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32 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2026 Ad hoc Wildfire Mitigation Committee FireWise Update: In our May article, we shared our decision to pursue a FireWise® certication, a step that strengthens the safety of our community and positions residents to receive potential discounts on re insurance. Since then, we've made meaningful progress. e application for the South section was approved by our Board and submitted to Riverside County Fire several weeks ago, and we are now making some modications they requested. When approved, we plan to have another Town Hall that will provide all the necessary information and certicates. e North section application has also been completed and is currently with the Board. Once approved, it will be forwarded to Riverside County Fire for review. Why ings Feel Confusing Right Now is year has brought an unusual amount of confusion around the new re code regulations and how they aect our insurance. Despite our articles, Town Halls, and ongoing communication, many residents still have more questions than answers — and understandably so. e challenge is that the information isn't coming from a single authority. Instead, three dierent entities are issuing requirements: • Riverside County • Individual insurance companies • e FireWise® program As we've explained before, statewide legislation was proposed to require re hardening measures in high risk areas. e intent was to create consistent standards across California. e bill faced signicant challenges, however, and was ultimately not signed by the governor. As a result, responsibility has shied back to local jurisdictions, and Riverside County has made it clear they intend to fully comply once their formal regulations are nalized. We are still waiting for those details. Where the Pressure Is Coming From Today Right now, insurance companies are the ones issuing the most immediate mandates. Each company uses its own re-risk maps and its own interpretation of what compliance looks like. is means residents may receive dierent instructions depending on their insurer, and many are being told to complete certain tasks before their policies can be renewed. If you receive a directive to modify your landscaping or make changes to your property, please bring it to ARC. ey will help you understand the requirement and guide you through the steps to comply. e Ad Hoc Wildre Mitigation Committee meets on the rst ursday of the month at 1 pm in the RCN - and, as with all committee meetings, is open for residents to observe, bring questions, or give input. ~ Cathy Goldsmith, cathyhg13@yahoo. com