California Wildfires

We covered how Californians were affected by the workings — or non-workings — of their state government. Here are highlights:

The system Down Under fosters self-reliance, giving homeowners tools to protect themselves when expecting firefighters’ help is not realistic.

Pacific Gas & Electric turned off power to Ana Patricia Rios’ neighborhood in Sonoma County for eight days in October, three at the beginning of the month and five near the end. The mother of three young boys watched twice as nearly all of the food in her refrigerator spoiled. She threw out at least […]

There is no statewide standard for emergency evacuation, no set of uniform, comprehensive plans that can be called upon in emergencies, not just for fire but for floods and earthquakes.

As wildfires become more frequent and ferocious, state officials recommend that homeowners do more to harden property in high-risk areas. Fireproofing can be pricey, but some solutions are no more expensive than basic home repairs. 

“You get exposed to a lot of stuff over the years, and the body takes a beatdown."

Wildfires, blackouts, angry residents and a furious governor. Things have to change in California, but how? Listen to our PolicyMatters discussion.

An obscure federal rule could keep more than 80 low-income residents from moving back to the town destroyed by the deadliest wildfire in state history. 

It may be satisfying for frustrated utility customers to declare they are going to "cut the cord." But the reality isn't so simple.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s lambasting of PG&E as California reels from wildfires and mass blackouts reflects his roots in San Francisco — and a public perception that’s built up over the last half century.