Frank Stallone Raises Concerns Over Safety and Cleanliness in California

EXCLUSIVE – Actor and musician Frank Stallone reminisced about the past glory of California, recalling a time when the state embodied the essence of the song “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas & the Papas. However, he contended that those idyllic days are now overshadowed by rampant crime and pervasive dirt.

Stallone said, “I arrived in California in 1979 and it was truly a dream. Even then, it was better than today. The weather was warm, the atmosphere was inviting, and crime was minimal. Just yesterday, I had to drive through downtown, and what I saw was disturbing. Trash accumulating to four feet high, graffiti everywhere, and homelessness all around—it was like a scene from ‘Escape from New York.’ It was terrifying. I made sure to lock my windows. The place felt filthy.”

A Distant Echo of the Past

The films “Escape from New York” and its sequel, “Escape from L.A.,” portray the grim transformation of iconic urban landscapes into places of despair. Stallone’s allusion serves to emphasize the perceived decline of California—a decline marked by increasing homelessness and crime.

Criticism of Current Leadership

Stallone attributed this deterioration to poor leadership, specifically targeting Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. He expressed deep disappointment regarding Newsom’s focus on personal projects, referencing the governor’s recent podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” as a distraction amidst pressing state issues.

Stallone stated, “It’s like watching a bad comedy skit unfold. Newsom appears so phony and inept as a speaker. His actions indicate a lack of seriousness. He is failing as a governor, and everyone sees it.”

Reactions to California’s Wildfires

The interview also brought up the devastating wildfires that struck Los Angeles in early 2025, which resulted in loss of life and property. Stallone criticized both Newsom and Bass for their inadequate responses during this crisis.

During the wildfire incidents, Bass’s absence became a point of contention. Reporters questioned her presence in Ghana during a crucial time when emergency services were needed at home, especially as she returned just a day after the Palisades Fire ignited.

When asked about her trip, Stallone reacted incredulously, asking, “Why were you in Ghana? What does that have to do with being the mayor of Los Angeles?”

Bass later confessed her Africa trip was poorly timed, acknowledging the need to regain public confidence in her leadership.

Leadership Failures and Accountability

Stallone further suggested that Bass’s administration used former fire chief Kristin Crowley as a scapegoat for the city’s preparedness failures during the wildfire crisis. “You can’t ignore the fact that with 70 mile-per-hour winds and dry conditions, the stage is set for disaster,” he remarked.

As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics, Stallone urged the need for urgent reform in local governance. He criticized the city’s image under current leadership, asserting, “This is not a good representation for the Olympics. It’s concerning and disappointing.”

A Vision for Change

Stallone expressed hope for potential leadership change, specifically endorsing Rick Caruso, a prominent real estate developer, as a potential candidate for governor. Caruso previously ran for mayor against Bass in 2022.

Stallone asserted, “Caruso would make an excellent governor. He is a builder and has a vision for the future. We need someone who can lead us out of this mess.”

Caruso has often criticized Bass’s handling of the recent wildfires, pointing out the lack of resources available during the crisis. He has condemned the city’s management, asserting that the conditions reflect neglect and mismanagement.

Concerns About Homelessness

Another focus of Stallone’s commentary was the issue of homelessness in Los Angeles. He urged city officials to take immediate actions toward cleaning up homeless encampments and restoring public order.

Stallone stated, “We have to address this situation decisively. We cannot allow Winnebagos to occupy our streets indefinitely or let people set up tents where they obstruct sidewalks. When I drive to the gym, I encounter overwhelming numbers of homeless individuals. The sanitary conditions are alarming, and the overall situation is unacceptable.”

He observed an alarming contrast, stating, “I see young men in great shape begging on the streets. Why don’t they seek employment? It’s disheartening. We have a responsibility to help those truly in need, but we also have the right to expect those capable of working to contribute to society.”

Brighter Future Through Leadership

Stallone concluded his interview by highlighting the natural beauty of California and the need for strong leadership to restore its reputation. He believes inadequate policies, coupled with ineffective governance, have obscured the state’s appeal.

He remarked, “California is a magnificent state. We have mountains, snow, and oceanfront beauty. Yet, poor leadership has kept it from thriving. The crime rates are unacceptable. Stealing up to $900 has become almost normalized, which is bewildering to me. In my youth, any theft was met with consequences. We need to reignite accountability and common sense in our laws.”

Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom for comments but did not receive immediate responses.