[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6462309,"mediaKeyId","5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5","parentId",5810867,"title","Firewise certification, grants and community mitigation highlighted as key to improving insurability","audioSeconds",3388,"startMs",1355000,"endMs",4743000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5&start=1355&end=4743","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5/thumbnail_1355000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6462309/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Firewise-certification-grants-and-community-mitigation-highlighted-as-key-to-improving-insurability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462309-ba4ee61424cef4af5913839b0dba15a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580474&Signature=h-tO0175jJanc80LMhUvrgJGw5oQaN~urtc6IzIfFe0I-UAkfyy36HKR3ccWco6A2Ustx4PbV7M1ybAnPV4QEjkCHLqLSVD6FGSSm0cR9tgYU0zJatg~-DnBYfaqToJpi0XdqtK39qhoZLmthBmFP04zEmxycxzp~T92MWRbWagux0Ft0YgntB6SUbhZZzMHBsOT6VjZFg-qpsozHnjzUC0~qaZK6e7fvjaP~mwXzF~BNS3bFAVf4zPTZcWWle29uQvP2k79-f8BHD3WNF-pTIXBJ-o0lIvzhmmgSXJGdLmngtfo-2xcGRvllIUldkVUq9k0AV66vDqaY7DkbUoXXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Laguna Beach","date","2025-09-21T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple speakers at the Laguna Beach town hall emphasized Firewise community certification and local mitigation as practical steps residents can take to improve insurability and access to private market insurance.

Brenda Caloca and local officials explained Firewise certification can document neighborhood mitigation measures to insurers and make homes more attractive to private carriers. Caloca said insurers are looking for mitigations and that Firewise designation is “being recognized” when insurers assess risk for homes that may move off the Fair Plan.

City staff and the fire department described the Firewise process: a minimum of eight homes and a community certification process (speakers stated a maximum of 2,500 homes can be included in a designated area, while the state fire marshal and local officials suggested keeping groups to 20 or fewer for manageability). “Minimum requirement is 8…you don't have to be contiguous,” one speaker said. Another city official cautioned that when groups exceed 20 homes the administrative effort becomes large.

Speakers and a California Department of Insurance representative said certified communities can apply for mitigation grants through state programs (Cal OES, Cal Fire) and use those funds for chipper days, vent upgrades and other neighborhood mitigation projects. A local staffer said the city has had success obtaining grants for certain zones and that there are online grant portals residents can consult.

Town hall attendees described successful local and regional examples: Paradise’s rebuild and community hardening program was shown as a case study during the presentation; other residents cited Pacific Palisades neighborhoods where exterior sprinklers and retardant sprays had helped houses survive prior fires.

Presenters urged residents to organize, pursue Firewise certification, sign up for consumer alerts and coordinate with city staff to identify grant opportunities. City staff offered to provide presentations for neighborhood groups and to assist with grant searches and the certification process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wildfire & Insurance Town Hall - September 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers encouraged residents to form Firewise communities to qualify for grants, chipper programs and insurance recognition; minimum of eight homes required for certification and many local groups are in progress.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",56774,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6462311,"Laguna Beach fuel‑reduction projects face Coastal Commission constraints; restoration sites required for permits",299,2502000,2801000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5&start=2502&end=2801","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5/thumbnail_2502000.jpg","/articles/6462311/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-fuelreduction-projects-face-Coastal-Commission-constraints-restoration-sites-required-for-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462311-5e7d318d3a753027b2da6b79a06ad355/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580474&Signature=KA4wZmRv0olZzTrNSno-GcvkFgJi7dDnfsReaFubn6ZHrhhlk4f7ojKIyX~~lUhyinckGkmBc-GCKOe586EiQeG0HrZlzMTE648J~V7L9FOceW70fFa~5ojAqDA4n5KPjeBwJYIMukN5OVkSjw3rTAaSr7YzcTqYHi~3Oy8DukH4aKKaLlay~PiamGVBTS7XLOa9lqU6HgsIXGFNcL-OmaHYcm93CTgeq-G-yWQke-Rd3AWmcodIs9uYhBH8ivflZrVv0GTV~0P4d6BhD~aURb1hpl4JzKsfMpNS5-83G8QOIi0Wxu4zKkVAl2VSpkWYc40ZS1i4VtYtSDNi1qoO2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laguna Beach fire officials told residents the city’s larger fuel‑reduction field modification projects remain constrained by state environmental permitting requirements.

Fire Marshal Robert Montgomery said the city submitted applications to the California Coastal Commission for fuel modification in zones 16 and 19 (Diamond Canyon). The commission returned comments requiring additional materials, including a restoration plan at an off‑site location to offset environmental impacts, Montgomery said. “The permitting process takes quite a bit. Sometimes, it takes a year, 2 years, even upwards of 3 years,” he warned.

Montgomery described the restoration requirement as a key cause of delay: because vegetation removal can negatively impact habitat, the Coastal Commission requires proof of a restoration site and a restoration/maintenance commitment (speakers said five years is typical) before approving fuel‑reduction permits. That means staff must identify a willing property owner and secure an agreement before resubmitting the application.

City officials and Chief Nico King explained that goats have been used historically for grazing in some coastal areas the Coastal Commission has already authorized, but expansion of the goat program across the city is limited by Coastal Commission and environmental concerns. Chief King said the city has about 200 acres under hand‑crew permits and historical goats program acreage locked in, and that expansion beyond those approved areas requires lengthy environmental and permit work.

The city has obtained grant funds — roughly a half‑million dollars the fire chief said — to fund initial passes for fuel removal and environmental studies in targeted zones. City staff and the fire department said they continue to pursue additional grants and to prioritize zones for action using contracted risk‑modeling work that incorporates slope, historical fire behavior and weather to identify highest‑risk areas.

Residents seeking more immediate mitigation were advised to contact city staff with property details so staff can assess what treatment and permitting options exist for specific parcels. Montgomery said private property authorization and cooperation from property owners are often required before the city can conduct fuel reduction on privately owned land.","City officials said two mitigation zones, including Zone 19 (Diamond Canyon), are in permitting with the California Coastal Commission and Fish & Wildlife; obtaining permits requires restoration commitments that can extend projects by one to three years.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6462318,"New 'Zone 0' rules would ban combustible materials within 5 feet of homes; state list will guide materials",2653,831000,3484000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5&start=831&end=3484","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5/thumbnail_831000.jpg","/articles/6462318/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/New-Zone-0-rules-would-ban-combustible-materials-within-5-feet-of-homes-state-list-will-guide-materials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462318-6faa2c0624ab7864726ee715469631d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580474&Signature=Bn30liG01nDxBIvb4aFrRB~~docYBNHy62VV5~0XRZ8zHP~11cGkUh7mCNvgeC51e6Y~QVm5vSsXIp~fWj6jlbknEGAdxDVO874wO3X-XhciN88ZmZTg7gIHaSbCitDt8o~ISBKfymiE74pkQaaVHE67MNcGyA7Cwn18StLIlmT4JWB6AbsND4vO5ZNYNRV5~FLMFRC0VmG-E7-gevPRXWFCJW98fmHe4NW7bwN5ZGY6M80w6gjwo9BnOC~kGTLzxihwP9dKvCtRgY0PNxrj0QJpK6E4bzUpAnxt2I2KINn--~cL8V6xtCVdb21sL8-Dqm4fYN2MZK0iVNJy2nF48w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","California Department of Insurance and local fire officials at a Laguna Beach town hall described the proposed Zone 0 standard that would limit combustible materials adjacent to homes.

Brenda Caloca said AB 3074 (referred to as “AB 30 74” in the meeting) defines Zone 0 as the first five feet from a dwelling and would require no combustible materials or structures in that 5‑foot band for homes in high or very high fire severity areas. “You cannot have any combustible materials or buildings or anything within 5 feet of the dwelling,” Caloca said.

When Zone 0 becomes effective, Caloca said, traditional combustible fencing and wood chips or wood mulch would not be permitted within that band; noncombustible materials such as metal or specially listed, fire‑resistant products will be acceptable. She pointed attendees to the State Fire Marshal’s list of “listed materials,” which, she said, are laboratory‑tested products that local building and fire officials will consider when deciding what can remain while meeting the new standard.

At the town hall, a resident asked whether privacy fencing and treated materials would be allowed. Fire Marshal Robert Montgomery said Zone 0 requires noncombustible fencing in that immediate 5‑foot perimeter; wood and vinyl would be excluded. Montgomery and Caloca recommended consulting the State Fire Marshal’s approved product lists and the city’s building and safety office for plan review.

Caloca said the state is discussing phased compliance: new construction would be required to meet Zone 0 immediately, while some presentations at fire marshal meetings suggest existing homes might have up to three years to come into compliance. “They’re talking still talking about the Zone 0 allowing up to 3 years for current homes,” she said, though she noted the state is still finalizing details and timelines.

Speakers emphasized that Zone 0 focuses on vegetation and immediate defensible space rather than most building code requirements, which the city already enforces separately. “Zone 0 is more defensible space…construction standards, chapter 7A has already been incorporated,” Montgomery said, referencing existing high‑fire‑severity construction rules the city enforces.

Audience members asked about treated wood and products that preserve historic character and curb appeal. Caloca and Montgomery said the State Fire Marshal’s listed materials include treated and manufactured products that have laboratory testing showing fire resistance; residents were advised to consult that list and city staff during design review to identify acceptable alternatives.

The presenters advised homeowners to plan ahead and sign up for state consumer alerts for the latest implementation guidance and grant announcements related to home hardening.","Speakers described the proposed Zone 0 defensible‑space standard: noncombustible materials within five feet of structures, timelines for compliance for existing homes, and state‑listed approved products to preserve appearance while meeting fire safety rules.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6462323,"State insurance reforms, catastrophe models aim to expand coverage; homeowners urged to report problems",2872,172000,3044000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5&start=172&end=3044","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810867-9ad2c6f62397d8cb77dce6af0abb4ee5/thumbnail_172000.jpg","/articles/6462323/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/State-insurance-reforms-catastrophe-models-aim-to-expand-coverage-homeowners-urged-to-report-problems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462323-d00a2d5c60cdcfd495a6c1ffe52b342e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580474&Signature=mrq4DfQpNq1G3D7X2b-qD1eofqrm2fVmdopiANvqTF0ZmRlz7e9P1htSMDZ37Flb~gHroFvRPOXWwZqXs2T2PqRsY0m3DuiJr28A6HwbSoX5~NfyuMKbYJy-Y~bNSj5l9SLV23GQs9ep6CP-jPDgfpNenz4SsBZPFj6AdbvKTwUODomDt0Fhd0N0k4-JFzWDu4971Arkp631uW1tlUOnXCGQGuwa7G78VIB-kziD-78YPpen6QJzv-uOhs5QZc7SwvhdH0YuadvsSLfoKszdwfKf6LSVLI~T8vJUkIZZRNZW48bTGWnSryfSkwm87hUzM8Q8SehamkTtD1xl~tiHjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brenda Caloca, a representative of the California Department of Insurance, told a Laguna Beach town hall that the department is rolling out a set of reforms intended to modernize underwriting and expand private market access for homes in wildfire‑prone areas.

Caloca said the reforms center on a publicly regulated catastrophe model that insurers may use for rate‑making only if they meet a market‑share caveat and other conditions. “The catastrophe model is a tool,” she said, and it “gives [insurers] a rate making of what their rates are going to be” rather than relying on historical loss data.

The department has approved three catastrophe models so far, Caloca said, and insurers seeking to use those models must go through department review. She added the models include reinsurance cost and are intended to reward homeowners who take mitigation steps by reflecting those measures in risk scores and premiums.

Caloca described additional legislative and regulatory changes the department is implementing or monitoring, including measures she identified as: AB 3074 (referred to during the meeting as “AB 30 74”), AB 888 (California Safe Homes Act), SB 547 (Business Insurance Protection Act), SB 497 (changes to contents coverage), the Fair Plan Stability Act (identified as AB 226 during the meeting), the Insurance Wildfire Safety Act, and a public wildfire catastrophic model act. She said those laws and rules would expand coverage options, increase certain content limits, create tax‑free home‑hardening grants, and extend moratoria that pause cancellation for fire victims.

Residents at the meeting pressed Caloca about premium impacts. One attendee said his household saw fivefold and tenfold premium increases in other communities, and asked whether mitigation would meaningfully lower premiums. Caloca responded that rates are evaluated case‑by‑case and urged residents to submit requests for assistance or complaints when they believe their mitigation or other factors were not reflected in their premium or claim handling. “If you feel like there is a component in of your mitigation that’s being ignored…please submit a request for assistance,” she said.

Caloca also described the department’s consumer support functions. She urged homeowners to report claim processing problems — for example, residents reporting problems obtaining payment for smoke damage prompted a task force and regulatory attention, she said. “If you are experiencing an issue…we always encourage you to report those because that’s the only way we can continue to find out and identify” systemic problems, Caloca said.

City staff and fire officials at the meeting described local mitigation work — field modifications, fuel breaks and outreach — and said those local efforts are part of what insurers and the department will consider when assessing risk. Laguna Beach Fire Chief Nico King and Fire Marshal Robert Montgomery spoke about local programs; Chief King reminded residents the city has been prioritizing mitigation since the 2019 wildfire safety mitigation report.

Caloca acknowledged that availability and affordability are distinct problems: “First we’re tackling availability before we can even tackle affordability,” she said, adding the department expects more insurers to re‑enter the market over time as these measures are implemented.

The department gave practical guidance: homeowners can request a risk score from their insurer, sign up for consumer alerts to learn about grant availability and regulatory updates, and contact the Department of Insurance through its consumer complaint/request channels if they believe an insurer is acting improperly.

The town hall included multiple audience questions about how insurers set maps and whether insurer maps differ from CAL FIRE hazard maps; Caloca and local speakers clarified that CAL FIRE hazard maps reflect hazard at a landscape level, while insurers assess risk and may apply mitigation‑level adjustments.

The department repeatedly asked residents to report problems and said department specialists can review policies and claims to determine whether insurers complied with the law and regulations. Caloca said the goal of the reforms is to “remove those of you that are in the Fair Plan onto the traditional market,” and to “incentivize consumers to really take proactive approaches to become wildfire safe.”","A California Department of Insurance representative outlined state rules and new catastrophe models designed to move high‑risk homes from the Fair Plan back to the private market, and urged Laguna Beach residents to report claim or rate problems so the department can investigate.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Firewise certification, grants and community mitigation highlighted as key to improving insurability

Laguna Beach fuel‑reduction projects face Coastal Commission constraints; restoration sites required for permits

New 'Zone 0' rules would ban combustible materials within 5 feet of homes; state list will guide materials

State insurance reforms, catastrophe models aim to expand coverage; homeowners urged to report problems