January 8, 2025
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor, State of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Request to Call Special Session on California Wildfire Mitigation
Dear Governor Newsom,
California is currently experiencing an unmitigated wildfire disaster, with four major fires in LA
County—two of which have already burned at least 10,000 acres. These events are not isolated
incidents; they are emblematic of California’s ongoing wildfire crisis.
In 2024, California recorded 8,024 wildfires that burned over 1,050,012 acres, destroyed 1,716
structures, and displaced thousands of residents. These wildfires threaten the lives and livelihoods of
our residents. In the most tragic cases, Californians have lost their lives to these fires, including at least
two individuals killed during the ongoing Eaton Fire. Homes and businesses have been lost, insurers
are leaving the state, and fire insurance premiums have become unaffordable for many Californians.
Despite these significant wildfires, California has not changed its approach to wildfire prevention
policies. As the world’s fifth-largest economy, this is unacceptable. Now is not the time for political
posturing or spending millions to “Trump-proof” California. Instead, it’s time to take significant action
to fireproof our state.
Accordingly, pursuant to your authority under Article IV § 3(b) of the California Constitution, I urge
you to immediately issue a proclamation convening a special session of the Legislature on wildfire
mitigation so we can (1) fund critical firefighting efforts and upgrade our infrastructure; (2) pass policy
changes to allow for needed fire mitigation, such as controlled burns and undergrounding of power
lines, and (3) address the fire insurance crisis Californians are currently facing.
Sincerely,
Bill Essayli
Assemblyman, District 63
