Comparing to the levee breeches is loose at best. They were built and maintained to withstand what was expected to be beyond any future storm.
What they failed to hold back exceeded what any predictions could have anticipated.
California, on the other hand, faces fire season with a great deal of apathy until the inevitable happens. There is not nearly the proactive energy that should be in place.
I think some funding might be available if any plans for preventative measures worthy of attention would materialize.
Having lived on both coasts and multiple locations between, I have had opportunity to observe the attitudes of many Californians. Most are basically oblivious to a whole continent existing east of the Sierras. Worse, they are so in the moment they do little to protect themselves in ways they can, as if everything were as unpredictable as earthquakes.
This is not everyone, but it is a vast majority.
California needs its citizens to vote it’s issues, fact check their own political process, and quit telling the rest of the country how wrong they are. Is it any wonder stars feel they stand a great chance as politicians when so many people will vote for a pretty smile and baby kissers?
Plan ahead, and put in office those who will act on preventive measures, with funding and manpower.
Feeling singled out? California put itself in that position, by making it clear they feel autonomous, and without desire to associate themselves with the rest of the country.
Life, the world are not scripted. We have to face things which are not pretty. When California gets that, and falls in step, then maybe they can feel the pride and reassurance the rest of us get from our decisions.