australian)
   Jacobsen, S 2025, ‘Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California’, In-Sight: Interviews, vol. 13, no. 2, http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy.
8. Modern Language Association (MLA, 9th Edition)
   Jacobsen, Scott. “Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California.” In-Sight: Interviews, vol. 13, no. 2, 2025, http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy.
9. Vancouver/ICMJE
   Jacobsen S. Conversation with Randy Economy on California, Fires, Mel Gibson, Bishop Mendez, and Gavin Newsome: Chairman, Saving California [Internet]. 2025 Mar;13(2). Available from: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/randy-economy

Note on Formatting

This document follows an adapted Nature research-article format tailored for an interview. Traditional sections such as Methods, Results, and Discussion are replaced with clearly defined parts: Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Main Text (Interview), and a concluding Discussion, along with supplementary sections detailing Data Availability, References, and Author Contributions. This structure maintains scholarly rigor while effectively accommodating narrative content.