Isn’t it emblematic of our tendency to get tremendously outraged over a current news event…

… only for upset and interest to fade away?

The news cycle moves on. And so do we.

Today, however, marks three months since wildfires ignited in and around Los Angeles County, with one of the most devastating being the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades.

Seeing as it’s arguably one of the biggest government screwups in decades…

How about some accountability in Southern California?

So, today, let's check in on who has been held responsible... IF ANYONE!

Your Rundown for Monday, April 7, 2025...

L.A. Water Czar Needs 24/7 Security?

When we last touched on the devastating Palisades Fire, 6,000 structures had been destroyed and 11 lives lost.

As we noted, the fire exposed critical failures in Los Angeles' emergency infrastructure, especially the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir.

This 117 million-gallon facility, located in Pacific Palisades, was offline for repairs after a tear was discovered in its protective cover nearly a year earlier.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) cited delays due to competitive bidding requirements, with repairs scheduled to conclude by February 2025. (The definition of too little, too late.)

So firefighters faced dry hydrants and low water pressure as demand overwhelmed the system, prompting outrage from residents and officials alike.

While DWP officials maintained that the reservoir alone wouldn’t have resolved the crisis, union leaders and residents called its year-long emptiness “unacceptable.”

Which brings us to Janisse Quinones — CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since May 2024.

With a $750,000 annual salary — vastly higher than her predecessor’s — her leadership and past roles have been scrutinized.

Quinones, a mechanical engineer from Puerto Rico with experience working for major utilities, held senior positions at PG&E, National Grid and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE).

• But her history with PG&E — known for its history of lawsuits and liabilities — amplifies doubts about her suitability for LADWP’s top position.

• Also, during her time at SDGE, Quinones was involved in Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Maria recovery efforts, where allegations of disaster-relief fraud implicated several FEMA employees whom she worked alongside, though Quinones herself was not charged.

• Perhaps most glaringly, Quinones’ leadership has been criticized for heavily prioritizing DEI initiatives over disaster preparedness.

As Los Angeles grapples with billions in damages and loss of life, Quinones’ leadership is seen by many as symptomatic of systemic mismanagement in California.

But if you’re thinking Quinones would be held accountable for her actions (or inactions), think again…

Instead, amid public backlash, Quinones has faced threats to her personal safety. In response, LADWP proposed a $700,000 private security contract — awaiting cost review.

The proposed contract would fund armed security and a driver for Quinones for one year.

Not only that, she was recently elected to the Smart Electric Power Alliance Board of Directors.

And although Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an independent investigation into the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s prolonged closure, findings have yet to be released.

Meanwhile, the LADWP also hired an independent engineer to assess whether the empty reservoir contributed to the system’s shortcomings during the crisis.

It appears that all parties involved are engaged in classic CYA moves. With no accountability in sight.

Market Rundown for Monday, April 7, 2025

S&P 500 futures are down 2.50% to 4,980.

Oil is down 2.60% to $60.35 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is slightly in the red at $3,030 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is down 2.65% to $77,295.