Newsom violates own rules by attending party amid COVID-19 surge [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Governor Gavin Newsom drew criticisms for coming to a French Laundry dining celebration amid the rapid growth of COVID-19 cases in California.
• The news came hours after he made a public announcement, asking the residents to refrain from social gathering and traveling.
• Over 40 million Californians were now living in counties placed under purple-tier restrictions.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was facing criticisms after joining a French laundry dining party of a top political colleague amid the continuous COVID-19 surge and his statewide plea ━ refraining everybody to go on social gatherings.

The governor, together with his wife and other family friends, has gone to the French Laundry to attend the 50th birthday celebration of his long-time friend, lobbyist Jason Kinney. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the celebration commenced at one of the most exclusive restaurants worldwide.

Newsom confessed that he should have not attended the party despite his office’s claim that the dinner followed precautionary measures.

“While the First Partner and I followed the restaurant’s health protocols and took safety precautions, I should have modeled better behavior and not joined the dinner,” he said in a statement.

Axiom spokesperson Milly Weedn, Kinney’s lobbying firm, argued that the 12-person dinner was a “small, intimate” celebration, that followed safety measures.

“The restaurant was open for normal dining, consistent with state and county health guidance,” Weedn said in a statement. “All of the restaurant safety protocols were adhered to – and the guests followed those protocols.”

Kinney is a longtime political adviser to Newsom. A partner at Axiom Advisors lobbying firm, Kinney’s firm caters to clients such as Facebook DaVita, and Fresenius.

In Napa County, social gatherings composed of four or more households are not allowed. Restaurants, though, have opened last July per the state’s guidance and were operating on a different set-up.

The news broke after Newsom urged the public to avoid traveling for the holidays and celebrate Thanksgiving without social gathering.

Regularly, he has been telling the public to continue being vigilant and follow the guidelines in mitigating the virus such as wearing of face mask, observing social distancing and avoiding social gatherings.

This month, several counties in California imposed stricter lockdowns as the number of cases and hospitalization continue to surge. Over 40 million residents are now living in counties placed under the state’s purple tier restrictions. Other counties were expected to follow suit as the coronavirus cases continue to climb statewide.

Source: Politico