Call to Action: Why We Need Immediate Government Funding for the 2021 Fire Season
As you know, California witnessed its worst wildfire season on record in 2020. Over 4 million acres burned, costing us more than 10,000 homes and buildings and at least 33 lives (not to mention the long-term negative health impacts of the dense smoke experienced across the state). Wildfire is a natural part of California’s landscape, but today’s wildfires are out of balance due to a century of fire suppression and misguided forest management. As climate change accelerates the risk of extreme wildfire, 2020 could be the start of our new normal. In 2021, we have an opportunity to keep that from happening. If we take action now, we can help protect our communities and restore the health of our forests.
Dare to Believe: Meaningful Funding for California’s Wildfire Crisis
Fire has always had a place in California. There was a time when the state had a well-defined wildfire season, when homeowners in California’s wildland urban interface could readily insure their homes, when wildfire smoke wouldn’t blanket the entire state at one time. Unfortunately, due to a century of mismanagement of our fire ecosystem and the growing impacts of climate change, that time has passed.
Wildfire Strategy
Wildfire risk is increasing in size, intensity, frequency, and duration across a broader range of communities and landscapes. Wind-driven fires as a result of Diablo wind patterns (rather than fuel-dominated wildland ground and crown fires) are also increasingly common, leading to structure fires in urban communities that originate in the wildland urban interface (WUI) or wildlands.
Fragile Like a Bomb… How RBG Inspired Me
I’m wearing my RBG T-shirt and staring at my RBG action figure, gifts from my daughter, a true social justice warrior. Like me, she was raised to revere and honor women like Ruth Bader Ginsberg. It is a family tradition that follows at least four generations that I know of and we hold closely a favorite RBG quote, “What is the difference between a bookkeeper in the Garment District and a Supreme Court justice? … One generation.”
Government Affairs
Sierra Business Council’s Government Affairs team works with local, regional, and statewide partners to advocate for policies that enhance the communities, economy, and environment of the Sierra.
Just What are Time of Use Rates and How Can They Save you Money?
Have you heard of Time of Use rates before? Did you know you could be saving money on your energy bill just by utilizing them? Let’s back up. The state of California has set the goal of 100 percent use of zero-carbon electricity by 2045, which builds on the previous work the state has done to become more energy efficient and manage energy use.
A Historic Moment in Voting History: November 3rd 1868, 150 Years Ago in the Sierra Nevada
I was recently sipping a beverage in Truckee’s Alibi Aleworks, listening to stories about the town’s past at the wildly un-political “Candidates Gone Wild” variety show, when a detail jumped out at me.
Needs, Stories and Impact: Using Data to Drive Change
I love data. Data can explain what’s going on around us, tell a story, offer straightforward facts in a time when they seem hard to come by. It can make or break arguments, impact decision-making, establish a need.
Net Neutrality Rollback: Will ‘The Man’ Control Your Internet Content and Costs?
Deregulation is running rampant in today’s administration. Net Neutrality, one of the safeguards of how content is delivered on the Internet, is being threatened and could potentially be rolled back on Thursday Dec. 24th. Net Neutrality was put in place by the Obama administration in 2015 to protect Internet openness.
Last Chance for Public Comment on Proposed National Parks Fee Increase
On October 24th it was announced that the National Park Service would consider raising entrance fees at 17 national parks, including Yosemite and Kings Canyon & Sequoia, during their peak seasons. If the proposal is accepted entrance fees during five peak months each year would increase to $70 per private, noncommercial vehicle, $50 per motorcycles and $30 per person entering the park on bike or foot.