First of all, I’m inclined to believe cutting water rescues was just a scam to get people to accept a tax hike. Sadly, a lot of towns and counties will first cut or threaten to cut stuff that the public sees as essential just to get more money. My city has done it a few time with the police force, yet always finds money somewhere to keep the cops when the tax hike is voted down.

I’m more curious about the first responders. I realize anyone going into the water would lose their job, but is the job market in California so bad that it’s worth letting someone die to stay employed? What am I missing here?