Accusations are swirling through the online sphere, targeting Stewart and Lynda Resnick, a couple revered for their vast wealth and entrepreneurial prowess through The Wonderful Company. The charges claim that they are hoarding water necessary to combat the relentless wildfires that plague Southern California. While it’s true that the Resnicks possess significant water rights in California, the narrative that they are impeding firefighting efforts is misleading. Let’s dive into this complex issue and uncover the facts.
Who Are the Resnicks?
Stewart and Lynda Resnick are the powerhouse duo behind The Wonderful Company, a brand you might recognize for its delicious products like Wonderful Pistachios, POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, and Halo tangerines. Established in 1979, this company has grown to be one of the largest food producers globally, significantly contributing to the agriculture sector in California, a region notorious for its water necessity.
But what’s drawing attention recently? Well, the Resnicks own a substantial portion of the Kern Water Bank, a vast underground reservoir about 150 miles from Los Angeles. Spanning 32 square miles, this reservoir can hold a staggering 500 billion gallons of water, and the couple holds 57% of the rights to tap into that water supply, which has caused a bit of an uproar online.
Debunking the Hoarding Claims
It’s essential to clarify that accusations stating the Resnicks control 60% of California’s water supply are simply not accurate. While they possess a significant portion of the Kern Water Bank, they do not monopolize the state’s water resources. Such misinterpretations fuel anger online, especially during natural disasters when water is critical for firefighting efforts.
Understanding California Water Rights
California operates under a unique system of water rights where various stakeholders, including municipalities, agriculture, and homeowners, hold the rights to use water rather than owning the water itself.
Here’s a brief overview of California’s water rights:
- Legal Permission: Water rights in California permit holders to utilize a reasonable amount of water for beneficial activities such as farming or industry.
- Sales and Transfers: Rights holders can sell or lease their water rights to others if needed.
- Prohibition Against Waste: The California state constitution prohibits unreasonable water usage, granting the government authority to intervene if water is withheld on a massive scale.
Felicia Marcus, the former Chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board, notes that the state’s constitution’s provisions mean that if there were widespread withholding, the government could enforce restrictions or even revoke rights to protect public interests.
How The Resnicks Utilize Water Resources
According to a representative for The Wonderful Company, the Kern Water Bank is just one of several water sources they can access. The company mainly draws from this reservoir during drier years, ensuring they use less than 1% of the state’s overall water supply. They emphasize their commitment to responsible water usage as part of a broader community of farmers and ranchers who significantly contribute to national food production.
Here’s a quick comparison of the Resnicks’ water usage with California’s overall water resources:
| Resource | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total water in California | Approximately 39 million acre-feet |
| Resnicks’ water usage | Less than 1% of statewide supply |
The Wildfire Context
Now, let’s connect the dots between the Resnicks’ water rights and the ongoing firefighting efforts around Los Angeles. Claims about the couple’s water rights impacting firefighting efforts during the wildfire crisis are unfounded. In fact, the current reservoirs supplying Los Angeles County are at or above historical averages, as reported by the California Department of Water Resources.
When wildfires rage, cities may request additional water, including from the Kern Water Bank, but the state’s water storage levels are in good shape. As Felicia Marcus points out, the issue is less about water availability and more about the challenges urban systems face in handling greater fire demands.
The Bigger Picture
While it’s easy to focus on individual tales of wealth and supposed hoarding during crises, the reality is much more nuanced. Marcus acknowledges that California’s water system does face significant challenges, including enforcement issues and a complicated regulatory framework. However, these systemic issues should not be misattributed to any single entity, including the Resnicks.
Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction
The narrative surrounding Stewart and Lynda Resnick reflects broader societal frustrations around wealth distribution and resource management. However, as we’ve explored, this couple is not to blame for the hardships faced during wildfire seasons in Southern California. Their water rights are legally and ethically utilized, and the state is not lacking in water reserves during these critical times.
For those passionate about addressing California’s ongoing water issues, it’s crucial to focus on systemic reforms rather than scapegoating individuals. Engaging in constructive dialogue can lead to better management of resources for all Californians.
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions about California’s water rights or the role of the Resnicks in our agriculture system—you might just spark the next important conversation!
