Voices of Resilience: Highlights from the Herald Policy Briefing Council Policy Briefing

Written By LaCharles James

Durriya Sayed & LC

Angela Thompson

Meet the experts shaping Herald’s fire safety. A summary of speaker highlights and policy takeaways from our recent community resilience meeting


We were honored to feature leaders shaping the regional response:

  • Chief James Hendricks of the #Tag Herald Fire Protection District—our lead advocate and the driving force behind this entire process.

  • #Durriya Sayed from Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's Office.

  • Ken Meyers, former Cal Fire Chief and Heralded Fire Protection District volunteer leader.

  • Leroy Tripette and Shawn Casar from #Tag SMUD.

  • Angela Thompson from #Tag AQMD.

The Key Takeaway: Mitigation as a Financial Tool

The most vital part of the discussion, led by Ms. Sayed and Chief Hendricks, focused on how proactive mitigation directly impacts the home insurance crisis. We discussed the tangible, local steps our Council—working hand-in-hand with the Fire District—can take to help communities in Herald and Sacramento County become demonstrably less risky. This local data-driven approach is an essential metric needed by the Commissioner’s office.

Building on Proven Partnerships

This conversation continues the momentum of our August event, which hosted #Senator Niello and #Steve Blaney, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. The consistent input from legislative offices, infrastructure experts, and local fire leadership underscores the necessity of a unified, sustained regional strategy.

CTA:

We must continue to link policy with physical protection. Follow the Herald Fire Prevention Council for direct updates on how these conversations are turning into action in your community. What single policy change do you believe is most critical to secure our homes?

#WildfireInsurance #LocalFire #JamesHendricks #FirePrevention #SacramentoCounty #SMUD #AQMD

 

Chief James Hendricks, LC & attendee

Leroy Tripette and Shawn Casar

LaCharles James

**LaCharles “LC” James**

President & Founder, Herald Fire Prevention Council

LaCharles “LC” James is a visionary community leader dedicated to wildfire resilience and rural advocacy. As President and Founder of the Herald Fire Prevention Council, LC has built campaigns that empower neighbors, strengthen defensible space, and connect volunteers with practical tools for home hardening and community safety.

His journey blends decades of public service and global outreach: from serving as a Supervising Deputy Probation Officer in Los Angeles County to volunteering with the Peace Corps in Liberia, where he taught and mentored students who continue to carry forward his lessons today. LC’s leadership is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and the quiet heroism of everyday people working together to protect their communities.

Through initiatives like the Golden Paradox Challenge, LC champions innovative, transparent systems that engage donors, restaurants, and volunteers in wildfire prevention. His work is not only about reducing risk—it’s about building legacy, documenting stories, and ensuring rural voices are heard in statewide resilience planning.

LC lives and works in Herald, California, where his commitment to community, family, and inclusive outreach continues to inspire new partnerships and long-term impact.

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