Gavin Newsom’s ‘burn’ grants insult fire victims
Gavin Newsom's funding of 'cultural burns' has drawn criticism for being an inadequate response to wildfire prevention. While aimed at reviving indigenous practices, some of the funds are reportedly misused or symbolic rather than practical. Critics argue that this approach neglects the urgent need for effective brush clearance to protect communities from wildfires.
- ▪California is spending millions on grants for a 'Tribal Wildfire Resilience' program to support cultural burns by Native American tribes.
- ▪Some funds are allegedly being diverted for other purposes, which has angered fire victims seeking effective brush clearance.
- ▪State policies have restricted firefighting efforts in areas with cultural artifacts, potentially exacerbating wildfire risks.
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Opinion Gavin Newsom’s ‘burn’ grants insult fire victims By CA Post Editorial Board Published May 28, 2026, 11:10 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google Gavin Newsom has been funding “cultural burns.” No, not the Burning Man festival — though that might be a better use of the money — but rituals by Native American tribes that claim to be reviving indigenous practices of brush clearance. The Manhattan Institute has revealed that the state of California is spending millions of dollars on grants through a “Tribal Wildfire Resilience” program. Local tribes cite the ancient, precolonial practices of controlled burning that cleared brush and allowed for useful plants to be grown.
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