I don't know about California but the same kinda shit happened in France. In 2007 our health minister had a bad time because she orderer massive amount of tests, masks, and hydro-alcoolic solutions. It was during SRAS, and at the time for 'nothing'.

All those item were needed 3 weeks ago, but the stock were never fully replenish since. Most of those things are perishable.

WTF.