August 01, 2023

Caldor Fire Survivors Pursue Legal Action Against USFS | Public Companies Bury Wildfire Risk | A Creative Space for Vulnerable Youth

49 minutes

Caldor Fire survivors file claims against the Forest Service. Study finds public companies bury wildfire risk in federal filings. How The Creation District provides a safe space for housing insecure youth to express themselves through music and art.

Caldor Fire survivors

Two years ago, the Caldor Fire ripped through and nearly destroyed the town of Grizzly Flats. Now, some survivors are considering legal action against the U.S. Forest Service, claiming it long knew the wildfire risk to the Sierra community– yet failed to fully protect residents. Investigative Reporter Scott Rodd explains what a lawsuit could accomplish. Last year, an investigation from CapRadio and The California Newsroom found the Forest Service identified the wildfire risk in Grizzly Flats decades ago. The agency eventually developed a large forest management project to clear flammable brush and vegetation on federal land bordering the community. But the Forest Service completed only 14% of the planned work leading up to the Caldor Fire.

Companies burying wildfire risk

Wildfires are a way of life here in California. We have unfortunately seen the destruction of entire communities, homes, property and businesses. But a recent study by UC Davis shows that when it comes to disclosing the risk of wildfire on public companies, very little is known. And for good reason - the vast majority of public companies don’t report their wildfire exposure risk, even though they are required to. Professor Paul Griffin with the “UC Davis Graduate School of Management” is lead author of the report and explains why the underreporting is important when it comes to transparency and accountability and the potentially severe impact to our economy.

The Creation District

Music is transformative and has the power to overcome many of life’s challenges. But for kids and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, finding opportunities to realize this potential can be few or virtually non-existent. But one organization in Sacramento has been providing a safe haven for them since 2015, cultivating an atmosphere where they can create, discover, and dream big. The Creation District offers a wide array of workshops and programs for Sacramento’s youth to help them build a brighter future for themselves and the community. Grace Loescher, Director of The Creation District, joined Insight to tell us more about this incubator for creation.

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