Wildfires are a Threat

Photo: OC Firewatch @OCFireWatch

Orange County residents are concerned about wildfire, its smoke and pollution and the impact on their personal and economic well-being. In a new survey conducted in August, more than 80 percent said they were concerned about wildfires (81%) and smoke and pollution (85%). Seventy percent felt wildfires were a serious threat to their “personal and economic well-being.”

The heightened concern about the environment in this poll is a reflection of the extreme weather events of the last two years that have shifted the perception of climate change. Its impact was seen in the future, “problems for grandchildren” and far away affecting “polar bears or glaciers”. Now the problems appear immediate and near home. The drought and impact on the Colorado River is here and now. The wildfires of the last two years were brought home by the abandonment of California by property insurers.

The Lahaina devastation in August dramatized human impact. Even last year’s snow and rain providing drought relief was extreme, bringing floods. The survey was conducted with 1,000 adult Orange County residents by Ciruli Associates and YouGov using its panel and online platform. The survey, conducted from July 20–August 27, 2023, had a margin in error of ±4.8 percentage points. The survey was sponsored by COAST, an association of Orange County fire agencies and conservation groups created to assist in the prevention and mitigation of wildfires.

Climate Change Major Factor in Frequency of Fires

Lake Mead | Photo: Patrick T. Fallon, AFP via Getty Images

Orange County residents believe drought, the frequency of wildfires and climate change are strongly connected. Extreme weather and events such as the Lahaina fire have increased climate change belief nationally and in California. The problem appears more immediate and localized.

People believe a “major factor” (68%) in the frequency of wildfires is drought. More than seventy percent (71%) believe climate change has contributed to the drought and is a major factor in the frequency of wildfires (62%).

The survey was conducted with 1,000 adult Orange County residents by Ciruli Associates and YouGov using its panel and online platform. The data was weighted to reflect OC 2020 census data. The survey, conducted from July 20–August 27, 2023, had a margin in error of ±4.8 percentage points. The survey was sponsored by COAST, an association of Orange County fire agencies and conservation groups created to assist in the prevention and mitigation of wildfires.

Do More to Respond to Wildfires

Photo: www.ocfa.org

Orange County residents believe wildfires are a threat to their health and wellbeing. Although they have confidence in local and state fire authorities, they believe not enough is being done by state and local government “to respond to wildfires in California” (52%).

The survey was conducted with 1,000 adult Orange County residents by Ciruli Associates and YouGov using its panel and online platform. The data was weighted to reflect OC 2020 census data. The survey, conducted from July 20–August 27, 2023, had a margin in error of ±4.8 percentage points. The survey was sponsored by COAST, an association of Orange County fire agencies and conservation groups created to assist in the prevention and mitigation of wildfires.

Protect Orange County Open Space

Irvine Ranch Open Space | Photo: ocparks.com

An August survey conducted in Orange County shows 94 percent of residents rate “protecting conservation areas and open space” important or very important.

The survey was conducted with 1,000 adult Orange County residents by Ciruli Associates and YouGov using its panel and online platform. The data was weighted to reflect OC 2020 census data. The survey, conducted from July 20–August 27, 2023, had a margin in error of ±4.8 percentage points. The survey was sponsored by COAST, an association of Orange County fire agencies and conservation groups created to assist in the prevention and mitigation of wildfires.

California and Orange County Rate Wildfire, Water and Climate Change Top Environmental Problems

Newport Beach | Photo: D Ramey Logan

After a year of extreme weather, two new surveys show wildfire, water supply and climate change the top environmental issues in Orange County and statewide. A statewide PPIC survey was conducted in June and the Orange County survey in August. Using different methods, they show similar results.

Both surveys asked respondents to name their top environmental issue. PPIC responses are top of mind and COAST responses are reactions to a randomized list. They both rated water supply, drought and wildfires in the top two positions with climate change and air pollution the next most important environmental issues.

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll with 1724 adults conducted from June 7–29 included several questions comparable to the county-wide COAST survey in Orange County two months later. COAST is an organization of Orange County fire agencies and conservation groups created to assist in prevention and mitigation of wildfires. The PPIC survey was conducted by telephone and the COAST survey, conducted by Ciruli Associates and YouGov from July 20 to August 27 with 1,000 Orange County residents, received responses from an online panel and email.

Schiff Moves Up

Pelosi and Schiff | Photo: Noah Berger/AP Photo

The latest Berkeley IGS poll has Adam Schiff moving up in the U.S. Senate race. He's gained 6 points since the March poll and is now ahead of Katie Porter.

The summer’s political news has been about the trials and frontrunner status of Donald Trump. It helps Schiff, who is a hero to Democrats for taking on Trump in the first House impeachment and the January 6 Committee. Democrats are concerned about having an experienced team in DC ready to battle Trump. Nancy Pelosi just announced she was returning for another term to help lead the fight.

Schiff, endorsed by dozens of House colleagues, is helped by his experience and reputation for getting things done in DC. With the retirement of Senator Dianne Feinstein, the state is losing decades of experience and partisan networks.

The largest block of voters (32%) has not focused on the U.S. Senate primary yet, so expect an expensive campaign heating up with the new year.