On July 24, 2026, a coalition of wildfire survivors and activists gathered in Pasadena to protest Governor Gavin Newsom's reported secret negotiations. The group is demanding that the state reject any legislative deals that shield electric utilities from legal liability.
The 231-page Senate Bill 254 "gut-and-amend" precedent
The current protests in Pasadena are rooted in a deep distrust stemming from the 2025 legislative sesison. According to the report , Joy Chen, Executive Director of the Every Fire Survivor's Network, criticized the way Senate Bill 254 was handled during that period. She alleged that the bill, which was originally intended to protect consumers, was fundamentally altered through a "gut-and-amend" process.
This legislative maneuver resulted in a massive 231-page measure that advocates claim prioritized the interests of California's three major electric monopolies over the needs of fire victims. This past event serves as a cautionary tale for the coalition, which fears a repeat of such opaque decision-making in the current political climate.
Aurora Barboza and the struggle to rebuild in Altadena
The political battle over utility liability has direct consequences for individuals like Aurora Barboza, who is currently struggling to rebuild her home in Altadena. The press conference highlighted how the legal and financial frameworks established in Sacramento impact those who lost everything in the Eaton and Palisades wildfires .
Other survivors, including Brian Gardner and Karine Ceyhan, also shared their experiences to underscore the personal toll of these disasters. As consumer advocate Jamie Court noted at the event, the focus of any legislative solution must remain on accountability and relief for survivors rather than providing what the group calls "corporate welfare."
Newsom's reported closed-door negotiations with electric monopolies
The central grievance of the Pasadena protest involves reports that Governor Gavin Newsom is currently conducting private negotiations. the coalition of faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and community organizations fears these backroom deals will result in legislation that shields electric utilities from the consequences of future catastrophes.
To voice their opposition, attendees wrote postcards to the Governor, demanding a public pledge to prioritize consumer protections... This movement, which included voices like Pastor Anthony McFarland, seeks to ensure that the legislative process remains transparent and that the state's leadership does not favor corporate interests over the citizens of California.
Which specific protections are being traded in the secret deals?
While the coalition has voiced strong opposition, several critical details regarding the current negotiations remain unverified. the report does not specify the exact terms being discussed or which of California's three major electric monopolies are actively participating in the talks with Governor Newsom's administration.
Furthermore, it remains unclear how the Governor's office or legislative leaders will respond to these specific allegations of secret bargaining.. Because the report primarily presents the perspective of the survivors and advocates, the actual contents of any proposed legislation or the government's justification for these negotiations have yet to be made public.
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