It’s not news that homeowners are having trouble finding fire insurance, especially those living in the foothills, and when they do find it, it’s far more expensive than in the past. The result of the devastating fires the state has suffered over the last few years, damage from the Camp Fire in Paradise as well as big fires elsewhere in the state have pushed claims to over $12 billion. Paying off those claims is apparently making some insurance companies think twice about doing business in the state. As a consequence, more homeowners are receiving notice of non-renewal, are being told to undertake extensive property improvements before their policies are renewed or are having their insurance raised substantially regardless of what they do.

Fire crews work to knock down flames as they consume a Pollock Pines resident's garage.

Emergency responders extricate a Placerville man after his vehicle rolled over on Highway 50 Sunday. Photo courtesy of El Dorado County Fire Protection District

Twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to any other day of the year.

By Gray Baker