**Andy Ortega's Background & Personal Story**
* Andy's 37-year career with the Ventura County Fire Department, following in his father's footsteps.
* He retired in 2017 as Assistant Chief of Emergency Operations/Services.
* His retirement bliss was interrupted by the **Thomas Fire** on December 4th, 2017, which burned down his home.
* This personal trauma shifted his perspective, leading him to join the Fire Safe Council after rebuilding his home. He describes losing everything as "winning the reverse lottery".
**Understanding the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council**
* The Council was founded in **2009** by the then Ventura County Fire Chief.
* It is a **non-profit organization**.
* Its primary goal is **fire resilience, wildfire safety, and wildfire education** for the community, neighborhoods, and individuals.
* Unlike response organizations like the Ventura County Fire Department, Fire Safe Councils exist to **reach and educate the community** about preparedness.
* **Funding** is predominantly from **grants** (90-95%), with additional contributions from foundations, sponsorships, or events. Funding has significantly increased due to rising wildfire activity in the West.
* The Council has grown from two employees in 2017 to **nine people** and contractors currently, due to the intense urgency to solve problems after massive disasters.
**Successes & Key Initiatives**
* **Capacity Growth**: The increase in staff has enabled greater capacity to help communities and resource other Fire Safe Councils.
* **Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)**: Ventura County completed a CWPP two years ago, which is an extensive plan with actionable items and priorities, one of only a handful in California. It helps identify vulnerable neighborhoods for targeted programs.
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