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Media and Entertainment
Source : (remove) : Winston-Salem Journal
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Perspective: The long tail of COVID-19 and why it still matters in politics

Gavin Newsom Reflects on Pandemic Mistakes: Lessons from California's COVID-19 Response

In a candid interview published by Deseret News, California Governor Gavin Newsom opened up about the missteps and hard-learned lessons from his administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the nation's most prominent Democratic leaders, Newsom has often been both praised and criticized for California's aggressive approach to containing the virus. Now, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror and speculation swirling about his national ambitions, Newsom is taking stock of what went wrong—and what could inform future crises. This reflection comes at a pivotal time, as the U.S. grapples with ongoing debates over public health policy, economic recovery, and the balance between safety and individual freedoms.

Newsom's tenure during the pandemic was marked by some of the strictest measures in the country. California was among the first states to implement widespread lockdowns, school closures, and mask mandates in early 2020. These actions, Newsom argues, were driven by the best available science at the time, aimed at preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed and saving lives. "We were flying blind in those early days," Newsom said in the interview. "The virus was novel, the data was incomplete, and every decision felt like a gamble with people's lives." Indeed, California's per capita death rate from COVID-19 ended up being lower than many other large states, such as Florida and Texas, which adopted more laissez-faire approaches. Supporters point to this as evidence that Newsom's policies worked, potentially averting thousands of deaths.

However, Newsom doesn't shy away from acknowledging errors. One of the most significant regrets he expressed was the prolonged closure of schools. California kept many public schools shuttered for in-person learning far longer than other states, with some districts not fully reopening until well into 2021. This decision, Newsom admitted, had devastating consequences for children's education and mental health. "We underestimated the long-term impact on kids," he reflected. Studies have since shown that remote learning led to substantial learning losses, particularly among low-income and minority students. In California, standardized test scores plummeted, and dropout rates spiked in some areas. Newsom noted that while the initial closures were necessary to curb transmission, the state should have pivoted faster to hybrid models or invested more heavily in ventilation and testing to allow safer reopenings. He pointed to examples from states like Utah, which managed to keep schools open with fewer disruptions, as models California could have emulated sooner.

Another key mistake Newsom highlighted was the uneven enforcement of business restrictions. Small businesses, from restaurants to gyms, bore the brunt of shutdown orders, while larger corporations like big-box retailers often remained operational under essential designations. This disparity fueled resentment and economic hardship, contributing to a recall election against Newsom in 2021, which he ultimately survived. "We created a system that felt arbitrary to many," Newsom conceded. "Looking back, we could have provided more targeted support, like grants or streamlined permitting, to help small businesses adapt rather than just shutting them down." The economic fallout was profound: California's unemployment rate soared to over 16% at its peak, and thousands of businesses closed permanently. Newsom's administration did roll out relief programs, including billions in federal aid, but critics argue these were too bureaucratic and slow to make a difference for many.

Mask mandates and outdoor activity restrictions also came under scrutiny in Newsom's self-assessment. He recalled the infamous incident where he was photographed dining maskless at the upscale French Laundry restaurant in November 2020, while urging Californians to adhere to strict guidelines. This hypocrisy damaged his credibility and became a rallying cry for opponents. "That was a personal failing, and it undermined the message we were trying to send," Newsom said. More broadly, he questioned whether some outdoor bans, like those on beaches and parks, were overly restrictive. Emerging data suggested that outdoor transmission was rare, yet California enforced closures that limited people's access to fresh air and exercise—key factors for mental health during lockdowns. Newsom now advocates for more nuanced policies in future pandemics, emphasizing risk-based assessments rather than blanket rules.

The governor also touched on the challenges of vaccine distribution and equity. California's rollout was ambitious, aiming to vaccinate millions quickly, but it faced logistical hurdles, including supply shortages and digital divides that left rural and underserved communities behind. "We prioritized equity, but execution fell short," Newsom admitted. While the state eventually achieved high vaccination rates, early disparities exacerbated distrust in government, particularly among minority groups historically skeptical of public health initiatives. Newsom praised partnerships with community organizations that helped bridge these gaps but wished for earlier involvement.

Politically, these admissions could be a double-edged sword for Newsom, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender. By owning up to mistakes, he positions himself as a reflective leader willing to learn, contrasting with figures like former President Donald Trump, who downplayed the virus, or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has doubled down on his anti-lockdown stance. Yet, critics on the right, including Republican lawmakers in California, view this as too little, too late. "Newsom's policies devastated our economy and freedoms," said state Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher in response to the interview. "Admitting mistakes now doesn't erase the damage." On the left, some progressives argue that Newsom didn't go far enough in areas like worker protections or housing support for those evicted during the crisis.

Newsom's reflections extend beyond California, offering national lessons. He emphasized the need for better federal-state coordination, criticizing the fragmented response under the Trump administration that left states competing for resources like PPE and ventilators. "A pandemic doesn't respect state lines," he said. "We need a unified national strategy with clear guidelines, but also flexibility for local conditions." He also called for investments in public health infrastructure, such as stockpiling supplies and improving data systems, to avoid the chaos of 2020. Moreover, Newsom stressed the importance of mental health resources, noting the surge in anxiety, depression, and substance abuse during lockdowns—a "shadow pandemic" that his administration addressed through expanded telehealth but could have tackled more proactively.

In discussing the human toll, Newsom became introspective, sharing stories from frontline workers and families who lost loved ones. "Every decision weighed on me," he said. "I lost sleep wondering if we were doing the right thing." This personal angle humanizes a governor often portrayed as polished and ambitious. He credited his team, including public health experts like Dr. Mark Ghaly, for guiding tough calls, but ultimately took responsibility as the leader.

Looking ahead, Newsom sees the pandemic as a catalyst for broader reforms. California has since invested in education recovery programs, aiming to close learning gaps through tutoring and extended school days. Economically, the state is focusing on small business incentives and workforce training to rebuild. On the health front, Newsom has pushed for universal healthcare expansions, building on pandemic-era lessons about access disparities.

Critics, however, remain skeptical. Organizations like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argue that Newsom's policies inflated state spending and taxes, with long-term consequences for California's budget. Others, including parent advocacy groups, demand accountability for school closures, with some filing lawsuits over lost educational opportunities.

Ultimately, Newsom's interview paints a picture of a leader grappling with the complexities of governance in crisis. "The pandemic exposed our vulnerabilities but also our resilience," he concluded. "We can't change the past, but we can prepare for the future." As the nation continues to heal from COVID-19's scars—over a million lives lost, economies disrupted, and societies divided—Newsom's willingness to dissect mistakes could set a tone for bipartisan dialogue on preparedness. Whether this bolsters his political future or invites more scrutiny remains to be seen, but it underscores a timeless truth: in public service, humility can be as powerful as decisiveness.

This extensive reflection not only revisits the highs and lows of California's response but also serves as a blueprint for navigating future uncertainties. By addressing specific errors—like prolonged school shutdowns, inconsistent business rules, and communication lapses—Newsom aims to foster a more adaptive approach. He advocates for science-driven policies tempered by empathy, ensuring that economic and social costs are weighed equally with health imperatives. In an era of increasing polarization, such candor might bridge divides, reminding us that effective leadership involves not just bold actions, but honest reckonings. As other governors and national figures reflect on their own pandemic records, Newsom's example could encourage a collective learning process, turning past pains into proactive strategies for whatever challenges lie ahead. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full deseret Article at:
[ https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/07/30/gavin-newsom-pandemic-mistakes/ ]