It is with a deep sense of awe and sadness that we watch the events impacting our fellow Californians. To date, more than 426,000 acres in seven counties have already burned – the most lost from a single year in state history. Nearly one million of our fellow citizens  have been evacuated, and the seemingly endless flames have consumed almost 1500 homes.

It is my sincerest hope that people will visit the CalFires website to get information and pictures of the situation in our state. You will also find information on important organizations involved in easing the pain of such massive losses, as well as key information on the status of events taking place. I especially want to encourage anyone who has been forced to evacuated to register on the Red Cross’ “Safe and Well” list. This extremely valuable service will help ease the fears of family and friends with relatives displaced by this disaster.

Additionally, everyone not under threat by this disaster can help by contributing to the historic relief efforts currently underway and those links are also featured on the CalFires website.

Be assured that all members of the Legislature will continue to do everything in our power to make this tragedy easier to deal with, navigate the bureaucracy for all of our constituents and follow through to ensure that all levels of government are doing everything they can to assist people trying to rebuild their lives and homes.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those throughout Southern California who are struggling through this difficult time and especially with the men and women from all levels of government who are fighting valiantly to save lives and property across our State.