Agoura Hills Hosts Community Workshop for Wildfire Risk Assessment

Agoura Hills is taking significant steps to enhance community safety through its second public workshop on the Community Wildfire Risk Assessment (CWRA). Held on August 3, 2025, the workshop aimed to identify and analyze wildfire risks and vulnerabilities within the city, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive wildfire protection plan.

Assistant City Manager Ramiro Odeva opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the CWRA process. He welcomed attendees, including Mayor Penny Sylvester, who was present to listen to community feedback, although she could not engage in discussions due to the upcoming city council deliberations on the matter.

The workshop's primary goals were to communicate the results of the risk assessment, review preliminary recommendations, and gather input from residents. Odeva acknowledged the financial support from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which made the workshop possible, highlighting the collaborative effort required to address wildfire risks effectively.

David Kerr, a subcontractor with Jensen Hughes, presented the findings of the risk assessment. He explained that this assessment is a crucial step in developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which will provide targeted mitigation strategies. Kerr encouraged community members to critically evaluate the assessment and share their insights, reinforcing that the plan ultimately belongs to the residents.

The analysis covered the entire city boundary, recognizing that Agoura Hills often experiences wildfire threats from surrounding areas. The workshop served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the community's values and priorities.

As the city moves forward with the CWRA, the feedback gathered during this workshop will play a vital role in shaping the final draft of the risk assessment and the subsequent CWPP. This proactive approach underscores Agoura Hills' commitment to safeguarding its residents and enhancing community resilience against wildfires.