Page 3 Foothills Sentry SEPTEMBER 2025 Family. Friends. Community. We’re all in this together. State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1801073 Ron Esparza, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0C79663 827 S. Tustin Ave Orange, CA 92866 Bus: 714-505-3400 ron@ronesparza.com Villa Park fire risk lessens By Carrie Graham Villa Park saw a 51% reduction in areas at heightened risk of wildfires per a recent rework of CalFire maps, the first since 2011. The city was one of few to see an overall reduction instead of an increase, with 165 addresses moving to less severe designations. The maps, which indicate areas of moderate, high and very high wildfire risk zones, are largely used to dictate fire safety standards for new construction and certain landscaping requirements. Insurance companies use a separate algorithm for determining rates. A property reclassified as being in a higher risk zone, won't necessarily see a rate increase. The new map was presented at the July Villa Park City Council meeting by City Manager Steve Franks. “This map doesn't set insurance rates," Franks explained. "The insurance companies have their own algorithms that they use to set rates. This is a completely separate thing pertaining to fire prevention." Chief Kevin Fetterman with the Orange County Fire Authority was on hand to answer questions. Asked about the impact on residents, he said most of the changes would apply to those seeking permits for new construction. “There's a number of changes, including required defensible space, home hardening for new construction, but not for existing construction," Fetterman said. "With very high-risk areas, there's a notification requirement when you sell your home. I think it's worth pointing out that Villa Park, unlike many other communities, had a decrease in acreage in every category and structures that were impacted in every category. That is not normal, so that's a good attribute for the city,” Less risk, no reward It’s worth noting that although areas where fire risk increased will be subject to more stringent construction guidelines, those that moved to a less severe designation are locked in to their existing requirements. However, residents don’t have to navigate the changes alone. OCFA offers free inspections to help homeowners identify fire risks on their property, from brush clearance distances to home ventilation at risk of collecting airborne embers. But as promising as the reduction in at-risk acreage is, Councilwoman Crystal Miles cautioned residents that the city, as a whole, is still in a high-risk area. “While this is great news that a lot of the city has left the high fire severity zones, our electrical circuit still is in that high fire severity zone," she said. "I want residents to realize that if we have to go through public safety power shutoffs because of high fire danger, it's about the circuit.” Residents concerned about risks on their property can visit OCFA’s website, where they have a self assessment tool, as well as the option to request an in-person inspection. Those whose addresses have been reclassified to a higher severity zone will be notified by either the city or OCFA once the changes are finalized. Left to right are Elks Gary Doebereiner, Lynn Butler, Julie Sutton, Sean and Renee Chavarria, Salina Miller, Julie Brown, Jennifer and Kelley Martinez, Tracey Nowakowski, Janine Strom and Clark Balvanz Orange Elks voted Best Non-Profit in Orange By Bill Neessen The Orange Elks Lodge #1475 was recognized and honored twice for supporting the community, veterans, youth and its community partners! The Lodge was recognized by the Orange Chamber of Commerce and received the Best of Orange Award in the Association/ Non-Profit Organizations category. This award was voted on by the citizens of Orange. That honor followed the AllAmerican Lodge award, given to Lodge #1475 at the Elks Grand Lodge Convention. Congratulations Orange Elks! Key Club members served food at the Kiwanis Club booth during the Summer Concert Series at Hart Park. It’s a wrap for Kiwanis! By Randy Garrell The Kiwanis Club of Orange’s final concert in the Hart Park summer concert season was held August 6. It was a rousing success, as attendance increased at each of the five shows throughout the summer. Not only was the concert a rousing success in terms of community support, but it was also a financial success. Putting on a concert in the park is an expensive endeavor, and the Kiwanis was concerned about the financial side of the event. Bands and sound guys have to be paid; plus, there is considerable expense for food, advertising and other items. We are happy to report that the Kiwanis Club of Orange came out “in the black,” thanks to the many sponsors that generously donated: Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Edward Jones, Orange International Street Fair, Chapman University, Santiago Canyon College, Raising Cane’s, The Kickin’ Crab, 1886 Brewing Company, Smoqued California BBQ, Finney’s Crafthouse, Woody’s Diner, Seven Gables Realty and Streamliner Diner. In addition, donations from the crowd were also very significant. Members of the Key Club, the high school service organization that is part of the Kiwanis, circulated through the crowd with baskets that came back full of cash. Your generosity was overwhelming – thank you, Orange! Key Club members from Orange, El Modena, Orange Lutheran and Villa Park High Schools were instrumental in assisting with the food service by setting up, serving and helping clean at the end of the night. They worked hard, and each week more students came to help. That money raised will be returned to the Orange community, with funds going toward more community events, as well as scholarships for local high school seniors. As an all-volunteer organization, the dedication of the Kiwanis of Orange members was crucial to the success of the concert series. They are already working with the City of Orange to make the 2026 concert series even better. Acrylic artist featured The Orange Art Association will present Fernando Perez at its Monday, Sept. 8 meeting. Perez will demonstrate the use of acrylics, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Community of Christ Church, 395 S. Tustin St. The public is invited to attend. For information contact Pat at (714) 538-8069.
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