Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at enhancing California's strategies for community hardening and wildfire mitigation. This move seeks to bolster the state's resilience against future urban firestorms.

"We are living in a new reality of extremes," said Governor Newsom. "Believe the science – and your own damn eyes: Mother Nature is changing the way we live, and we must continue adapting to those changes."

The executive order includes several key directives. The State Board of Forestry is tasked with accelerating the adoption of "Zone 0" regulations, which will establish an ember-resistant zone within five feet of structures in high fire severity zones. The Office of the State Fire Marshal will release updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, adding 1.4 million acres into higher tiers of fire severity. This will impact building and planning requirements statewide.

Additionally, CAL FIRE and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) are required to collaborate with local, federal, and tribal partners to improve the Federal resource ordering system for wildfire response.

The initiative also emphasizes protecting homes by developing "Zone 0" regulations that require an ember-resistant zone within five feet of structures in very high fire hazard severity zones. These regulations are expected to be phased in over three years for existing homes.

To further enhance wildfire prevention efforts, California has more than doubled its investments since 2020, allocating over $2.5 billion towards wildfire resilience. An additional $1.5 billion from the 2024 Climate Bond will be committed this year for proactive projects.

Technological advancements have also been a focus under Newsom's administration. California has expanded its aerial firefighting fleet and integrated AI-powered tools for quicker fire detection.

In anticipation of severe fire weather conditions earlier this year, Cal OES prepositioned firefighting resources across Southern California counties, mobilizing over 16,000 personnel during recent wildfires.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg expressed support for these measures: "Twenty years ago, I never could have dreamed that we would have the strong leadership we have today."

Senator Susan Eggman praised Californians' efforts: "Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness."

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin highlighted Proposition 1 as a crucial step toward addressing homelessness: "This started as an audacious proposal... Now it’s time for all of us to get to work."

The transformation of mental health services into behavioral health services remains a significant aspect of Governor Newsom's agenda.