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Heat Is On: Photos Raise More Questions About California Gov. Newsom’s Controversial Dinner

This article is more than 3 years old.
Updated Nov 18, 2020, 05:01pm EST

Topline

Gov. Gavin Newsom apologized Monday for attending a dinner at the French Laundry restaurant with people from other households—which he said violated the “spirit” of the safety measures his office had instituted—though new photos and details emerged Wednesday that cast doubt on the California governor’s claim that the dinner was “outside” and his portrayal of the dinner as a casual meeting of friends.

Key Facts

Pictures published by Fox 11 Los Angeles—which show Newsom, his wife and 10 other people from 5 different households in a room together—appear to contradict the governor’s assertion the gathering at the French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, California was “outside.”


The photos show the ritzy dinner was located in a room with three enclosed walls and its fourth wall open to the outdoors with sliding glass doors—though it’s not clear whether this counts as an “outdoor” gathering under California restaurant guidelines.

Under California Covid-19 restrictions, no more than three families are allowed to congregate privately, though that limit can be exceeded at a restaurant.  

In his press conference Monday, Newsom described the now-infamous dinner as a birthday party for a friend he has known for “almost 20 years,” while failing to mention that the friend, Jason Kinney, and several others, were prominent lobbyists.

Several top California Medical Association officials—an organization that represents more than 50,000 doctors in The Golden State—were also in attendance at the event, Politico reported Wednesday.

A CMA spokesperson, Anthony York, told Politico: ”The dinner was held in accordance with state and county guidelines.”

Forbes reached out to Newsom’s office for comment. A spokesperson referred Forbes to Newsom’s apology on Monday.  

Crucial Quote

“It was to be an outdoor restaurant,” Newsom said at a news conference Monday. “As soon as I sat down at the larger table I realized it was a little larger group than I had anticipated. And I made a bad mistake—instead of sitting down, I should have stood up and walked back down to my car and drove back to my house. Instead, I chose to sit there with my wife and a number of other couples that were outside the household.”

Chief Critic

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican who is rumored to be considering a run against Newsom in 2022, tweeted: “He can celebrate birthday parties. But you can’t. He can dine on a $350 meal at one of California’s fanciest restaurants during the worst recession in generations. But you definitely can’t. Can you believe this? I can’t.”

What To Watch For 

The controversial dinner has also led to scrutiny of Newsom’s ties to lobbyists, especially Kinney, who has moved back and forth between lobbying and working in politics during his career. According to Politico, Kinney’s lobbying firm represents amusement park operators, which are pushing to ease restrictions. 

Further Reading

California doctors' top brass attended French Laundry dinner with Newsom (Politico)

Photos raise doubts about Newsom’s claim that dinner was outdoors amid COVID-19 surge (Los Angeles Times)Newsom says he made ‘bad mistake’ attending pricey party (Associated Press)

Newsom's cozy ties with top lobbyist showcased by French Laundry dinner party (Politico)

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