Summary of The Dollop Episode 666: "The Resnicks: Water Monsters"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
• Host/Author: All Things Comedy
• Description: Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds pick a subject from history and examine it.
• Episode Number: 666 - Re-release
• Release Date: January 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 666 titled "The Resnicks: Water Monsters," hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the intricate and controversial history of Stuart and Linda Resnick. This in-depth exploration reveals how the Resnicks amassed significant control over California's water resources and agricultural sectors, leading to profound environmental and socio-economic impacts. Due to unforeseen logistical issues caused by recent fires in California, the hosts opted to re-release this pivotal episode instead of producing a new one, emphasizing the episode's relevance in the current context.

Early Beginnings of Stuart and Linda Resnick

Stuart Resnick’s Rise to Power ([03:36])

Stuart Resnick, born on December 24, 1936, in Middlebush, New Jersey, was raised in a turbulent household where his father, a bar owner, exhibited heavy gambling habits. This unstable environment instilled in Stuart a penchant for risk-taking. After relocating west in 1960, Stuart attended UCLA, where he co-founded a successful cleaning business. As Gareth quips, "That's how much of a gambler he was" ([04:05]), highlighting Stuart's audacious business ventures.

Linda Ray Harris Resnick’s Foray into Advertising ([07:00])

Linda Ray Harris, born in 1942 in Philadelphia, moved to Los Angeles at 15 when her father became a movie producer. Contrary to her aspirations to attend art school, Linda established her own advertising agency, Linda Limited, by the age of 24 despite being divorced with three children. Her strategic marketing skills became a cornerstone for the Resnicks' expanding empire.

Monopolizing Water: The Kern Water Bank

Strategic Acquisition of Water Rights ([10:07])

During California’s severe droughts in the late 1970s, the Resnicks capitalized on plummeting land prices to acquire vast tracts of agricultural land in Kern County. By 1987, they owned over 100,000 acres of pistachios and almonds. Gareth humorously notes, "They are selling water that doesn't exist" ([20:53]), referring to the Resnicks' manipulation of water rights.

The Paper Water Scheme ([21:00])

In a covert 1994 deal, Stuart Resnick proposed transferring the Kern Water Bank to his Westside Mutual Water Company, effectively creating "paper water" — legal claims to non-existent water resources. Dave emphasizes the absurdity, stating, "It's fucking ridiculous" ([15:55]). This maneuver allowed the Resnicks to claim additional water rights without actual water, giving them undue advantage during droughts.

Expansion into Bottled Water: Fiji Water

Acquisition and Marketing ([34:04])

In 2004, the Resnicks acquired Fiji Water, positioning it as a premium bottled water brand. By aggressively marketing to celebrities and featuring it in major media outlets, Fiji Water became the number one selling bottled water in the U.S. Gareth mocks the environmental disregard, saying, "They are selling water that doesn't exist" ([20:53]), referring back to their earlier schemes.

Environmental and Ethical Controversies ([43:36])

The Resnicks faced backlash for Fiji Water's environmental impact, including plastic pollution and exploitation of Fiji's natural resources. Linda attempted damage control with slogans like "Every drop is green" ([43:27]), but environmental activists criticized the company's practices, highlighting the hypocrisy in their marketing efforts.

Impact on Local Communities and the Environment

Water Scarcity and Land Subsidence ([48:17])

The Resnicks' extensive water usage, particularly during droughts, led to significant depletion of California’s aquifers. By pumping over 400,000 acre-feet of water annually for their orchards, they surpassed even the water consumption of major cities like Los Angeles. Gareth sarcastically remarks, "You just need to list how much water each product takes" ([48:37]), underscoring the unsustainable nature of their operations.

Exploitation of Farm Workers ([63:08])

In regions like Lost Hills, Kern County, farm workers endured substandard living conditions, relying on overpriced bottled water due to contaminated tap sources. The Resnicks' dominance forced workers to allocate a substantial portion of their meager wages to sustain basic necessities. Dave expresses frustration, "They have to buy bottled water which costs them $50 to $100 a month while working for the number one water bottlers in the world" ([63:08]).

Philanthropy and Public Image Rehabilitation

Philanthropic Ventures ([62:56])

To mitigate their tarnished reputation, the Resnicks invested heavily in philanthropy, funding scholarships, building schools, and launching wellness programs for their workers. Gareth highlights the superficial nature of these efforts, saying, "This is just like Jonestown" ([52:10]), implying coercion rather than genuine altruism.

Marketing "Doing Good" ([69:00])

Despite facing legal challenges and public outcry, the Resnicks continued to present themselves as benevolent philanthropists. Linda proclaimed, "Our company has always believed that success means doing well by doing good" ([69:11]), a statement met with skepticism given their ongoing exploitative practices.

Political Influence and Legal Manipulations

Lobbying and Influence ([40:18])

Through substantial donations to political figures and advocacy groups, the Resnicks exerted significant influence over water policies in California. This financial clout enabled them to evade regulations and perpetuate their monopolistic control over water resources. Dave criticizes the corruption, stating, "The power to buy state deals has allowed them to keep expanding" ([40:18]).

Suppression of Environmental Protections ([77:00])

The Resnicks actively worked to undermine environmental protections, particularly those safeguarding the delta smelt, an indicator species crucial to the ecosystem's health. By influencing legislation and funding political campaigns, they ensured favorable outcomes that prioritized their interests over environmental sustainability.

Environmental and Economic Consequences

Ecological Degradation ([85:00])

The Resnicks' relentless water extraction led to severe ecological repercussions, including land subsidence, damaged infrastructure, and the decline of native species. The depletion of aquifers not only threatened the environment but also jeopardized the livelihoods of countless farmers reliant on these water sources.

Economic Strain on Communities ([87:19])

Local communities faced mounting economic pressures as water scarcity forced residents to spend exorbitant amounts on bottled water and struggle with deteriorating infrastructure. Gareth poignantly remarks, "We just are not allowed to be shocked when we live in Mad Max" ([87:43]), highlighting the dystopian reality imposed by the Resnicks' actions.

Conclusion

Episode 666 of "The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds" offers a scathing critique of the Resnicks' monopolistic and environmentally destructive practices. Through a blend of humor and investigative storytelling, the hosts shed light on how Stuart and Linda Resnick's manipulation of water resources and political influence wreaked havoc on California's environment and marginalized communities. This episode serves as a compelling case study on the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the critical need for stringent environmental and regulatory oversight.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave: "That's how much of a gambler he was" ([04:05])
• Gareth: "If you don't like it, you're a Dallas hole" ([00:43])
• Dave: "They are selling water that doesn't exist" ([20:53])
• Gareth: "You just need to list how much water each product takes" ([48:37])
• Dave: "They have to buy bottled water which costs them $50 to $100 a month while working for the number one water bottlers in the world" ([63:08])
• Gareth: "This is just like Jonestown" ([52:10])

Key Takeaways:

1. Monopolization of Water Resources: The Resnicks strategically acquired vast water rights in California, enabling them to control essential resources critical during droughts.
2. Environmental Impact: Their excessive water extraction led to land subsidence, ecological degradation, and the near-extinction of native species like the delta smelt.
3. Exploitation of Labor: Local farm workers suffered from poor living conditions, high costs of bottled water, and minimal wages due to the Resnicks' dominance.
4. Political Corruption: Through significant lobbying and donations, the Resnicks influenced water policies to favor their interests, undermining environmental protections.
5. Facade of Philanthropy: Despite engaging in exploitative practices, the Resnicks invested in philanthropic ventures to rehabilitate their public image, often appearing disingenuous.
6. Call for Regulation: The episode underscores the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent corporate monopolies and protect environmental and community welfare.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements and discussions from Episode 666, providing a clear understanding of the Resnicks' influence and the ensuing consequences without requiring prior listening to the podcast.