Newsletter

Adding more firefighters and holding utility companies accountable!

Dear Neighbor,

I want to share two important developments relating to our community’s recovery from the Eaton Fire.

First, I have heard from many residents who have requested that power lines be placed underground in response to the Eaton Fire. This is why I have introduced legislation to do just that and to hold utilities accountable to ratepayers impacted by climate disasters.

My SB 256 would require investor-owned utilities in areas prone to wildfires to:

  • Prioritize the undergrounding of power lines
  • Expand the use of microgrid technologies
  • Implement stronger safeguards and standards for Public Safety Power Shutoffs
  • Give the California Public Utilities Commission immediate access to all relevant data from utilities regarding electrical faults related to natural disasters

Read more about SB 256 here.

Second, I am co-authoring the Fight for Firefighters legislation that would add 3,000 firefighters to the ranks. It’s clear there is no “fire season” anymore in our state. We need CalFire fully staffed 12 months a year working to protect us and prevent these deadly megafires. Tragically, 17 people lost their lives and thousands more suffered trauma and destruction. Through it all, our brave first responders battled through unimaginable conditions to defend homes, churches, and schools across Los Angeles.

Thank you to pro Tem, Senator Mike McGuire, for his leadership on this legislation. And a deep, personal thank you to CalFire and all the firefighters for your heroic actions and sacrifices during the Eaton Fire in my district. Here’s a link to more information about how this will help our state going forward.

Additional Resources

As a reminder, our Eaton Fire Resource Page is here to help people navigate through this tragedy. Please share with anyone who could use this information.

We will continue to update you during this long recovery period. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and do not hesitate to contact my office if you need support at (916) 651-4025 or (818) 409-0400.