SPOA Members,

This article from today's Union Democrat basically confirms what I heard in the County Fire Safety and Advisory
meeting last week. Nancy Watkins from Millikan spoke to the committee and advised that the State Legislature is
considering doing away with the maximum annual rate increase restrictions that insurance companies must follow
in the State of California. The thought is that if insurance companies can charge the consumer more for coverage
then they will return to writing policies in California. However, the proposed legislation does not mandate
insurance companies to take into consideration any of the work that cities, counties and property owners are
doing to reduce their risk.

The article accurately states the problem associated with this new legislation that is currently being pushed
through on a fast track. Looks like property owners are still going to face a lack of options and high rates
regardless of any home hardening or property clearing being done.

So the only thing we can promise our property owners is that by doing their due diligence and maintaining a
defensible space perimeter is that they will make their homes less vulnerable and easier to defend by providing
a safer environment for the firefighters, but cost savings or even obtaining insurance is not a benefit that
can be expected.

Not the best news for property owners.

Dee Martin
Strawberry Fire Protection District
Board President
209-770-5652