A recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) workshop spotlighted urgent calls for improved communication infrastructure in rural areas, particularly in the wake of emergency situations like wildfires. During the session, Supervisor Paiska recounted a harrowing experience when a fire broke out near a school event, highlighting the critical lack of cellular service and communication tools during emergencies.

With only one bar of service, Paiska struggled to connect with the fire chief as the nearby town of Lower Lake began evacuating. The situation escalated when power outages compounded the communication breakdown, leaving families uncertain about evacuation zones and safety protocols. "You cannot drive around our county consistently and talk on the phone," she emphasized, advocating for full cellular coverage along state highways to ensure safety and connectivity during crises.

The discussion underscored a broader issue of investment in rural communication infrastructure, with calls for updated coverage maps and increased funding to address the needs of vulnerable communities. Matthew, a colleague of Paiska, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the misalignment between profit-driven telecom investments and the public safety needs of areas prone to natural disasters.

As the workshop concluded, the pressing need for reliable communication systems in high-risk areas like Lake County was clear. Stakeholders are now looking for actionable steps to enhance infrastructure, ensuring that residents can stay connected and informed during emergencies.