“Newsom Gives California Business Leaders Burner Phones Preloaded with His Number, Shifting Away from Obama Phones”

Yet another head-scratching waste of money from America’s favorite governor (yes, I’m being sarcastic) and podcast host, California’s Gavin Newsom. 

Sacramento journalist Ashley Zavala from KCRA reported on Monday that several tech executives had received a package from Governor Newsom which included a prepaid “burner” phone with Newsom’s direct line. Initially, some individuals in the tech industry were apprehensive and had security concerns upon receiving the phones, according to sources.

Politico revealed that in addition to the phone, the packages contained a printed letter on Newsom’s official letterhead stating, “If you ever need anything, I’m a phone call away.” Some letters even had hand-written notes encouraging the executives to reach out for any needs.

The information was confirmed by Newsom’s office, stating that since November, he had been sending these phones to the CEOs of the top 100 California-based companies in a staggered manner. The cost was covered by the California Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2002 to assist with expenses related to the governor’s ceremonial events and official travel. Notably, Newsom’s 2023 inaugural committee transferred $1,000,000 in unused funds to CPF in 2024, potentially contributing to the financing. CPF also sponsored Newsom’s trip to China last autumn.

Of the phones, Newsom’s communications director, Izzy Gordon, told KCRA:

“This was the governor’s idea to connect more directly with business leaders in the state. The feedback has been positive, and it’s led to valuable interactions.”

At first glance it would seem that Newsom’s intent in sending out these phones is to get around public records laws, but his office confirmed to KCRA’s Zavala that any communications between Newsom and these executives on the burner phones is subject to the same disclosure laws that any other communications are subject to. Given that Newsom rarely seems to find an occasion on which an exemption to the California Public Records Act doesn’t apply to his communications, though, that’s of little comfort to Californians who simply want transparency in government.