Wildfires

Newsletters

Newsom’s death row reprieves, the mob hit that informed his decision, Edison’s fire report

Why Gov. Gavin Newsom issued death penalty reprieves, the mob hit that informed his decision, Southern California Edison power lines sparked the Thomas Fire

By Dan Morain • March 14, 2019

Capitol

Utilities pushed toward fire prevention as Edison is blamed for Thomas Fire

California lawmakers pressure utilities to improve fire safety as Southern California Edison is blamed for the 2017 Thomas Fire and ensuing mudslides.

By Judy Lin • March 13, 2019

Commentary

Southern California Edison new rate plan jeopardizes renewable energy

Californians want to make an investment in renewable energy and encourage electricity usage during times when it is being sourced from non-renewable sources. But upcoming changes to Southern California Edison’s “time-of-use” rate plans would  discourage solar adoption in pursuit of short-term profits when we should be ensuring that renewable energy is embraced by as many as possible.

By Guest Commentary • March 5, 2019

Newsletters

Fire, rain, PG&E’s dire straits, and privacy

The bill comes due for PG&E. Early wildflowers hint at a scary fire season. Sites Reservoir gets a bipartisan boost. What to know about data privacy.

By Dan Morain • March 1, 2019

Environment

California blooms again after last year’s fires—but it’s not all good

Malibu's sprouting hills show how fresh growth can renew wildfire danger.

By Julie Cart • February 28, 2019

Capitol

Should California buy disaster insurance?

Hoping to save California taxpayers some money after spending nearly $1 billion to fight wildfires last year, Napa Democratic Sen. Bill Dodd, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Treasurer Fiona Ma say it’s time to look at purchasing disaster insurance for the state.

By Judy Lin • February 14, 2019

Politics

Here’s why PG&E is taking drastic measures to prevent the next big wildfire

Customers will likely pay more and victims will get less should PG&E be liable for another major wildfire while the company is in bankruptcy.

By Judy Lin • February 13, 2019

California Wildfires

My turn: Here’s how rooftop solar can combat wildfires

We have a short period of time until the next fire season hits us. PG&E’s troubles have Californians demanding better solutions from their utilities, now. Sustainable business models and partnerships with solar leaders looking to protect fire-prone communities are a start.

By Guest Commentary • February 13, 2019

Newsletters

The border, the next wildfire, oil and water

Newsom pulls border troops, an 'un-American' transgender ban, the next big fire, a possible oil tax, Felicia Marcus may be out, and the State of the State.

By Dan Morain • February 12, 2019

Politics

What happens when the next big wildfire hits?

As political pressure mounts with every disaster, California is scrambling to prepare for the coming fire season, from firefighting to utilities to the law.

By Judy Lin • February 11, 2019