California National Guard fire crews operating at just 40% capacity due to Trump’s illegal Guard deployment
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~ SACRAMENTO - As peak fire season rages on in California, the state's National Guard fire crews, known as Task Force Rattlesnake, are operating at just 40% capacity due to President Trump's illegal deployment of the Guard to Los Angeles. This diversion of resources has left only six out of 14 teams available for firefighting efforts, a significant decrease from nine teams just last week.

Task Force Rattlesnake is made up of over 300 members of the California National Guard who work under the direction of CAL FIRE to fight and prevent fires. However, with the federalization of the Guard by President Trump, their critical firefighting efforts have been impacted and CAL FIRE has had to step in to fill the gaps.

Governor Gavin Newsom has called on President Trump to rescind his illegal order and allow the Guard to return to their crucial firefighting and prevention work that keeps communities safe. This comes as the state also faces cuts from the U.S. Forest Service, which has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response.

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Despite these challenges, California remains committed to protecting its communities from wildfires. Over the past five years, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually. And over the next four years, they plan to hire thousands more firefighters and support personnel.

In addition, Governor Newsom recently announced $72 million for projects across the state aimed at reducing catastrophic wildfire risk. This includes fast-tracking 20 new vegetation management projects spanning nearly 8,000 acres under a new streamlining initiative.

These efforts build on previous actions taken by California to confront the ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires in a hotter and drier climate. Governor Newsom's emergency proclamation signed in March allowed for fast-tracking forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. And just last month, the state's second C-130 Hercules airtanker was announced as ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world.

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The state is also taking bold steps to streamline regulatory processes and increase wildfire response and forest management efforts. However, more needs to be done to ensure water sustainability in the face of a changing climate. Despite efforts to increase groundwater and develop partnerships with water agencies, California's water system remains unprepared for the future.

In other news, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have sounded the alarm on Trump's plan to defund Planned Parenthood three years after Roe v. Wade was overturned. They warn that this would strip millions of Americans, especially low-income women, of access to vital healthcare services.

And in a somber moment, Governor Newsom honored fallen Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant Shiou Deng who dedicated over 26 years of service to protecting his community. The Governor and First Partner expressed their condolences for his loss and recognized his dedication and sacrifice.

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