FDAC Report February 2024

FDAC F I R E D I S T R I C T S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C A L I F O R N I A

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2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Walder, President Jeff Willis, 1st Vice President Don Butz, 2nd Vice President Richard Pearce, Treasurer FDAC STAFF Catherine Smith, Executive Director Carmen Berry, Deputy Executive Director Audie Whitt, Communications Director Melissa Feltz, Coordinator Anton Cervantes, Assistant Brett Moore, Legislative Assistant Sam Brown, Graphic Designer PHOTOGRAPHY Pexels, Pixabay, Shutterstock and Unsplash The purpose of this Association shall be: 1) to present a united position on fire protection issues; 2) to coordinate with other associations with similar views on fire protection, including legislation; 3) to provide advisory services and any other services deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors that may benefit member agencies; 4) to keep member agencies informed on laws relating to fire suppression, emergency medical and other related services provided by member agencies; 5) to take an active role in the legislative process affecting public agencies providing fire suppression, emergency medical and related services.

Thank you to all the authors in this issue for sharing with you their time and expertise. If you have an idea for a future article, please contact Carmen Berry at the FDAC office at cberry@fdac.org.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FDAC. For more information on FDAC or this magazine, please contact the FDAC office at 916.231.2137 or visit the website at www.fdac.org.

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Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority Susan Blankenburg, General Manager 1255 Battery Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, ca 94111 Office 415.536.4005 Toll Free 855.350-7617

 Lowest Stable Premiums Available  Exclusively Fire & Emergency Service Agencies  Broadest Insurance Coverage Available  Risk Management Assistance In 1987, one of the largest insurers of California Fire Districts informed the fire industry that they would not be renewing their insurance. FAIRA's first year of operation resulted in an immediate premium reduction of 30%, and that was just the start! Since then we’ve continued to see favorable outcomes for our members including a combined additional savings of over 10% in the past 7 years alone. Not only did we create a solution that guaranteed continuous coverage and reduced premiums, FAIRA is the largest and only multi-state Fire District pool in the United States and has saved millions of dollars.

Our members pay less in premium than they did in 1988 for exposures that have quadrupled. We provide our members with risk management and loss control services including contract review, live & online training and we provide insurance rates that lead the marketplace when it comes to coverage terms and pricing for Property, Vehicle & Liability coverage for Fire Districts and Emergency Service Agencies.

www.faira.org

Check out the new Fire Risk Management Services (FRMS) website at www.frmsrisk.org! The website is a great source of information related to FRMS, including available services, scheduled events, contact information, agendas and minutes, and more. The materials in the Member Portal require a login. A welcome email with log in information will be distributed to the contacts we have on file for each member districts.

Please contact Monica Quintana at monica.quintana@sedgwick.com for questions or comments about the FRMS website.

frmsrisk.org FDAC

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H

Eric G. Walder, EFO Waterloo Morada Fire Protection District, President FDAC

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As we are already in the second month of the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2023 and the achievements of the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC).

We had an exceptionally strong year advocating for the fire service and specifically fire districts as we continue to team up with Cal Chiefs to staff the Joint Legislative Task Force with FDAC Board Members. This Task Force along with our consultants at Public Policy Advocates and our association managers at Smith Moore and Associates ensure that all legislation that may affect Fire Districts is analyzed, and each issue prioritized as to the level of energy the Task Force will spend on each issue. As the leading issues are identified, the Task Force moves the issues forward to each of the Associations’ Boards for final approval to support, oppose, track, or remain neutral. This past year FDAC was a strong voice in assisting with not only the success of SB 40 but also supporting AB 1168 and the City of Oxnard, both pieces of legislation are directly relevant to our member fire districts and the communities they serve.

I would like to point out that FDAC has an existing strong relationship with Cal Chiefs, and I specifically value the relationship with Past President Chief Tubbs whose collaboration during my first year as President was invaluable to me and FDAC. I look forward to continuing the collaboration with current Cal Chiefs President Chief Heine. There are many issues facing the fire service and collaboration between fire service associations and groups will lead to a stronger united voice that demands

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attention. The California Fire Service Alliance is just that sort of collaboration, the membership of the alliance includes Cal Chiefs, FDAC, Cal Cities Fire Chiefs, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Branch, Tribal Fire Chiefs Branch, Volunteer and Combination Fire Chiefs Branch, and Contract County Fire Agencies. The alliance works on issues that directly affect each of our member agencies and the California Fire Service in totality.

I look forward to representing FDAC on the California Fire Service Alliance as we tackle the issues that make our responders and communities safer.

I would be remiss to not mention the work of FDAC’s Education Committee led by Retired Fire Chief and Past FDAC President Steve Hall. All FDAC’s educational elements are organized through the education committee for the Leadership Symposium, Certificate of Achievement Program, and our Annual Conference. The Educational Committee ensures that the best programs are delivered to our members and others who attend our events. Speaking of events, the FDAC Annual Conference is coming up and the registration has opened. This year we are at the Embassy Suites in beautiful Monterey Bay from April 23rd through April 26th.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the conference this year as we make FDAC stronger and more relevant by our continued increased level of involvement by our member Districts.

In Appreciation, Eric G. Walder, EFO

Waterloo Morada Fire Protection District President FDAC

Days of Networking with Fire District Professionls

Innovative Sessions

Minutes of Content

Industry Service Providers at Your Fingertips

Preliminary Schedule Pre-Conference Tuesday, April 23rd Day 2: Thursday, April 25th Conference (12:30 pm – 4:45 pm) (8:30 am -5:00 pm) AB1234 WUI – Where is the California Fire Insurance Going?

Preventing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination State of EMS in California & Update from EMS Authority and Retaliation Legislative Update & Potential Risks to CA Fire Service Funding Day 1: Wednesday, April 24th Conference Riverside Case: Symons Publication (8:30 am – 6:00 pm) Firefighter Mental Fitness Leading Firefighters Through Effective Communication, District Funding Engagement, and Psychological Safety Conducting an Organizational Assessment State Fire Officials Update Drones & Their Effect on the Fire Service Retention & Recruitment Employment Law Update Day 3: Friday, April 26th Conference First Amendment Audit (8:30 am -11:00 am) Networking Reception What’s Next Round Table AI in the Fire Service

Click here to register for the FDAC Annual conference.

Breakfast included Wed-Fri; Lunch included Wed-Thurs *Session titles are subject to change, exact timing to be final soon!

FDAC’s Certificate of Achievement (COA) program was developed to help educate district Board of Directors, Fire Chiefs, Chief Officers, Administrative Staff, and any other district personnel that want to enhance their knowledge surrounding the ins-and-outs of fire district management.

The COA program is focused on five areas: Legal Mandates and Regulations, which provides an overview of laws, regulations, government codes, enabling legislation, and standards that impact fire districts in California.

Understanding Fire District Finance gives a high-level overview of the financial and budgeting roles and responsibilities of fire protection districts.

Board Organization, which defines Board of Director roles and responsibilities, relationships between the Board and the Fire Chief, board meeting dynamics, and interacting during crisis.

Fire District Planning discusses the need for planning, the various types of plans including strategic, master, community risk, and standards of cover plans, and what each planning process entails.

Trends, Issues, and Resources, provides an interactive process in discussing today’s trends related to fire districts, understanding public perceptions, the pros, and cons of various types of mergers, annexations, and consolidations, technology, and more.

The COA program is a two-day event, which can be offered during the week or on weekends to facilitate the needs of district staff and Board of Director’s schedules. If your fire district or county Fire Chief’s association is interested in hosting a Certificate of Achievement program, please contact FDAC staff for program costs and scheduling opportunities at staff@fdac.org.

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Fire Districts Association of California L E A D E R S H I P

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This Leadership Corner article will be unique as we write it as a team. The collaborators on this article include Deputy Chief Brian Helmick, Chief Richard Pearce, Chief Don Butz, and Chief Eric Walder. This article aims to inform our membership of FDAC’s Sustainable Fire District Funding initiative and efforts.

Brian Helmick Deputy Fire Chief Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

FDAC’s work on developing mechanisms to enhance sustainable fire district funding started years ago. From the beginning, this initiative was championed by many, but the fiercest champion was retired Chief/Director Mark Baker, who passed away last summer.

Chief Baker was a relentless supporter of the Fire Service. In honoring Chief Baker, the FDAC Board will continue to fiercely pursue opportunities to improve sustainable funding for the California Fire Service.

While there have been many years of talking about the negative aspects of outside influences on Fire District funding, your current FDAC Board of Directors has developed a Fire Service Funding Committee and has tasked them with moving sustainable fire district funding initiative efforts forward.

The Fire Service Funding Committee is in the process of writing a “white paper” and is working with other Fire Servicerelated stakeholders to develop a mutually agreed upon “Fire Service Funding Problem Statement.” Once the white paper/problem statement is completed, it will be shared and distributed to FDAC members. The following is a sneak peek at the Committee’s initial findings, which will be expanded upon throughout the year.

Anyone who has been involved in the California fire service for any amount of time knows that we are accustomed to responding to various emergencies and taking on the challenges before us head-on. Although hitting challenges head-on is a good characteristic, there have been unintended consequences for taking on new missions without appropriate funding. Over the past 50 years, the California Fire Service has

expanded its scope of operations, although sustainable funding has not kept pace. There is also the historic and increasing challenge of policy/law changes, paired with inadequate funding, that has impacted how services are provided. The result of the increased scope/laws and unfunded mandates has adversely impacted local Fire agencies’ capabilities, resulting in vulnerability to local response and state mutual aid capabilities.

Today, the California Fire Service faces a distinct crisis: a funding shortfall. Historically, the lack of necessary investments at the state, county, city, and district levels poses a genuine threat to public safety. This financial strain manifests in a reduction in staffing, increased response times, delayed infrastructure investments, layoffs, and station closures.

This funding challenge is not recent but stems from decades of increased responsibilities without corresponding funding growth.

Proper funding is crucial for statewide emergency response capabilities and the unique communities we serve. Bolstering revenue streams is a pathway to enhanced training, staffing, and resources, ultimately contributing to a safer California for all.

Please stay tuned for more information as this initiative grows. If you have any questions, please contact Deputy Chief Brian Helmick at bhelm@cccfpd.org or via cell at 925-584-8468.

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Fire Districts Association of California L E G I S L A T I V E

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The California Legislature reconvened on January 3, 2024, after a three-month hiatus.

Upon its return, the Legislature focused on bill introductions, budget discussions, and policy hearings for two-year bills that need to be voted out of its house of origin to move on.

Russell W. Noack Public Policy Advocates, LLC Julee Malinowski Ball Public Policy Advocates, LLC

Governor Newsom proposed a budget to address California’s deficit, which he estimated to be a $38 billion shortfall, a figure that is much less than the $58 billion gap that the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) estimated. Below are several key elements of the Governor’s 2024-25 Budget Proposal: 1. Budget Shortfall Measures: Proposed using $13.1 billion from reserves, cutting $8.5 billion across sectors, and generating $5.7 billion through alternative revenues and borrowing to tackle the budget shortfall.

2. Forest and Wildfire Resilience Funding: Maintained $2.7 billion for forest and wildfire resilience but reduced indirect fuel treatment funding by $100.7 million, shifting $162.5 million to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).

3. Extreme Heat Program Adjustments: Upheld $364 million for extreme heat programs but cut $40.1 million from the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, reallocating funds to the GGRF.

4. Community Resilience Investment: Continued investing $1.2 billion in community resilience, focusing on underserved areas, despite some funding reversions and reductions.

5. Forestry and Fire Protection Improvements: Allocated $1.4 billion for infrastructure and operational improvements in Forestry and Fire Protection, including a new training center and shorter workweeks.

6. Emergency Services Funding: Provided the Office of Emergency Services with $3 billion, primarily for upgrading public safety communication systems.

7. Labor and Workforce Development: Reduced Emergency Medical Technician training funds but maintained a $30 million investment over two years in this area.

8. Pension Sustainability: Committed substantial funds to state employees’ and teachers’ pensions and allocated for future retiree health benefits, emphasizing pension sustainability.

Speaker Robert Rivas commented that “California’s revenue situation is uncertain and can change quickly, so we must be prepared for ongoing challenges. The caucus is committed to fiscal restraint and spending oversight while delivering solutions to improve the quality of life for all Californians and protect the most vulnerable.” Senate Pro Tem Atkins stressed, “Cautious and mindful –

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L E G I S L A T I V E ( C O N T I N U E D )

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that’s the phrase that we need to keep at the forefront as we look at our state revenues and spending, legislation, and how we approach this fiscal year.”

The final weeks of January saw a surge in legislative activity, with efforts to pass two-year bills before the deadline. The Assembly and Senate held budget committee hearings, scrutinizing the Governor’s 2024-25 Budget Proposal. The Legislature is now preparing for a series of subcommittee hearings in the upcoming months, leading up to the June 15th budget approval deadline.

On February 5, 2024, the Senate will be welcoming new leadership. Senator Mike McGuire (D-Geyserville) will assume the powerful role of Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). He and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) are both from rural districts, so for the first time in recent history, both legislative leaders will be representing agricultural and small community issues. We shall see how this change elevates those issues in legislative dialogue.

With the takeover in Senate leadership, Senator Toni Atkins is not going quietly into that good night.

In January, she announced her bid for Governor in the 2026 Election. She has entered an already crowded field of candidates looking to replace Governor Newsom, including Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Controller Betty Yee and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. Attorney General Rob Bonta is also considering a run to succeed current Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is serving his last term as Governor. Since there is plenty of time between now and the June 2026 Primary, expect to see lots of changes to this list of candidates.

All these events marked a crucial phase in shaping California’s legislative landscape for 2024, setting the stage for the last year of the 2023-24 Session.

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A joint powers authority formed to enable fire protection districts to protect the communities they serve. www.fasisjpa.org

Fire Districts Association of California F D A C M E M B E R A T L A R G E / C A L C H I E F S For the second year in a row, the Tahoe Basin enjoyed a below-average fire season, with early precipitation and no red flag warnings.

This allowed us to move out of drought and end fire restrictions earlier than typical years, providing residents a long season of opportunity to burn green waste piles and protect their homes from wildfire.

Steve Leighton Fire Chief North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts

I am proud to report that our community members continue engagement and efforts in making our region more fire adapted. Our curbside chipping program remained in high demand, with more than 3,600 cubic yards of green waste chipped, and we funded green waste dumpsters for organized community workdays that resulted in the removal of over 2,000 cubic yards of flammable biomass.

We now have seventeen recognized Firewise USA® communities. That recognition helps homes in those communities with eligibility for discounts on homeowner’s insurance.

As the snow moved in, we shifted our focus from wildfires to safeguarding homes from winter fires. We encourage our residents to protect family members by ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and to assess them monthly. We also share information about new combination alarms on the market now that can alert you to both a natural gas leak and to a carbon monoxide leak. We educate residents that natural gas is different from CO because it is not a by-product to help them understand that natural gas can leak into a home because a gas appliance is malfunctioning, or a natural gas line is leaking. This helps them understand that natural gas is a fuel and more flammable than carbon monoxide, and something to consider if they can upgrade their alarms.

We make a point to share information about proper ash disposal, and the importance of safely operating heating devices; to always plug directly into a wall outlet and never into a surge protector and maintain three feet of clearance from anything combustible to keep your home safe.

Our community must also stay ahead of snow buildup by keeping gas meters and propane tanks clear to reduce the chance of leaks, and to ensure clear access for gas providers and firefighters should the need arise. Each time a storm rolls in, we remind our community to check in on each other, especially those vulnerable neighbors both during and after heavy storm systems, and to make a plan with community members now to adopt key hydrants in the neighborhood, setting a rotation to keep them cleared of snow.

Safety messaging does not end with wildfire season. Sharing information to empower our community members is something we strive to do all year long.

North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) was formed in 1993 with the consolidation of the Tahoe City Fire Department (Est. 1941) and North Tahoe Fire (Est. 1957). NTFPD provides service via contract to the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (2014), to the community of Alpine Meadows (2006), and provides ambulance transport for the community of Olympic Valley.

Steve Leighton is the Fire Chief of the North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts, serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, and the communities in Alpine Meadows. Chief Leighton is a 31-year veteran of the fire service.

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Fire Districts Association of California Z O N E 6 R E P O R T Fire Safe Councils: Guardians of Community Resilience Against Wildfires

Don Butz Fire Chief San Diego County Lakeside Fire Protection District

In response to the mounting wildfire threats in California, Fire Safe Councils have emerged as resolute guardians, spearheading successful initiatives to fortify communities against wildfires. This article delves into the impactful work of Fire Safe Councils, particularly their use of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) as a comprehensive approach to structural hardening, defensible space, landscape-level fuel breaks, evacuation route planning, and robust education and outreach programs.

Fire Safe Councils are nonprofit, citizendriven volunteer groups committed to bolstering community resilience against wildfires in California. Comprising residents, these councils collaborate with fire districts, other agencies, and stakeholders to implement proactive measures mitigating wildfire risks. From CWPP development to advocating for structural hardening, defensible space, and organizing landscapelevel fuel breaks, Fire Safe Councils foster a culture of preparedness. Engaging in grassroots initiatives, they conduct education and outreach, empowering communities to actively safeguard their homes and landscapes. As nimble, community-driven entities, Fire Safe Councils exemplify the power of collective action amid escalating wildfire challenges.

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) Fire Safe Councils play a pivotal role in developing and implementing tailored CWPPs. These plans engage residents, local agencies, and fire departments, ensuring a comprehensive and community-driven approach to wildfire prevention.

Structural Hardening To enhance community resilience, Fire Safe Councils advocate for measures like reinforcing homes with fire-resistant materials,

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ember-resistant vents, and double-pane windows, creating fire-adapted communities.

Defensible Space Around Structures Recognizing the importance of defensible space, Fire Safe Councils educate communities on creating buffers around structures. This involves clearing vegetation to impede wildfires, giving firefighters a better chance to protect homes.

Creation of Landscape-Level Fuel Breaks A key initiative involves creating landscapelevel fuel breaks, strategically managing vegetation to function as barriers against wildfires, reducing their intensity and spread.

Evacuation Route Planning and Roadside Vegetation Management Actively engaged in evacuation route planning, Fire Safe Councils collaborate with fire districts and law enforcement to ensure well-maintained, obstacle-free routes.

Roadside vegetation management minimizes fire risk along roadways, facilitating safe evacuations.

Education and Outreach Excelling in public education, Fire Safe Councils issue vital information on wildfire preparation and mitigation through workshops, seminars, and community events.

They foster a culture of shared responsibility, empowering communities in wildfire prevention.

In conclusion, Fire Safe Councils are linchpins in California’s wildfire defense. Through dedicated efforts in CWPP development, structural hardening, defensible space promotion, landscape-level fuel break creation, evacuation route planning, and robust education, these councils significantly contribute to building resilient communities.

As ambassadors for wildfire safety, Fire Safe Councils efficiently mobilize volunteers, reach funding, and build community connections.

For fire chiefs and directors of fire districts, collaboration with Fire Safe Councils is a strategic imperative in fortifying communities against the escalating threat of wildfires.

Fire Districts Association of California C A L L

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ould you like to see your Fire Districts photo in FDAC publications and marketing material? We are looking to share the face of California local government fire. If you have photos that you would like FDAC to consider, please upload them to the dropbox link below. *FDAC reserves the right to choose photos as it seems fit, there is no guarantee that photos will be selected for use.

This continuity has created a culture of community. As the community and State continue to change LFPD, as well as all special districts, we are all experiencing challenges in funding, growth, and providing the highest level of service possible.

SUBMIT PHOTOS HERE

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