Environment

Sirens, texts, even church bells. California wildfire alerts and evacuations still ad hoc

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.

By

Julie Cart

• November 15, 2019

California Wildfires

7 affordable ways to protect your home from wildfires

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.

By

Adria Watson

• November 13, 2019

Environment

As California burns, scientists search the smoke for threats to firefighter health

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

By

Rachel Becker

• November 12, 2019

California Wildfires

Watch: Learning to live with fire

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

By

CalMatters Staff

• November 12, 2019

Housing

Will Paradise be rebuilt without its largest low-income housing complex?

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.

By

Matt Levin

• November 8, 2019

The microgrid, or small energy system, that powers the California desert town of Borrego Springs is seen from above. Photo courtesy of San Diego Gas & Electric

Environment

Five things to know about microgrids

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

By

Julie Cart

• November 1, 2019

Gov. Gavin Newsom surveys a home destroyed in the Kincade Fire

California Wildfires

Comforting California, Newsom bashes a familiar villain — PG&E

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.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• October 31, 2019

California Divide

For California well owners, clean water is hard to get as state, local hurdles remain

Water is scarce and dirty for many in Fresno County’s small West Park community. They’re not alone. It’s a common and persistent challenge for residents throughout California who rely on water wells. Residents in West Park, an unincorporated cluster of houses and buildings on the southwestern outskirts of Fresno, say they have stopped drinking the […]

By

Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado

• October 31, 2019

Firefighters stand watch by a fire line along Mayacama Club Drive as the Kincade Fire burns in the outskirts of Santa Rosa on Oct. 28, 2019. Photo by Dai Sugano, Bay Area News Group

Explainers

California’s on fire, unplugged and out of easy answers. So why don’t we…?

Only hard options remain for dealing with California’s wildfire crisis. From controlled burns to burying power lines to breaking up PG&E, what are the odds?

By

Julie Cart

and

Judy Lin

• October 30, 2019

A firefighter can be seen running and using a hose to help contain a fire in front of him that is devouring nearby buildings and structures.

Explainers

California’s worsening wildfires explained

In California, wildfire season is nearly year-round. CalMatters explores why, and what could help fireproof the state.

By

Julie Cart

• October 25, 2019