[PM News Update]
The Northshore Fire Fund is a nonprofit that raises money for the North Shore Fire District and they recently held a benefit event called The Ready Fest. The event at Lucerne Middle School raised money to be used for supply tools and services that is beyond what the fire department has in its budget but that is sorely needed now. The Fund also takes on the task of raising public awareness and the need for community outreach. The North Shore Fire District is the largest in the county and now, with the assistance through The Ready Fest, they are able to host paramedics to train every safety class in the curriculum at Upper Lake High School. In addition, the latest tech can now be purchased and utilized in the area to save more lives.
Californians continue to be concerned about the economy and in a new survey, their optimism is the lowest it’s been in two years. The Conference Board polls shoppers each month and California’s confidence index for April was down 11% in a month and off 17% in a year. That was the lowest level since just after the pandemic. Our state’s view of the current economic conditions is weakening and there is less and less optimism about the future of California’s economy. There continues to be a real uneasiness concerning household finances and that could lead to severe consequences economically, socially and politically. The last one could easily lead to a vote for some change in leadership.
One of the biggest needs our state has is the need for fire protection and as we head into the dry season which doubles as fire season, it’s in the forefront of our minds. The Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act of 2024 is legislation is especially designed for the fire season that runs June 1st through October and then beyond. Existing fire insurance did play a role in helping to suppress more fire damage but the need remains for consistent vegetation management. Disaster and insurance companies are leaving our state. Some are failing, some are pulling out of certain areas and some are just won’t write policies. The concern many leaders have is that the absence of policies will have a very negative impact on California’s economy. And that concern is moving as fast as a roaring wildfire.
