Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Manager
Subject: Board of Supervisors' Response to the 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury Report, "Wildfire Risk and Response in San Mateo County"
RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve the Board of Supervisors' response to the 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury Report, "Wildfire Risk and Response in San Mateo County."
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BACKGROUND:
On July 9, 2019, the 2018-2019 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury issued a report titled "Wildfire Risk and Response in San Mateo County." The Board of Supervisors is required to submit comments on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters over which it has some decision-making authority within 90 days. The Board's response to the report is due to the Honorable Donald J. Ayoob no later than October 7, 2019.
DISCUSSION:
The Grand Jury made 13 findings and seven recommendations in its report. The Board responses follow each finding and the seven recommendations that the Grand Jury requested that the Board respond to within 90 days.
FINDINGS
Finding 1:
San Mateo County faces an increasing risk of loss of life and widespread property damage caused by wildfires.
Response:
Agree. With the changing climate, increasing temperatures, changing vegetation, and increased frequency of large damaging fires, San Mateo County faces an increased risk.
Finding 2:
The threats to life, property, and health from a wildfire extend beyond the Wildland Urban Interface in unincorporated San Mateo County and include areas east of Interstate 280.
Response:
Agree. Fire behavior throughout California has increased dramatically over the past several years, including burning into areas beyond the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), such as Coffey Park in Santa Rosa. Wind driven fires are casting embers miles ahead of the main fire into areas outside of the WUI.
Finding 3:
CAL FIRE and individual fi...
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