Opinion: Calif. fire agencies need state money
By Daryl Osby and Mark Lorenzen, Sacramento Bee
The many tragedies during the terrible wildfires and mudslides California experienced recently have taught us many lessons we cannot ignore or neglect.
First, our weather patterns are changing and natural disasters are getting worse, due in large part to climate change. California suffered its deadliest and largest wildfires ever in just three months last year. Second, the growing frequency and ferocity of these events creates more strain on our disaster preparedness and response systems.