Help Paradise Fire Survivors Rebuild!

n November 8th, the worst fire in California history ripped through several Butte County communities. The Camp Fire (sometimes called The Paradise Fire) burned over 10,000 homes, displacing more than 50,000 individuals and killing an unknown number of people. Not only homes were lost, but businesses also turned to ash leaving thousands homeless and jobless.

Now more than two months later emergency shelters are closing in the middle of winter. Many homeowners are frantically waiting for clearance to move back onto their land to begin the process of reclaiming their lives. Debris from the fire, no safe drinking water, and lack of sanitation are some of the huge obstacles facing those who try to rebuild. As motel vouchers are disappearing, many are still waiting for insurance checks if they were lucky enough to have insurance. In the midst of a government shutdown they are waiting for FEMA checks to arrive hoping to acquire enough to find a rental, replace a vehicle, or purchase an RV. In the meantime CampFire survivors are bedded down where ever they can a find place literally throughout the country. Friends and family in nearby towns have opened up their homes taking in those who are reeling with the shock of losing everything in an instant. Many parents were forced to send their children to "a stable environment" until they can figure out what to do. Many of those impacted are elderly who do not qualify for loans to rebuild and cannot brave the elements without proper shelter.

While the Federal and State governments have declared a state of emergency and allocated funding for the communities affected by the fires, Butte County's own Supervisors have failed to recognize the need to declare a shelter crisis and waive all permit and code enforcement regulations in accordance with California State law and expedite the process to allow parcel owners to relocate back onto their parcels. Instead large property owners who have invited Camp Fire evacuees to park their RV's are being subject to threats from Butte County officials. Their actions are only causing more stress and hardship. Instead, We ask that Butte County Supervisors extend a grace period of amnesty for the next three years to allow those who choose to rebuild the time necessary to rebuild without any punitive measures. Furthermore we ask that the Butte County Planning Department amend their County Housing Plan to identify parcels to be rezoned to allow for "Nomadic Campgrounds" to prevent mass homelessness by those identified as Camp Fire survivors to provide safe spaces with a minimum of infrastructure to allow them to work, raise their children,and go forward with their lives

.As of February 13th There are 9 people left housed at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds and 63 RV's.  The RV's will transition to $1,200 per month to stay.  $1200 per month x 63 RV's = $75,600 the amount Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, a state taxpayer funded organization is gouging Camp Fire survivors to camp in their parking lot who have no place else to move their older model trailers and motorhomes.

rielle Lurie / The Chronicle 2018

2of5A burned neighborhood is seen in Paradise, California on November 15, 2018.Photo: Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images

President Donald Trump and Paradise Mayor Jody Jones view damage from the Camp fire in Paradise, California on November 17, 2018. - President Donald Trump arrived in California to meet with officials, victims and the "unbelievably brave" firefighters there, as more than 1,000 people remain listed as missing in the worst-ever wildfire to Photo: SAUL LOEB;Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images