A wealthy couple is facing allegations of withholding water that could potentially aid in combating the severe wildfires raging in Los Angeles. Critics have pointed fingers at Democratic leaders for the dry fire hydrants and the depletion of local reservoirs. Additionally, firefighters have come under scrutiny for allegedly using “women’s handbags” as a makeshift tool for firefighting efforts.
These claims are part of a wave of misleading statements circulating as part of broader dissatisfaction regarding California’s water management, ignited by the intense fires in the Los Angeles area. “Much of the misinformation serves as a platform to criticize California’s Democratic leadership while diverting attention from significant factors, particularly climate change,” remarked Peter Gleick, a senior fellow at the Pacific Institute, an organization focused on global water sustainability.
The controversy centers around social media allegations about Stewart and Lynda Resnick, who are co-owners of a major agricultural enterprise that holds a controlling stake in California’s Kern Water Bank. Critics claim they control the state’s water resources and have insufficiently supported firefighting efforts. The Kern Water Bank stores significant quantities of water underground for various uses during dry seasons, serving both agricultural needs and local communities. However, it’s crucial to note that this facility is situated over a hundred miles from Los Angeles and doesn’t supply the city’s water. The Wonderful Company, which the Resnicks run, firmly denied the claims, asserting that they do not control California’s water resources or supply water to Los Angeles.
While there has been ongoing criticism regarding the company’s significant water consumption, particularly during drought conditions, Gleick clarified that the Resnicks are not involved in the water supply complications related to the wildfires. “There are indeed numerous issues with California’s water distribution and the dominance of large agricultural firms like the Resnicks, but these issues are entirely separate from the challenges faced in managing the fires in Los Angeles,” he stated.
Accusations surrounding insufficient fire hydrants and an empty reservoir have also surfaced. In the early firefighting efforts, some hydrants in Los Angeles failed to work, leading to substantial backlash on social media, including comments from President-elect Donald Trump that targeted the water management practices of Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. State officials clarified that the dry hydrants were not due to poor water management or a lack of supply but were instead experiencing excessive strain during aerial firefighting efforts that were hindered by strong winds. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power indicated they were providing ample water, but demand surged to an unprecedented level, outpacing their supply capabilities, particularly in critical areas like Pacific Palisades.
Janisse Quiñones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, noted that while three million gallons were available at the onset of the Palisades fire, the demand increased dramatically. She explained that systems are designed to manage smaller-scale fires rather than dealing with large-scale infernos and that refilling the tanks required a pause in firefighting activities.
Additionally, critics questioned the state of the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which plays a vital role in the water supply for both drinking and firefighting in Pacific Palisades, as it was found empty during the fire outbreak. Some social media users called for accountability or even criminal charges against officials, suggesting that they prioritized diversity and equity initiatives over urgent water management needs. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power stated that the reservoir has been drained for nearly a year for essential repairs, noting that the maintenance process inherently takes time.
Marty Adams, a former general manager at LADWP, explained that draining the reservoir provided a clearer understanding of the needed repairs, which turned out to be more extensive than anticipated. He remarked that even if the reservoir were filled, it likely wouldn’t have been ready in time to impact firefighting efforts.
Governor Newsom has requested an independent review to probe the hydrants and the reservoir situation, with at least one lawsuit already being filed regarding the reservoir incident.
Amidst all this, a video surfaced showing firefighters attempting to extinguish flames with small bags, leading to mockery on social media, where some users referred to them as “women’s handbags.” There were unfounded claims that funds meant for proper firefighting equipment had been misallocated towards other initiatives. In response, officials clarified that the small canvas bags displayed in the footage are standard tools used by firefighters for small-scale fires, demonstrating that they can be more effective than a lengthy hose in certain scenarios.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed concerns that the misinformation could dishearten firefighting teams. “When firefighters hear doubts about their efforts or commitment, it can be incredibly discouraging,” she noted.
Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, executive director at the National Association for Media Literacy Education, condemned the dissemination of false information, describing it as “irresponsible” and emphasizing its potential to affect people’s actions and coping mechanisms during traumatic times. “The spread of falsehoods during crises can lead to severe consequences,” she added.
