The people of Moss Landing are experiencing what the people of Pajaro and Capitola have experienced before them. Three weeks after the catastrophic fire, news cameras and reporters are slipping away, they must deal with the aftermath while out of the spotlight.
This past weekend, I stopped to see Kim Solano at the Haute Enchilada Cafe in Moss Landing. She – along with other local restaurants, shops, and bed and breakfasts – shut down when the highway was closed and the area evacuated. While reopened, they have not financially recovered, so please stop for a meal, buy something, or stay overnight.
Where do we go from here? I have asked for a complete, independent investigation. Scientific studies have come out piecemeal since the fire. The public deserves a complete investigation that is vetted in public. We need to know how the fire started, what can be done better in the future, and understand the public and ecological health impacts of the fire plume. The California Public Utilities Commission and the County of Monterey along with the relevant state public health agencies are pursuing these investigations.
In 2023, my Senate Bill 38 required safety plans for battery storage plants. It appears that both Vistra and PG&E did not submit these plans directly to Monterey County after the bill became law. They need to do this – and the County needs to advise the public of the adequacy of the plans.
The effects of a changing climate are here. Scientists point out that the intensity of hurricanes and fires – such as the recent ones in Los Angeles – have increased due to the warming climate. The answer is to put less carbon in the air. Moving away from fossil fuels is key to doing that.
Find the full letter here:
Lookout Santa Cruz: https://lookout.co/the-moss-landing-fire-where-do-we-go-from-here/
Monterey Herald: https://www.montereyherald.com/2025/02/05/john-laird-guest-commentary-t…
New Times SLO: https://www.newtimesslo.com/opinion/energy-questions-16289100
San Benito Link: https://benitolink.com/public-letter-the-moss-landing-fire-where-do-we-…
Santa Cruz Sentinel: https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/02/05/guest-commentary-the-moss-…
San Luis Obispo Tribune: California lawmaker outlines ways to make battery farms safer | San Luis Obispo Tribune