By Assemblyman Kevin Kiley – May 11, 2022

Gavin Newsom is still trying to punish businesses that stayed open during lockdowns and is specifically targeting political opponents. 

Even his media allies are disturbed. A Sacramento Bee headline reads: “Roseville restaurant that hosted ‘Newsom hour’ facing 30-day closure over COVID order.” The story continues:

“A Roseville restaurant that provocatively defied one of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s coronavirus emergency orders is fighting a potentially crippling suspension…Matthew Oliver, the restaurant owner, recently learned the [ABC] agency still wants to shut the House of Oliver. The notice came after The Bee featured him in a news story about how Placer County managed Newsom’s public health orders, often by ignoring state directives.”

I’ve just sent Newsom and ABC a letter demanding the proceeding against House of Oliver end immediately, calling it “politically motivated” and a “selective prosecution.”

Last year, incidentally, I authored legislation to wipe clean all license revocations and fines for noncompliance with COVID orders. The bill had bipartisan support and was about to pass when leadership intervened, killing it on a 6-7 vote.

Newsom could never justify lockdowns, so he simply ordered them by fiat. In the same way, trying to close Matt Oliver’s business (which employees 100 people) is not just petty and vindictive, but a flagrant abuse of power.

If Newsom doesn’t back down, he’ll be shot down in court. In the meantime, if you’re in the Sacramento area, join me and Matt at House of Oliver today after 5 for a revived “Newsom Hour.”