As many residents throughout the state begin recovering from the devastating impacts of recent wildfires, others are wondering what they can do to protect their homes.
Our MacKenzie Elmer recently learned about a new program by the city of San Diego’s Fire-Rescue to help San Diegans learn exactly what they need to do to protect their properties.
Through what they call the home ignition zone defensible space inspection, fire department officials can give residents specific advice on how to make their homes less vulnerable to potential fires.
Residents can receive tips on fencing, greenery, cars, outdoor furniture, sheds and even door mats.
Read the Environment Report here.
Related: Three people have been arrested and charged for starting three different fires in San Diego County two weeks ago. These were the Friars Fire in Mission Valley and the Center Fire in Rancho Bernardo (both confirmed to have started in homeless encampments), and a fire in City Heights. (NBC 7)
San Diego 101: We’re So Back
If you’ve been following Voice of San Diego for a while, you may remember our San Diego 101 series, where we use videos, podcasts and stories to teach you how San Diego works.
After a three-year hiatus, San Diego 101 is back and better than ever.
In the first episode of the revamped series, our Bella Ross takes us through how to attend a public meeting, like a City Council or County Board of Supervisors meeting.
She explains the importance of spaces where members of the public can weigh in on current issues and make their voices heard. And if you want to take your civic engagement to the next level, attending a public meeting is the perfect place to start.
Find out where public meetings are held, how to access a meeting agenda, how to make a public comment and more.
And keep an eye out for more San Diego 101 episodes to learn more about how your city works.
In Other News
- The city of San Diego will soon consider several changes to its election processes, including one possible change that would make it more likely for vacancies to be filled by appointment instead of a special election. (Union-Tribune)
- The Union-Tribune reports that the San Diego Humane Society is investigating the death of a horse at the rodeo last month. The 16-year-old mare died after participating during one of the events.
- Dozens of people protested President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans on Monday, following other protests that occurred over the weekend. A protest in Barrio Logan shut down Interstate 5 near Cesar Chavez Parkway. (Fox 5)
- A years-long dispute between SeaWorld and the city of San Diego over unpaid rent was resolved last week after SeaWorld wrote the city a check for $8.5 million. (Union-Tribune)
- There’s a cost included in every Californian’s utility bill that doesn’t have its own line item: A portion of each bill goes directly to shareholders to pay them back for their investment in the utility companies. But some critics say we’re paying shareholders way too much. (CalMatters)
The Morning Report was written by Tigist Layne. It was edited by Andrea Lopez-Villafaña.