On Monday, developer and philanthropist Rick Caruso urged Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to dismiss Janisse Quiñones, the CEO of the LA Water and Power Department (LAWDP). Caruso claimed that the main reservoirs were not being properly maintained.
According to reports, the Santay Nez Reservoir, which can hold 117 million gallons, was almost depleted during the Palisade fire in January. Workers found cracks in its cover, which had to be repaired as mandated by federal regulations. To address the cracks, the reservoir was drained, and it hasn’t been refilled more than a year later.
After the fire, efforts to refill the reservoir began, but, as reported, it had to be drained again last month due to newly discovered cracks in the cover.
Just last week, it was mentioned that the city had been exploring alternatives for several months prior to the fire, but these efforts came too late to prevent the blaze that consumed 24,000 acres.
This situation prompted Caruso to express his concerns regarding the current leadership.
In 2024, Quiñones was appointed to her role, touted for her extensive experience managing large gas and electrical companies, along with over 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. However, she also gained attention for her focus on “fairness” in her work politics, which some believe overshadowed traditional concerns.
As a result, Quiñones has faced significant criticism. Recently, LADWP was considering introducing private safety measures under her leadership. Notably, her salary of $750,000 is reportedly double that of her predecessor.
