UC Santa Cruz research focused on the wildland-urban interface and disaster resilience and preparedness will be on interactive display Sunday as Watsonville celebrates Earth Day at its downtown plaza.
Wildfires
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Could utility gear set your neighborhood on fire? California risk maps are 8 years old
California’s Public Advocate has been pressing for new utility fire maps since 2023. Utilities are on board — but regulators turned them down.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County seeks community input on natural disaster preparation
Santa Cruz County is seeking community opinions as it updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan to reduce losses from natural disasters, with preparedness events in English and Spanish set for the coming month.
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250 pile burns set to take place around Santa Cruz, San Mateo counties
Pile burns are scheduled through April at a number of state parks in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, including the Forest of Nisene Marks, Henry Cowell and Big Basin.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Californians approved $1.5 billion for wildfire prevention. How will the state spend it?
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed spending climate bond money dedicated to wildfire mitigation in various ways. Some lawmakers think a focused strategy would be more effective.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Why bills to help prevent California fires fail
Each year, California legislation aimed at better wildfire mitigation fails – often due to cost or conflict with environmental regulations.
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Big homeowners insurance rate hike from State Farm shot down by California regulator
In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, State Farm asked for an “emergency” premium increase of 22% on average for California homeowners. On Friday, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara denied the request pending more information.
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Prescribed burns at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park were carefully planned, will improve health of old-growth forest
Timing the blazes between soggy storms, California State Parks workers and volunteers stage prescribed burns of piles of collected brush, branches and limbs to reduce the danger of uncontrolled fire and to make the forest more healthy.
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More than 2 million acres of local land in California designated as ‘high’ or ‘very high’ fire danger areas
In some areas, hazards have surged. Buildings in the highest hazard zones will be subject to the strictest fire-resiliency rules. New Bay Area maps are coming later this month, with new Central Coast maps due in March.
Posted inLatest News
Prescribed burns planned Wednesday at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Prescribed burns will be conducted at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The burns will take place in the Old Growth Redwood Loop and along Pipeline Road.