Albion: Nexus of Climate, Economy and Demographics

Sydney Fishman’s in-depth examination of Measure S in Albion illustrates the interconnected challenges facing rural communities across Humboldt and Mendocino counties, where economic shifts have reduced the volunteer pool, driving up the need for fire department funding. Albion voters recently rejected Measure S, a proposal to increase funding for the local fire department, a decision that will affect insurance availability and rates. At the same time, rising natural disaster claims nationwide prompt insurers to require rural homeowners in wildfire zones to “harden” their properties against ignition. Without these measures, homes risk becoming uninsured and leaving residents exposed to greater financial hardship. Sydney Fishman’s journalism is sponsored by the California Local News Fellowship