To the Editor, 

Every year, the arrival of wildfire season reminds us of the critical importance of personal preparedness for homeowners. However, while creating defensible space around homes and implementing home hardening measures are undoubtedly vital steps, a significant barrier remains: the lack of accessible programs to help homeowners afford these crucial upgrades. 

We urge citizens to “harden their homes,” yet there’s virtually no widespread financial assistance to do so. This is a profound failure of leadership. Governor Newsom’s misplaced focus on forest thinning after the devastating LA fires distracts from the importance of home hardening in urban communities. Even with all the thinning in the world, vulnerable homes will remain at risk. 

Moreover, the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to federal wildfire-fighting services and the chaotic merger of agencies are alarming. Laying off thousands of experienced personnel and creating political hurdles while wildfire risks escalate is a recipe for disaster. Public safety is in jeopardy. We need our elected officials to act decisively. 

It is pivotal that we urge Senator Alex Padilla to promote Adam Schiff’s FIREWALL bill (SB 1323), which provides financial assistance for home hardening. Furthermore, our representatives must support California AB 389, sponsored by Republican Tim Lackey, to assist low- and moderate-income households with retrofitting costs. We also need our federal lawmakers to push back against the reckless cuts to wildfire services before more lives are lost and homes destroyed. Personal responsibility is not enough when systemic failures leave communities vulnerable. 

Sincerely, 

Sofia Emma Hernandez Cerritos