Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
“The Power to See Threats Sooner”: Gov. Newsom, Safety Officials, Showcase California’s Investments in Hi-Tech Wildfire Prevention
On July 21, Gov. Gavin Newsom held a presentation in Sacramento, alongside state emergency officials, to showcase California’s major investments in cutting-edge firefighting technology and wildfire prevention.
The media event took place at McClellan Airport in Sacramento County, a primary hub for state aerial firefighting operations. Newsom used the presentation to highlight the state’s modern, tech-driven strategy to combat increasingly severe wildfires.
“California leads with science, innovation, and grit. We are meeting this moment with urgency and building 21st-century solutions for a 21st-century crisis,” Newsom stated. “And through it all, our extraordinary firefighters continue to step up, stand in harm’s way, and protect our communities.”
California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot, CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler, and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs appeared with Newsom and provided updates about their respective agencies.
Under the Newsom administration, California’s fire protection budget has nearly doubled since 2019 — from $2 billion to $3.8 billion, including more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience and forest health projects.
Newsom detailed the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) programs, predictive analytics, and sophisticated software used to detect fires at their earliest stages. He also highlighted the launch of FireSat satellites, a dedicated space network designed to dramatically improve early wildfire detection and tracking.
“Every innovation we adopt supports our people on the front lines who work tirelessly to protect our communities when wildfire strikes,” Tyler stated. “Technology and innovation help us do our jobs more quickly and safely; however, we still need all Californians to stay vigilant, support our firefighters, and work together to build a safer, more resilient California.”
In addition, CAL Fire showcased a fleet of more than 100 AI-guided firefighting drones positioned strategically across California to provide real-time mapping and aerial monitoring.
The presentation stated that California operates the nation’s largest state-owned aerial firefighting fleet, including the impending addition of two more C-130 aircraft by the end of the year, alongside a workforce of over 11,000 personnel.
“Technology is transforming how California prepares for wildfire, giving us the power to see threats sooner, position resources before fires start and move mutual aid faster when every second counts,” Thomas Jacobs said. “Governor Newsom’s investments are helping us turn real-time intelligence into action, so firefighters and local communities have the people, equipment and information needed to save lives and keep fires from becoming major disasters.”
Rep. Kamlager Dove Demands Care, Justice for Man Shot by ICE
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) is calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide immediate medical care to a constituent she says has been denied treatment after being shot by ICE officers last year.
Speaking on the House floor, Kamlager-Dove urged ICE to provide urgent care for Carlitos Ricardo Parias, describing him as a father, husband and community volunteer who was recognized by his local city council for his service.
According to Kamlager-Dove, Parias was shot near his elbow by ICE during an encounter in October. She said he received initial treatment at a hospital but has not received proper medical care since being transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in December.
The congresswoman said she visited Parias in late May and found his condition had worsened. She said his hand had turned purple, his fingers had become atrophied, and he was suffering from headaches and persistent nerve pain.
“I am worried that he may have a bone infection, and that his arm could be amputated,” said Kamlager-Dove during her remarks.
Kamlager-Dove said Parias’ case highlights broader concerns about medical care at the Adelanto detention facility. She noted that a federal judge recently ordered sweeping changes to improve conditions for detainees.
“It is time for ICE to comply with this judge’s orders and end this cruelty at Adelanto and nationwide,” she said.
ICE has not publicly responded to the allegations raised during Kamlager-Dove’s House floor speech. The congresswoman urged the agency to provide Parias with immediate medical treatment while implementing the court-ordered reforms at the Adelanto facility.
