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Connecting the Ridge Business Community
A Section - Fall 2023
Understanding the 5 year Camp Fire CA FAIR Plan insurance commemoration discount for Firewise to be observed Communities By Darren Hovey Nevin and Witt Insurance
is still plenty of fuel for a fire.
The CA FAIR Plan is a state-sponsored insurance pool that provides coverage for at-risk properties that can’t get coverage through traditional insurance companies. Firewise Communities are those that have taken steps to reduce the danger of wildfires. Such communities receive a discount on their CA Fair Plan insurance rates because of the reduced risk. Paradise and Magalia have been trending to a higher percentage of residents having to use the CA Fair Plan. If neighborhoods in Paradise and Magalia can become Firewise Communities, the residents in those neighborhoods can receive a discount on their CA FAIR Plan premium. I think the first thing that needs to happen is everyone needs to realize Paradise is still at risk of a wildfire. Almost every day I hear someone say that Paradise isn’t at risk because “There’s nothing left to burn!” Drive through Paradise with your eyes open and tell me there are no trees left. There are trees everywhere. And many are dead and even more prone to burn than before. Yes, millions of trees are gone, but there
Benefits of becoming a Firewise Community In addition to receiving a discount on their CA FAIR Plan rate, communities that implement wildfire mitigation strategies can also receive discounts on their traditional homeowners’ insurance. Firewise Communities are less vulnerable to wildfires. By reducing fuel loads, clearing defensible space, and having an evacuation plan, they are better equipped to protect their homes and families.
The Three Steps of becoming a Firewise Community A community must evaluate its wildfire risk by assessing factors such as topography, vegetation, and weather patterns. This information can then be used to prioritize mitigation efforts. The neighborhood must have a minimum of eight dwelling units and a maximum of 2,500. Multiple Firewise USA sites can be located within a city/town or masterplanned community/HOA.
Photo by Douglas Keister
This iconic Key Phoenix sculpture was conceived and constructed by local artist Jess Mercer and her dad. It represents the loss and rising of homes on the Ridge. It resides in the town’s Building Resiliency Center at 6295 Skyway in Paradise.
A
s of press time, several commemorative events are in development as the 5-year anniversary of the Camp Fire approaches. As in past years, the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce will promote events posted to Paradisechamber.com’s community calendar. Please check the calendar for the latest updates and keep an eye out for a downloadable guide as November 8th draws nearer.
CA FAIR Plan, continues on page A-8
Johnny Appleseed Days: 135 years of harvest fun
PRPD’s Ridge Ice Rink opens November 10th By Kristi Sweeney
First held in 1888, Johnny Appleseed Days is the oldest harvest Festival in the state! The two-day fall festival celebrates Paradise’s apple heritage with slices of apple pie and ice cream and anticipates a crowd of 5,000 over two days.
Local businesses share goods and services, and artisans from all over the north state and beyond offer eclectic handicrafts. The food court offers an outdoor seating area and delicious festival cuisine. Continuous entertainment showcases hometown talent on the Gazebo Stage. The ever-popular children’s Games Plaza, sponsored by Paradise Unified School District, features nostalgic activities enjoyed by generations of attendees. Johnny Appleseed tells stories and visits with attendees.
APPLESEED, continues on page A-7
observers.
Instead of canceling the ice rink, District staff diligently explored alternative options and For nine successful discovered a company seasons, the Paradise that offers synthetic Recreation and Park rink rentals. This District (PRPD) has innovative solution taken immense pride provides the same in hosting the beloved wonderful skating Paradise on Ice experience while Winter Wonderland significantly reducing event. However, as costs to a third of time has passed, the the previous annual costs associated with overhead. The savings maintaining the ice extend beyond rental rink have escalated, expenses, eliminating making it progressively the substantial utility challenging to justify associated Paradise on Ice a holiday, family destination at costs financially. In its role as with operating the the Terry Ashe Park opens in early November. responsible custodians of large, noisy chiller public funds, the District that maintained confronted the possibility the traditional ice. With this alternative of discontinuing the ice rink in the future. rink, there’s no requirement for water and Yet, the District is acutely aware that Paradise chemicals to keep the ice frozen, and no power on Ice has evolved into a source of community is needed to run the chiller, paving the way for pride and a favorite tradition for both residents environmental and financial sustainability. and visitors. It has become a destination for The PRPD is thrilled to host the rink once family-friendly winter recreation, providing frosty delight for countless skaters and ICE RINK, continues on page A-9
Assistant District Manager, Paradise Recreation and Park District
Apple pie will be baked in Paradise by Save Mart, and slices will be served in the Save Mart Pie Pavilion. 2023 “Golden Delicious” sponsor Noble Orchards will offer apples by the bag or bushel.
COMMEMORATION, continues on page A-10