Recently, the California Department of Insurance extended its one-year moratorium on insurance cancellation or non-renewals to people impacted by the recent chain of California fires. Among the fires included are the McKinney Fire, the Mill Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Mosquito Fire.
For others, I hope this is helpful… Having been through the 2017 fires, 2019 Kincade Fire, and now Walbridge, as a horse owner, I felt compelled to share some knowledge and observations. Prepping for a disaster/emergency starts well ahead of when that moment actually arrives. You start months or even years ahead. When time is of the essence sometimes you only have six or seven minutes to load up and get out of the fire zone.
In recent years, we have seen an unprecedented amount of fires raging through California communities. Completely decimated, these towns are left to start from scratch with just the rubble of the past beneath their feet. These fires have not only transformed landscapes, but they have transformed people as well. As these communities begin to rebuild, they have been doing so with the future in mind. Towns across California have been finding the silver lining in this devastation by rebuilding more sustainable, fire safe communities than ever before.
Shoopman was a long-time Klamath National Forest Lookout at various posts — she started her career as a wildfire lookout at Baldy Mountain Lookout, west of Happy Camp, in 1974. She also staffed Lake Mountain Lookout and, most recently, Buckhorn Lookout — since 1993.
"Your property does not meet our wildfire eligibility guidelines... We will not renew this policy when it expires." Have you received a notice like the one above? Insurance companies are increasingly dropping policies of California customers with notices of non-renewal like these. However, your non-renewal notice may be a mistake. And depending on the circumstances, your policy may still be protected by California law.
Dog bites, as most people know, make up the majority of injuries caused by animals. In fact, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that more than 4 million people are bitten by dogs in a year. However, did you know that other kinds of animals, injure and kill thousands of people ever year in the United States?
Keeping a pet dog is undoubtedly one of the most cherished forms in which the constitutionally protected right to own personal property is exercised. To most people it is more than ownership of mere personal property. More than once courts have recognized that the keeping of such pets is such an important part of our way of life and have recognized the perhaps sentimental but nonetheless universally strong affection of [hu]mankind for the dog. But while the vast majority of dogs behave like the furry best friends long known to humankind, dog bites are not uncommon.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a critical role in disaster response and recovery across the United States. Established in 1979 and refined through legislation like the Stafford Act and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, FEMA provides essential support when disasters strike. From emergency declarations to major-disaster assistance, FEMA's programs offer aid for individuals, families, and communities, including housing assistance, crisis counseling, and infrastructure repair. This blog explores FEMA's history, how disaster declarations are made, and the types of assistance available to those in need.
Public property is meant to be safe and accessible, but dangerous conditions—whether outdoors or indoors—can lead to serious injuries. From uneven sidewalks to slippery floors, these hazards can create substantial risks for pedestrians, motorists, and visitors. However, holding public entities accountable for such injuries involves navigating a complex legal framework established by California law. This blog explores the definition of a "dangerous condition," the liability of public entities and employees, and the steps required to file a claim for damages.