Over the past several years, the state has experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies and disasters. As these climate-driven natural disasters become more severe in California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) staff has met each new challenge head-on.
The nearly 2,000 staff at Cal OES have responded to increasingly complex disasters in fresh and innovative ways, strengthening the foundation of emergency management to prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
This week, Cal OES welcomes you to learn more about Jordon Boyer, Staff Services Manager I with the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP). The work he does supports Californians who live in high-risk wildfire areas, helping homeowners harden their homes against wildfires.
Through a partnership between Cal OES and Cal FIRE, Jordon implements the program in vulnerable communities. The new program grants access to financial assistance for homeowners to make defensible home improvements.
The low-cost retrofits are made possible through legislation, allowing designated areas to take measures to protect buildings and structures from wildfires.
“I think it’s going to make a huge impact,” Jordon said. “We completed our first home in Kelseyville (Lake County) helping the homeowner remove flammable materials from her property and home exterior.”
Jordon enjoys working together with wildfire experts and making a difference in peoples’ lives. Growing up in Foresthill, he remembers when his own community was impacted by the Mosquito Fire that set his hometown ablaze in September 2022.
“A lot of people were displaced and negatively impacted by the Mosquito Fire. I personally understand the hardships it brings and that’s why I’m passionate about the work that I do. Although I’m not out on the frontlines, I’m still able to support the effort.”