State representatives support climate resilience plan
As we face escalating and ever-more uncertain climatechange challenges with dire consequences, the need for adaptation and resilience now and for future generations cannot be overstated. A climate resilience bond being considered for the November 2024 general election by the state Legislature represents the chance for California voters to take action.
Communities throughout California are already experiencing severe destruction from alltoo-frequent, intense and lesspredictable flooding, fires, heat events and drought.
San Mateo County is the most exposed county in California to sea level rise. Its coastline includes 53 miles along San Francisco Bay and 58 miles along the Pacific Ocean. It has an enormous number of people, homes, businesses and critical infrastructure directly in harm's way. The intricate network of drainages and creeks flowing from the Santa Cruz Mountains intensifies our susceptibility to flooding, a threat exacerbated by the increasingly powerful and frequent storms coupled with rising seas.
In the past decade, low-lying mobile-home parks in Belmont and Redwood City have flooded repeatedly. In 2021, an elderly couple tragically drowned in a flooded neighborhood underpass. It doesn't have to be this way.
In 2020, the CZU Complex Fire burned tens of thousands of acres, numerous structures and ravaged parks in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. The fire was all the more intense due to the ongoing drought at the time.
In Marin and Sonoma counties, similar hazards exist and have been exacerbated by climate change. According to a vulnerability assessment conducted in Marin, within 15 years, flooding impacting shoreline communities in San Rafael and Southern Marin could reach 5,000 acres, 1,300 parcels and 700 buildings, affecting tens of thousands of residents, workers and visitors. Infrastructure like the Mill Valley Sausalito Pathway floods so severely during high tides and storms that the route is submerged and completely unusable.
Building flood and drainage infrastructure is critically important in places like Marin
City, a traditionally underserved community where 63% of residents are people of color and about 13% live below the poverty line. Decades of neglect and lack of resources have left this community at risk of catastrophic damage and displacement.
In Sonoma County, wildfires remain a constant threat. Its Community Wildfire Protection Plan highlights that, since 2016, the county has experienced many wildfires. The list includes the Glass, Meyers and Walbridge fires in 2020. They burned over 100,000 acres and destroyed over 1,500 structures. The Kincade Fire in 2019 burned over 77,000 acres and destroyed 374 structures. The Sonoma Complex fires in 2017 tragically caused 22 fatalities and destroyed 5,636 structures.
We must act with urgency to invest in wildfire prevention, address sea level rise, respond to the effects of extreme heat and enhance flood protection now. Doing so ensures access to clean air and water; protects communities from extreme weather events and natural disasters; and preserves the lands we love now and for future generations. Too many lives, livelihoods, homes and critical infrastructure are at risk.
Communities throughout California are already experiencing severe destruction from all-toofrequent, intense and less-predictable flooding, fires, heat events and drought.
The Legislature is deliberating a potential climate resilience bond, working to prioritize investments that ensure all Californians are protected from (and prepared for) the many impacts of climate change while also taking the opportunity to leverage matching federal dollars. That way local governments can adequately prepare for and mitigate against climate change and disasters.
The ravages of drought, wildfire, extreme heat and flooding have left no community untouched. As we witness the increased frequency, intensity and severity of these events, it is clear that preparing our communities is imperative.
As we continue to develop and advocate for the passage of a climate resilience bond, we acknowledge the financial uncertainty the state currently faces. Declining revenues only underscore the urgency of securing these resources now. Delaying action will increase costs and, more importantly, will exacerbate the vulnerabilities of our communities — putting lives, livelihoods and property at risk.
Climate resilience now will enable our communities to weather the storm of climate change as we continue to reduce our carbon emissions to secure a better climate future for those who succeed us. We must make these investments now, recognizing that our collective efforts today will determine the resilience of communities tomorrow.
Assemblymember Diane
Papan represents the 21st District in San Mateo County. Assemblymember Damon Connolly represents the 12 th District including Marin County and portions of Sonoma County.