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Kitchen Table Kibitzing: Wildfire Preparations; Stand Up for Science Summer [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2025-05-22

A few weeks back I came home to find a Wildfire Hazard Evaluation Notice on the front door. The report detailed the steps the property owner needs to take to make the property safer in the event of a fire. There were a few things for me to do — get rid of my Adirondack chair cushions, remove firewood from decks, address items stored under the house — but I was told the owner would be handling the suggested pruning, tree cutting, and weeding.

Twice now the property management company has sent people by to estimate costs and I’ve asked them to contact me before they come to do the work so I can put the dog inside. So far, no word.

This morning, I wrote to the property managers to ask about the status of the work order. The owner just completed doing work outside — repairing stairs to the lower yard, resetting bricks on the steps, filling in cracks in the large pavers — and I’m concerned that he will balk at the large amount of work which is now necessary because he does not want to pay for regular maintenance. The big parts of the work include taking down a juniper tree, topping a now huge shrub, and cutting back a tree which expands over the top of the parking deck.

It’s challenging to be a renter! Some months back they wanted to do an inside inspection and I was so concerned that I hired someone to clean the carpets and did a deep clean of the house, bought a new fire alarm, and organized clutter under my cabinets. I even arranged to have the dog out of the house when they came so as not to have it held against me when Aggie put on her guard dog hat and barked nonstop at strangers in her house.

Some of the things they are suggesting in the evaluation aren’t really feasible. For example, no plantings within five feet of the house and moving garbage cans five feet away from the house.

Here are some things you can do: From AI:

Clean up: Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, leaves, and debris from your roof, gutters, decks, porches, and under any areas of your home.

Trim trees and shrubs: Prune branches to prevent fire from climbing into the canopy and reduce the amount of dry vegetation.

Maintain lawn: Keep your lawn mowed and free of weeds.

Remove debris: Clear away leaf piles, fallen branches, and other debris, especially near your home and structures.

Landscape Design: 10 Tips for a Fire-Safe Garden provides details and ideas on types of plants which are fire resistant.

What have you done to fire proof your property?

Stand Up for Science Summer

x At the end of this summer, the future of U.S. science and research will be decided. From weather alerts to cancer breakthroughs, science shapes every part of our lives.

We need everyone in this fight. The Summer Fight for Science starts now. Are you in? The fight starts here: bit.ly/4ddiuqU



[image or embed] — Stand Up for Science! (@standupforscience.bsky.social) May 14, 2025 at 12:07 PM

The Summer Fight for Science proposes several ‘hyperlocal actions’ people can take to elevate awareness, pressure elected officials, and fight DOGE cuts to science.

We need everyone to join the fight for science this summer wherever, whenever and however you can. The Summer Fight for Science includes a menu of grassroots, hyperlocal actions YOU can take to inform the public and enact pressure on your elected officials. Take 5 minutes to make 5 calls to your legislators.

If you’re a scientist, consider organizing a Teach-In anywhere in your community.

Maybe run a Zoom-or IRL-based open lab , a house tour of your work with interactive AMAs.

Consider a science demo tabled at your state fair, local farmer’s market or other community event.

If you’re a student or just a shameless science stan, sign up for any of the science events below…while you’re at it, think about starting or joining a Stand Up For Science LOCAL.

Spread some micro-flyers at your local grocery store, on the bus, at your school, in your church.

Join a peaceful protest organized by one of our partners!

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