Frank Stallone Criticizes California's Leadership, Crime & Homelessness.
Actor-musician Frank Stallone, 74, reflects on California’s transformation from the sunny, vibrant state of the past to its current state, marred by rampant crime, homelessness, and urban decay. He cites the state’s decline as a result of poor leadership, particularly from Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
California in the Past vs. Today
Frank Stallone, who moved to California in 1979, fondly remembers the days when the state embodied the spirit of the iconic song "California Dreamin'." In a recent interview, he recalled the state as a place of sunshine, low crime, and a general sense of optimism.
He claims that California’s current reality is far from that dream.
Describing his recent drive through downtown Los Angeles, he paints a grim picture:
“The filth, the graffiti and the homelessness is almost like that movie ‘Escape from New York.’ I mean, it’s that scary. I mean, I batten down the window, locks... You’re talking trash piled four feet high. Just filth.”
Stallone compares the scene to the dystopian world of Escape from New York, where Manhattan is transformed into a maximum-security prison. He is disheartened by the visible decline and compares it to a "war zone."
Criticism of California Leadership
Stallone lays the blame for California’s decline squarely on Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. He specifically critiques Newsom for his public persona, describing him as “phony” and accusing him of being an ineffective leader.
Stallone is particularly harsh on Newsom’s priorities, mentioning the governor’s recent announcement of his new podcast, "This Is Gavin Newsom."
“I think it’s like 'In Living Color.' I think this guy is so transparent. He’s so phony. He’s a terrible speaker. The hands and the hair and everything. He’s just set up to be made fun of.”
Stallone also criticizes Mayor Bass for her handling of the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles. While Bass was abroad in Ghana during the crisis, Stallone questions her absence, saying:
"And I don’t know, why are you in Ghana? Hello? What’s that have to do with being the mayor of Los Angeles?”
Though Bass admitted her trip was a mistake, Stallone believes her actions, combined with the city’s failure to adequately prepare for the fires, point to poor governance.
Homelessness and Urban Decay in Los Angeles
One of Stallone’s strongest critiques is the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles. Describing the situation as a public health nightmare, he insists that the city needs to take immediate action to address the issue.
Frank Stallone (@frank.stallone Instagram)
“No more of these Winnebagos parked for months on the curb. You know, we got to move. No more pitching tents on sidewalks where people can’t walk. No more pitching tents in front of people’s houses.”
Stallone also expresses frustration with the sanitation issues surrounding homeless encampments. He describes the area around his gym as being so overcrowded with homeless people that it becomes nearly impossible to navigate the streets without encountering “human excrement” and unbearable stench.
The Impact of Crime and Prop 47
Stallone also touches on California’s criminal justice system, criticizing the state’s Proposition 47, which allows theft of items valued under $950 to be classified as misdemeanors rather than felonies. He believes this has contributed to a rise in petty crime and has created an environment where criminal behavior goes largely unpunished.
“You know, $900 you can steal and nothing happens. But that, to me, is I’m lost on that one. You know, when I was a kid, you stole a candy bar, you get a kick in the butt.”
He laments that the state’s approach to crime has shifted dramatically, making it easier for criminals to operate with little fear of consequences.
A Call for Change: Stallone’s Vision for California’s Future
Looking ahead, Stallone is concerned about California’s readiness to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He believes the city’s current state of affairs, from crime to homelessness, presents a poor image to the world.
“I don’t think it’s a great representation for the Olympics. It’s not a good look. It’s really terrible.”
Stallone also advocates for Rick Caruso, a Los Angeles real estate developer, to run for governor. Caruso, who previously ran for mayor of Los Angeles, has also been critical of Mayor Bass, particularly in relation to the wildfires. He has described the city’s response to the disaster as “absolute mismanagement.”
"There’s no water in the Palisades. There’s no water coming out of the fire hydrants. This is an absolute mismanagement by the city. Not the firefighters’ fault, but the city’s."
The Beauty of California Overshadowed by Poor Policies
Despite his criticism, Stallone still believes in the beauty of California, calling it a state with mountains, snow, and the ocean. However, he argues that poor policies and lackluster leadership have marred the state’s former splendor.
Stallone’s call for change is clear: He wants to see a return to the California Dream, one where leadership is strong, crime is managed, and homelessness is addressed head-on.
Silvester Stallone with Frank
Frank Stallone is a multi-talented musician, actor, and singer, best known as the younger brother of Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone. Born with a passion for music, Frank carved his own path in the entertainment industry with his hit song "Far from Over" from the Staying Alive soundtrack, which earned a Golden Globe nomination.
Frank has appeared in several films, including a cameo in Rocky and roles in Rambo: First Blood. Despite being overshadowed by his famous brother, Frank has always worked hard to create a successful career based on his own talents, contributing to soundtracks and appearing in both film and television.
An Italian-American with deep family roots, Frank has often expressed the challenges and rewards of growing up in the shadow of Sylvester while striving for his own identity. He has also written a memoir, sharing personal stories about his career, family, and life in the spotlight.
