California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s special legislative session to “Trump-proof” the state has begun, raising immediate questions about the true intent behind such a move. One might wonder, in his quest for protection, what exactly is he looking to defend? The governor’s position becomes particularly ambiguous when we consider California’s record-breaking failures in various metrics, which seemingly outstrip those of any other state in the nation.

Let’s take homelessness as a starting point. California houses approximately half of the unsheltered homeless population in the entire United States. Is this the benchmark of success that Newsom aims to safeguard? If so, it speaks volumes about the priorities of an administration more intent on image than on substantive solutions. The stark reality is that while Blacks constitute only 7% of California’s population, they make up a staggering 26% of the state’s homeless. This disparity not only highlights a catastrophic failure in policy but also raises profound questions about the adequacy of social safety nets and the effectiveness of government intervention in addressing the underlying issues plaguing disadvantaged communities.

Similarly, the state’s poverty rate is not just distressing — it’s the highest in the nation. Here again, one must question whether these statistics represent the standards of achievement Newsom wishes to protect. And when it comes to retail crime, California boasts grim distinctions. If the governor’s vision includes maintaining a toxic environment for employers, it would explain his motives. Numbers show that California’s business climate is burdened by severe regulations and frivolous lawsuits — conditions ripe for disinvestment. Furthermore, the fact that 22.3% of those in poverty in California are Black, a troubling increase of 4% from 2022 to 2023, underscores the failure of policies that profess to uplift while often exacerbating dependence. Such disparities should compel us to scrutinize not just the statistics, but the systemic choices that lead to these outcomes.

The economic distress does not end with crime and poverty. California has the second highest unemployment rate (5.3% overall and 7.5% for Blacks) in the nation, a statistic that perhaps Newsom hopes to improve upon through his “protective” Legislature, in an effort to reclaim a dubious leading position. The struggle extends further — with stagnant wages, soaring gas prices and exorbitant housing costs ranking among the worst in the country. The special session appears more a façade than a genuine effort to confront pressing issues confronting Californians daily.

Moreover, let’s consider the educational landscape in California. The state demonstrates alarming levels of inequality and illiteracy, conjuring up the question — what legacy is the governor choosing to uphold? His record during the COVID era, characterized by relentless school and business shutdowns, could easily align with efforts to maintain a legacy of inefficiency. The harsh reality is that nearly 70% of Black students failed to meet state standards for English Language Arts in the 2021-2022 school year, while about 84% didn’t meet math standards. This stark disparity, when contrasted with the performance of their White peers, raises critical questions about the commitment to educational equity and the measures being taken to ensure that all children, regardless of their race, have access to a quality education.

On the issue of immigration, California continues to grapple with unprecedented illegal border crossings, driven in part by its sanctuary policies. His government’s provision of free Medicaid for undocumented immigrants implies a prioritization of resources that again slants towards support for those outside the system rather than fixing the structures that are faltering within. Meanwhile, the unfortunate reality is that this influx of illegal immigration has disproportionately impacted Black Californians, who are often left to contend with the consequences of policies that fail to address their economic and social struggles.

Newsom’s special session, framed as an initiative to “Trump-proof” California, raises the question of what precisely he seeks to defend. In a state grappling with alarming rates of homelessness, soaring poverty, rising crime, faltering education and troubling fiscal mismanagement, one suspects this is less an effort to protect California’s integrity and more a stratagem to obfuscate the multitude of ways his policies have fallen short, particularly for Black Californians.

It is uncanny how a call for protection often correlates with a desperate attempt to shield oneself from accountability. What exactly is being protected? One might argue it is the very brand of governance that has perpetuated a cycle of decline rather than usher in the bold, transformative measures that so many communities, especially those historically marginalized, truly need. The weighty issues facing California demand genuine leadership, yet the current course suggests we may simply be witnessing an effort to sustain a status quo that has, time and again, ignored the real challenges facing Black Californians.

Only time will reveal whether this administration can deliver meaningful change, but for now, it seems we are left staring into a pretense of urgency while the underlying issues persist unaddressed.

Project 21 Ambassador Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years in public policy and advocacy. He hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.