As wildfires blaze across the Los Angeles region, a California Assembly Speaker faced tough questions about the legislature's focus on allocating funds to counter potential legal challenges from a Trump administration. KCRA correspondent Ashley Zavala pressed Democratic Speaker Robert Rivas on the timing of a special legislative session dedicated to this issue, while residents grapple with the immediate crisis of the wildfires.

Rivas emphasized the historic nature of the wildfires, potentially ranking among the worst in state and national history, and stressed the urgency of providing relief and support to affected communities. He highlighted the unprecedented response of first responders and pledged the legislature's commitment to recovery efforts.

Zavala, however, reiterated her question, pointing out that the special session concerning legal preparedness for a Trump administration was convened while the wildfires were unfolding and residents were struggling with disaster relief and insurance concerns. She questioned the necessity of the special session, given the existing mechanisms available to address such legal matters.

Rivas continued to focus on the wildfire recovery efforts in his response, without directly addressing the timing of the special session.

The special session was prompted by Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement following Trump's election, aiming to reinforce the state's legal resources against potential attacks from the Trump administration. Trump criticized this move, claiming it was an attempt to obstruct positive changes in California.

Historical data reveals a significant amount of litigation between California and the previous Trump administration. California's Department of Justice initiated over 100 lawsuits challenging Trump administration policies, while Trump filed a smaller number of suits against California, primarily focusing on sanctuary state laws, net neutrality, vehicle emissions standards, and independent contractor regulations.

California's status as a sanctuary state, its stance on abortion procedures and transgender treatments for minors, and Trump's proposed immigration policies could be potential points of contention with a Trump administration. Governor Newsom has expressed a desire to work with the incoming administration but also affirmed California's commitment to protecting its values and taking action against perceived overreach.