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SoCal Matters

New Maps Show 2.3M Acres at High Risk for Wildfires in California

Season 2025 Episode 300

California's wildfire risk is rising, with over 2.3 million acres in high-risk zones. Droughts and longer fire seasons have led to more fires, with 2025 already seeing double the average. Governor Newsom has ordered ember-resistant zones around buildings in high-risk areas. New regulations will apply to new homes immediately and to existing ones over the next three years.

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Season
‘Road to Repair’ Plan Reboots 16 Equity Bills
1:50
Black Caucus reintroduces 16 equity bills, steering clear of cash reparations.
Salmon Ban and Crab Fishing Restrictions Hit Coastal Fishers Hard
2:00
Salmon bans and crab fishing restrictions force fishing towns to find new income.
Where is LA's $40 Billion in Wildfire Aid?
2:00
Newsom pushes for $40B in federal aid to rebuild LA after wildfires.
New Bill Targeting Threats to Schools and Churches
2:00
New bill would make threats to schools or churches easier to prosecute.
Trump Targets California Climate Laws in New Executive Order
2:00
Trump moves against CA climate programs that clash with his energy plans.
New Bill Aims to Ban Cat Declawing
1:59
California lawmakers advance a bill to ban declawing cats.
CA Sets Aside $170 Million To Thin Vegetation To Help Prevent Wildfires
2:00
Newsom speeds up wildfire prevention projects with $170M in funding.
Newsom Sues Trump Over Tariffs
2:00
Newsom sues Trump, arguing sweeping tariffs are unconstitutional.
Salmon Fishing Is Shut Down Salmon for Third Year in a Row
2:00
Salmon fishing shuttered again as Chinook collapse worsens in California.
Kaiser Strike Becomes the Longest Mental Health Strike Ever
2:00
Kaiser mental health workers resume negotiations after 6 months of striking.
CA Lawmakers Propose 4 A.M. Last Call at Bars on Weekends
2:00
A new bill could allow bars in some cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.
Judge Ruled Santa Monica Elections Unfair. Nothing’s Changed.
2:00
Six years after a court ruling, Santa Monica still uses a disputed election system.
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