Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Subject: Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 326
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution in support of Senate Bill 326 (Becker and Laird)-the California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.
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BACKGROUND:
California is experiencing increasingly devastating wildfires. Most recently, fires in the Greater Los Angeles area have burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed over 12,300 structures, and forced as many as 200,000 residents to evacuate. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of wild-fire events, which would impact San Mateo County, as the unincorporated coast side and hillside communities, and cities of Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Woodside, and Portola Valley are situated in or near “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones” (VHFHSZs) as designated by CAL FIRE.
Senate Bill 326, introduced by Senators Josh Becker and John Laird on February 11th, 2025, provides for the recording, evaluation, and managing California’s wildfire mitigation strategy, by requiring that the California Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation, under the Office of the State Fire Marshal in the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, take specific actions.
SB 326 proposes measurable and long-term planning systems that will hopefully stimulate the evolution of more efficient and effective wildfire mitigation strategies as California faces the increased wildfire risk brought upon by climate change.
DISCUSSION:
By supporting Senate Bill 326, the Board of Supervisors acknowledges the importance of creating, evaluating, and maintaining long term wildfire mitigation strategies. The bill aligns with the county's commitment to proactive wildfire mitigation and preparedness, especially given the risk of wildfire-related events that San Mateo County faces.
SB 326 provides a framework for effective reporting and evaluation of state-wide wildfire mitigation strategies and allows counties and localities to view wildfire risk metrics and adopt local policies to further safeguard against potential wildfire events. The bill lays the groundwork for the a transparent and dynamic approach to wildfire mitigation, considering past tragedies and future projections. By supporting this legislation, the Board demonstrates its recognition of the importance of adopting a similar approach towards preventing wildfires at the county level.
The resolution directs the President of the Board to issue a letter expressing support for Senate Bill 326 and encourages other jurisdictions to join in advocating for its passage. Through collective action, we can advance policies that promote a proactive approach towards wildfire mitigation. By taking steps to adapt our wildfire prevention strategies, we can mitigate the loss of lives, property, and dignity of California residents to devastating wildfires.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.