California sends more search and rescue crews to Texas
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~ SACRAMENTO - In response to the severe flooding in Texas, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the deployment of additional Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R) members from California. The team, consisting of 3 members, will join the 42 California US&R members already in Kerr, Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts.

The deployment includes Human Remains Detection (HRD) Teams with canines and their handlers from the Oakland Fire Department and Sacramento Fire Department. Other team members from Los Angeles County, Menlo Park, Orange County, and Riverside County are also on the ground in Texas aiding in the search.

These highly-trained and specialized teams will be working in and around the hardest hit areas of flooding to assist with emergency operations. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is working closely with Texas through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

Governor Newsom expressed his pride in California's ability to help fellow Americans during times of need. He stated, "We help our fellow Americans in times of need. California is proud to assist in the ongoing response to the devastating Texas floods."

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To prevent overworking the canine teams, a rotation schedule has been implemented where they work two consecutive days followed by a rest day at Base of Operations. This decision was made after canine teams were requested and approved for extending their work assignments from 14 to 21 days.

Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES, acknowledged the difficult task at hand for these crews under challenging conditions. She stated, "This is a very difficult task. I appreciate the hard work being done by our crews under very difficult conditions. Cal OES is proud to help those in need in Texas."

This deployment adds to California's efforts to aid other states during emergencies. In 2023, California deployed Urban Search and Rescue members to Hawaii for wildfire response. In 2022, firefighters, disaster recovery experts, and other personnel were sent to Montana, New Mexico, and Oregon. In 2021, California also provided assistance to Oregon's response to the Bootleg Fire and sent specialized Urban Search and Rescue Resources teams to Florida following the Surfside condo collapse.

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It is important to note that this deployment will not affect California's emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

In other news, Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis expressed their condolences for the death of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. They stated, "This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd will be remembered for his dedication and service to our state."

Additionally, Governor Newsom announced that the High Speed Rail Authority is suing the Trump administration over its illegal termination of federal grants funding the project. This comes after reports highlighting the importance of extending California's preeminent climate program - Cap-and-Invest - which could result in 287,000 jobs and $55 billion in economic growth.

As Governor Newsom and legislative leaders continue to work on extending this program, it is clear that it plays a critical role in both the state's economic future and its efforts towards combating climate change.

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