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Andy's Fire Safety Plan

Andy will bring his extensive experience as our longstanding EBMUD Director, and on the Disaster and Fire Safety Commission to implement wildfire safety solutions to make our community safer.  

1. Accelerate removal of hazardous eucalyptus and other combustible vegetation

  • Continue working in partnership with the Berkeley Fire Department, East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay MUD, UC Berkeley, LBNL, and the Berkeley FireSafe Council to reduce fire fuel.  
  • Develop ambitious fuel reduction plans for public lands to prepare for applying for state grants funded by Proposition 4, the $10 billion bond on this year’s November ballot that will fund fire safety and climate resilience.  
  • Expand the Resident Assistance Program to assist homeowners to implement Fire Department inspection recommendations, especially for seniors, disabled, and fixed-income residents.  
  • After a public process and community dialogue about the ecology science, step up Fire Department inspections to address removal of eucalyptus and other particularly hazardous species, and use voter-approved tax dollars to fund abatement so neighborhood fire safety doesn’t have to be a burden.  

2. New Financing to help homeowners make our homes safer, sooner

  • On the Disaster and Fire Safety Commission, Andy helped create a new transfer tax rebate for wildfire hardening to protect our homes. 
  • On the City Council, Andy will unlock this incentive for early action - using the innovative financing tools the city is already using for solar - to help homeowners access that rebate (average value $8,000) to invest in fire safety right now.  
  • Support expanded outreach and consultations so homeowners can understand the most effective investments for home hardening.  

3. Move more utility lines underground to help prevent fires and ensuring evacuation clearance

  • Start outreach along evacuation routes, and work with PG&E to develop cost estimates where the neighborhood support and interest is highest.  
  • Advocate to the CPUC for more funding for utility undergrounding.  

4. Ensure safe evacuation in an emergency

  • Work closely with the Berkeley Fire Department to implement recommendations of the city’s forthcoming evacuation study.
  • Outreach to residents about evacuation routes and how to maintain egress on our narrow streets, especially addressing pinch points.  
  • Focus new housing near transit and streets that can support access, not in high hazard fire zones.  

5. Work on Local, State, and National Solutions to the Home Insurance Crisis

  • The California Insurance Commissioner is bringing insurers back into the market with risk models reflecting our changing climate and higher wildfire risk.
  • As a labor, consumer rights, and environmental attorney, Andy has sought justice against abusive corporations and insurance companies and successfully secured insurance claims.  
  • Andy use this extensive legal background to fight for real discounts on our insurance rates as these wildfire safety measures are implemented.