He Called Out Newsom. 5 Days Later, The State Showed Up

Summary

Pastor Jack Hibbs interviews Huntington Beach City Council member and restaurateur Andrew Gruel, who is seeking reelection. They argue that local politics—particularly city councils and school boards—is where residents can have the most immediate influence. Gruel says he entered politics after being urged to fill an open council seat, despite having had no prior interest in running.

Gruel criticizes what he views as government overreach, arguing that increased public spending and intervention can worsen problems. He presents Huntington Beach as an example of local control and conservative leadership, citing the city’s finances, public safety, taxes, streets and parks, and levels of homelessness and crime. Hibbs and Gruel contend that local civic engagement can push back against state-level policies they oppose and influence other communities.

Gruel describes becoming outspoken during COVID-era restaurant restrictions. He says he criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for closing outdoor dining shortly after Newsom had dined at the French Laundry. According to Gruel, he was served with a labor investigation by the Newsom administration five days after his criticism went viral, and he and his family received death threats. He says his wife encouraged him to keep speaking out. The couple later started a nonprofit to help restaurant workers affected by closures, raising more than $500,000 and distributing $1,000 checks.

Gruel also describes a community aid effort during the January 2025 fires. His restaurant opened its parking lot to evacuees and collected and distributed supplies, including about $600,000 in goods with help from the Dream Center. He says residents and volunteers organized the effort, with local officials and workers helping facilitate it. The speakers contrast this response with examples they view as government bureaucracy obstructing aid.

The conversation encourages participation through local service, voting, volunteering, and support for Gruel’s campaign. Gruel says his approach is guided by a moral framework and a limited role for government: providing public safety and infrastructure while allowing communities and businesses room to operate. He also says California Democratic groups are spending millions of dollars to oppose candidates in Huntington Beach-area races.

On immigration and the economy, Gruel says many immigrant workers he has known feel they were used as political pawns and did not receive help from California with legal status. He argues that a stronger local economy and safer communities benefit workers and families. These points are presented as the speakers’ views, rather than independently verified findings.

Hibbs closes by urging people to visit Huntington Beach, support Gruel’s reelection campaign, and vote. Gruel says he wants to represent what he regards as the positive contributions of local communities.

Presenters and contributors

• Pastor Jack Hibbs
• Andrew Gruel