This week, let’s talk about smart solutions to protect water, land, and keep our furry friends in the wild.

🤫 Everything you should know

- California has recently announced that nearly a million more Californians now have safe drinking water than five years ago. But the story of those who don’t have clean water is as devastating as ever. Residents like Tequita Jefferson from Pixley are living in fear, avoiding tap water contaminated with dangerous cancer causing chemicals. In Allensworth, farmworkers struggle with arsenic in their drinking water, and many families can’t even bathe in it safely. Some, like Christina Velazquez, are forced to spend hard-earned money on bottled water for their grandchildren. These stories show that while state investments are helping, more comprehensive water management is essential. Without better water infrastructure we are not only wasting our most precious natural resource, we’re also putting Californians at risk. CalMatters

- Southern California's heat wave is not only causing discomfort but also raising wildfire risks across the region. With several wildfires already forcing evacuations in San Bernardino County, the extreme heat, combined with dry conditions, has created the perfect storm for fire outbreaks. Firefighters are working around the clock to tame three major wildfires in Southern California. The Highland Fire in San Bernardino County, the Liberty Fire near Riverside, and the Oak Fire in Ventura County. As temperatures remain dangerously high and blazes continue to threaten the region, this ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention measures. Los Angeles Times

- California’s latest data on homelessness offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis. Several counties have made strides, with homelessness dropping significantly in places like San Luis Obispo, which reported a 19% decrease. This progress is largely attributed to increased shelter beds and affordable housing, much of it through pandemic-era funding. Despite these improvements, the overall statewide numbers remain dire, with nearly 186,000 people still unhoused–an 8% increase from 2022. CalMatters

🧑‍🚒 An East Coast (But Legitimate) Article on How Controlled Fires Protect Communities

Bear with us, but we have an important article from an East Coast publication. Controlled burns have proven to save homes, like those in Cohasset, where intentional fires helped homes survive the Park fire. Despite these successes, barriers such as community resistance, limited resources, and fear of mistakes hinder widespread adoption of controlled burns. The state has a long history of fire suppression, which has led to dense forests filled with combustible material. While state and federal agencies aim to burn 400,000 acres annually, reaching this target has been difficult due to staff shortages and unfavorable weather conditions. Last year, California came up short, barely reaching 25% of its burn goal, burning only 96,000 acres. It’s a strategy that’s proven to work and we’re advocating for more widespread adoption so we can save communities from out of control wildfires. New York Times

🦊 Coming Up Coyotes

A San Francisco family got an unusual surprise when they found a coyote living behind their living room wall! The coyote snuck in through an attic vent and decided to make itself comfortable. While animal control eventually rescued the critter, we’re wondering what the market rate monthly rents are for coyotes. NBC San Diego 

💰 Insurance Fears

With fire season in full swing, many California homeowners are concerned about the cost of homeowners insurance. This Public Policy Institute of California poll includes feedback from Californians from across the age and socio-economic landscape.