Rebuilding and Resiliency – How We Need to Handle Wildfire From Now On

As we near the two-year anniversary of the Camp Fire, CalMatters examines the issues and the experiences around California wildfires through the lens of Rebuilding Paradise, a new documentary by Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard.

In our two-part virtual event, we’ll discuss what rebuilding and resiliency means in fire-prone California and the Western U.S.

First, CalMatters environment reporter Rachel Becker will moderate a Q&A with people involved in the film, discussing the Camp Fire’s massive impact on a town, its residents and California history. Panelists include current Paradise resident Woody Culleton, former superintendent of Paradise Unified School District Michelle John, Rebuilding Paradise producer Xan Parker, and retired CAL-FIRE chief Ken Pimlott.

Then, Julie Cart, CalMatters’ Pulitzer-Prize-winning environment reporter, will interview some of the people tasked with preparing California for its year-round fire season and for making Golden State residents more resilient. Panelists include State Senator Bill Dodd, Laguna Beach fire chief Mike Garcia, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and UC Cooperative Extension Dire Advisor Lenya Quinn-Davidson.