By Christophe Marcant, OFSC Board Member
When the Zone 0 Regulatory Advisory Committee reconvened in Sacramento on September 22, the hearing carried the weight of finality. It followed a contentious session in Altadena the week before, where opponents turned out in force with concerns about costs, shade, and enforcement. By contrast, Sacramento felt like the final round — the last chance for public comment before staff prepare the rewrite due on October 10. For readers catching up, you can revisit our earlier post on the August 18 hearing.
With Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-18-25 requiring adoption of Zone 0 regulations by year’s end, the clock is now ticking.
The Case Remains Strong
Supporters once again brought the evidence: fire marshals with fence-burn videos, wildfire scientists reminding the committee that no shrub or watered plant has ever been proven to stop embers, insurance professionals warning of misalignment with national standards, and Firewise leaders testifying that clear state rules help overcome neighborhood inertia. Their message has not wavered: Zone 0 is tested, affordable, and lifesaving.
The Pushback Repeated
Opponents’ themes were also familiar: the expense of tree work for seniors, the loss of shade in hotter summers, and fears of enforcement. Several speakers again suggested that well-watered plants can shield homes — an argument still lacking a single peer-reviewed study in support.
A Glimpse Into the Committee’s Thinking
The most revealing development came from the committee president’s closing remarks. His words underscored both conviction and caution:
- He dismissed the “hydrated vegetation” argument, pointing out that what is green in January may be tinder-dry in August.
- He stressed: “We are here because of fire, not aesthetics.”
- He acknowledged local ordinances protecting native oaks but insisted that state regulations must be a floor, not a ceiling — no jurisdiction should be allowed to adopt weaker rules.
- He directed staff to prepare plant lists and guidance to help the public make informed choices, signaling a willingness to educate without undermining the science.
- Most importantly, he set the course: the final rewrite will be completed by October 10.
Why It Matters for Oakland
For us in Oakland, this is more than process. The Tunnel Fire taught us that embers don’t respect landscaping preferences — they exploit fuel. The president’s remarks suggest the committee understands this, even as it balances competing voices.
The next few weeks are decisive. Once the rewrite is submitted, the Board of Forestry will move toward adoption to meet the Governor’s year-end mandate. OFSC will continue to track every step, ensuring that the final regulations remain strong enough to protect neighborhoods across California.
Oakland already knows what happens when embers find fuel at our doorsteps. Zone 0 is our chance to make sure it never happens again.
See Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Committee Public Workshops and Materials HERE