Skip to main content
Back to Show
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.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Season
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.
Canadian Tourism to California Is Plummeting
1:55
Talk of annexing Canada and new policies are turning Canadian tourists away.
Encampment Sweeps Continue to Rise in CA
1:55
San Diego encampment sweeps ramp up under new law, displacing more unhoused residents.
Over $1 Billion in Health Grants at Risk for California
2:00
Federal cuts threaten pandemic-era health grants that supported key public health services.
Why 15,000 Renters Could Be Facing Eviction in California
2:00
Federal housing voucher program winds down, leaving thousands without support.
Mobile Homeowners Left. Struggling After L.A. Fires
1:59
Palisades fire destroyed affordable mobile homes — and rebuilding is far from guaranteed.
This Program Fights Homelessness With Fitness
2:00
A running club in Skid Row offers exercise and community for people overcoming homelessness.
USDA Freeze Hits California Food Banks
1:55
330 USDA food shipments for California food banks are on hold with no timeline in sight.
How NIL is Changing College Sports
2:00
Most NIL earnings go to a few standout athletes at major universities like UCLA and Berkeley.
Wildfire Hazard Zones Expand Dramatically in California
2:00
New state maps show wildfire risk zones have expanded dramatically across California.
Active loading indicator
California News
She Left Her Abuser. Now the Shelter That Helped Her Is Losing Federal Funds Under Trump
She Left Her Abuser. Now the Shelter That Helped Her Is Losing Federal Funds Under Trump
California nonprofits that provide lifelines to crime victims have lost millions of dollars in federal grants.
californianews
Read more
New California tool ranks extreme heat danger by neighborhood. Here's how it works
New California tool ranks extreme heat danger by neighborhood. Here's how it works
It’s going to be hot this summer. And a new tool can help you figure out the risk that the temperature can pose to your health.
californianews
Read more
From save our state to sanctuary, California’s immigration views have shifted dramatically
From save our state to sanctuary, California’s immigration views have shifted dramatically
California voted to bar immigrants from schools and social services in 1994. Now most Californians see immigrants as a benefit to the state.
californianews
Read more
Federal Proposals Threaten Provider Taxes, Key Source of Medicaid Funding for States - KFF Health News
Federal Proposals Threaten Provider Taxes, Key Source of Medicaid Funding for States - KFF Health News
Republican proposals to tighten the use of special taxes to fund Medicaid programs could deprive states of billions of dollars for safety net health care. In California, any such limit would come on top of Medicaid cuts proposed by California Democrats in response to a $12 billion state deficit.
Read more