Governor Gavin Newsom’s claim of “completely full” reservoirs during the Los Angeles fires backfires as criticism mounts over California’s water management and wildfire response.
At a Glance
- Newsom boasted about full state reservoirs amid LA fires, quickly facing backlash
- Santa Ynez Reservoir’s low capacity impacted firefighting efforts
- President-elect Trump criticized Newsom’s water management policies
- Newsom announced an investigation into the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s status
- Fires have destroyed over 12,300 homes and caused at least 16 deaths
Newsom’s Reservoir Claims Spark Controversy
California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself in hot water after claiming state reservoirs were “completely full” during the devastating Los Angeles fires. This statement, made in response to criticism from President-elect Donald Trump about California’s water management, quickly drew scrutiny and backlash.
The governor’s assertion was soon contradicted by the dry state of the LA-County-run Santa Ynez Reservoir, which was offline for repairs during the fires. This significantly impacted water pressure for firefighting efforts, raising questions about the state’s preparedness and resource management.
Trump’s Criticism and Newsom’s Response
President-elect Trump didn’t mince words in his critique of Newsom’s policies. He accused the governor of not allowing excess water to flow into fire-affected areas, exacerbating the wildfire crisis. Newsom, attempting to address the mounting criticism, announced an independent investigation into the status of the Santa Ynez Reservoir. “The reservoirs are completely full the state reservoirs here in Southern California. That mis- and disinformation I don’t think advantages or aids any of us.” stated Gavin Newsom
In a surprising move, Newsom extended an olive branch to Trump, inviting him to visit California and witness the fire damage firsthand. This gesture came as Newsom attempted to shift some blame to local officials for inadequate preparations and response to the fires.
California’s Water Infrastructure Woes
The controversy surrounding the reservoir status has reignited discussions about California’s long-standing water infrastructure issues. Over a decade ago, California voters approved Proposition One to build new reservoirs, yet none have been completed. This delay in infrastructure development has left the state vulnerable to water shortages during critical times like wildfire seasons.
As the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires continue to rage, the toll on California’s residents becomes increasingly severe. With over 12,300 homes destroyed and at least 16 lives lost, the need for effective water management and wildfire response strategies has never been more critical. The ongoing investigation into the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s status may provide crucial insights into preventing similar crises in the future.
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California Gov. Newsom tries to weasel out of blame with reservoir claim — is immediately called out
