There have been 7,718 fire incidents in California in 2020, with an unthinkable 4 million total acres burned. There have been 6,177 structures damaged or destroyed and at least 20 fatalities as of September 17th. On September 6th, California surpassed the record for the worst year in history in terms of the amount of fire-damaged land. Families are distressed, struggling with water challenges, insurance payments, FEMA money and the rebuilding process while insurances are in jeopardy of non-renewal. We are starting to see some of the devastating effects of climate change in California with wildfires running rampant across the state. That’s why now more than ever, we need a climate-forward candidate who has a solid foundation for which we can lean on for solutions to this climate crisis.
Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time. The science is clear: global temperatures continue to rise and the world is already experiencing not only increased wildfires, but more intense hurricanes, deadly heat waves, and droughts. Climate change has undoubtedly contributed to the recent surge in wildfires in California, and it will continue to worsen if we do not take immediate and drastic climate action. This is why I fully support the GND. America must reduce its carbon emissions to limit global warming and hinder the negative effects of extreme weather, and we can accomplish this while simultaneously creating millions of jobs. If we do not do something about climate change, the fires will become more prevalent and deadlier.
Over the past few months, I have seen the widespread, devastating effects of these wildfires, caused by the growing issue of climate change. Among my priorities would be to follow these examples and push for more funds for disaster and wildfire preparedness, forest management techniques, as well as a push for more community preparedness teams.
In recent years, nearly 150 million trees died around the state as their roots delved fruitlessly for water and a devastating bark beetle infestation took hold. California will need to drastically expand its prescribed burning — and sustain the practice. Reducing the risk of fires often involves removing vegetation that can fuel fires. These trees can be converted into a renewable energy source and various products, such as paper and furniture. Responsibly removing dead trees for sale could lead to millions of dollars in vital funding for restoration efforts, such as planting trees.
Rep. Eshoo has a weak history on climate change. Much of Rep. Eshoo’s work on climate change has not made a real impact. Below we give you some examples.
Rep. Eshoo has condemned President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, but she hasn't done much to impact climate change on a national scale. In 28 years in Congress, her track record consists of
California is burning today and we needed an urgent, results-driven agenda. What matters is what original high-impact policies were championed. Not a whole lot. Rep. Eshoo’s lack of meaningful action in her time as our representative is inexcusable. 100 energy companies have been responsible for 71% of all industrial emissions since human-driven climate change was officially recognized; how has Rep. Eshoo held them responsible? The answer is she hasn’t.
Do we want to see our devastation due to fires increase every year? Or do we need a new way forward. Rep. Eshoo has had plenty of time to take decisive action and simply hasn’t, we can’t trust her to be any different now. What makes it even difficult for Rep. Eshoo is her campaign contributions from PG&E, effectively tying her hands, instead of pushing PG&E for urgent action to upgrade their infrastructure and prevent recurring fires across California. It is time we forged a new way forward. Please support my run to bring a people-centric, problem-solving agenda to congress. Not activity for the sake of activity, but actual results.
Lightning strikes on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Almost 12,000 lightning strikes. More than 500 new wildfires.
If there is one thing you can do to keep yourself updated with the fire conditions, please subscribe into the automated alerts.
Santa Clara County: If you are evacuating your home and have questions, call (408) 808-7778. You can call the Red Cross at (866) 272-2237 to seek their help with shelter. Check out Airbnb’s offering for a limited time
Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov and apply online to get help. Business can apply for the EIDL loan via SBA.
If you need non-emergency help please reply or call our campaign at 408 805 5993. Our Neighborhood Preparedness Team is on standby and available to help. Hundreds of our volunteers have helped thousands of neighbors during the pandemic.
Those impacted by an evacuation will be notified as early as possible, but it is important to proactively monitor conditions if you are near a wildfire or other disaster area. Sign up for emergency alerts, including evacuation orders, at alertscc.com, monitor the news on local radio and television stations, and keep an eye on social media.
If you are asked to evacuate, immediately follow instructions provided to safely leave the area. Information about where to evacuate to will be communicated in the evacuation order or by law enforcement officers managing the evacuation process. The City has identified several locations in its emergency plans as potential evacuation centers. During an actual evacuation, you will be directed to the best location based on the emergency conditions.
Residents should also take steps to prepare for an evacuation in advance of an emergency. Visit the Santa Clara County Fire website for a detailed list of tips for preparing for evacuation and what to do during an evacuation. A few key recommendations are below.
When an evacuation is anticipated, follow these checklists (if time allows) to give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.
Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be ordered by authorities to leave. Evacuating the fire area early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!
For more information on preparing your home, property and family for wildfire, visit sccfd.org/rsg. Assess your home - here
Get ready for wildfire season by removing wildfire fuels around your home and creating defensible space to serve as a buffer to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Follow this checklist to help minimize wildfire threat:
You should have an emergency kit - instructions are here
https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-safety-home
This page has detailed instructions on what you can do before, during and after the earthquake. Please do not take it lightly, spending an hour reviewing these tips will go a long way
FEMA videos to watch
Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and get CERT certified. Every neighborhood should have a CERT certified leader. Take charge of your home and your neighborhood. Our county conducts CERT Certification training and you could champion preparedness for your neighborhood:
This certification and training will be super useful for our neighborhood in case of an earthquake, fire etc.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training academies are offered by every county and locations rotate throughout the year. Skills taught include personal preparedness, organizing resources, basic medical operations, basic search and rescue, fire extinguisher use, and basic damage assessment. The CERT Academy is (6) nightly sessions and a final skills exercise. Students must attend all (7) class meetings to receive a Certificate of Completion.
