Facing recall, California Gov. Newsom pleads for optimism and patience

Facing a recall effort that has threatened his political future, California Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged Tuesday night the fatigue and frustration that many Californians are feeling after a year of sacrifices.

But the Democratic governor insisted in his State of the State address that California is on a path to recovery as Covid-19 cases decline, more teachers are getting vaccinated and more direct aid begins flowing to small businesses "hit hardest" by the pandemic. Newsom delivered his speech from Dodger Stadium, a hallowed Los Angeles landmark that the city has turned into one of the largest vaccination sites in the country. Standing on the field, under the bright lights in an empty stadium, he said the number of vacant seats behind him was roughly equivalent to the more than 54,000 lives lost in California -- "a silent tribute to loved ones who live forever in our memories."