The Santa Barbara Jesusita fire which started on May 5 has charred more than 8,733 acres so far, burned numerous homes, and injured 29 firefighters. I have dedicated the resources of both my State Capitol and District Offices in Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks to help in whatever way possible and remain in contact with CAL FIRE authorities.

Please use the links below to access the latest news and information on firefighting efforts in Santa Barbara County:

• Get the latest information on fires burning in Santa Barbara County by visiting the CAL FIRE Information Page.

• View an interactive map of the wildfires threatening Santa Barbara County communities here.

• Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Executive Order to Boost State's Wildfire Preparedness and Resources.

• The Fire Safe Council has issued a set of guidelines for homeowners in wildfire areas.

• The American Red Cross Lends a Hand as Santa Barbara Wildfires Rage.

• Advice for fire victims from the California Department of Insurance.

• Santa Barbara County Fire Department website.

Department of Insurance – List of all major insurers, along with fraud prevention tips and information guides.

The following tips were taken from the Department of Insurance website:
The most common fraud that occurs in the aftermath of a disaster generally involves price gouging, offers of debris removal, and fraudulent charitable solicitations. Because property loss from a disaster can be so traumatic, victims of disaster can become easy targets for fraud. It is important to keep a sharp lookout for people who try to play on the emotions of those stricken by disaster. If you suspect fraudulent activity after a disaster, or at anytime, then please contact our Fraud Division Headquarters at (916) 854-5760 or your nearest Fraud Regional Office.

After a disaster, sales people often go door to door, canvassing neighborhoods to generate new business. While many of these people are honest and reputable, some are not. Below is a recommended list of steps to take to protect against unscrupulous operators posing as legitimate contractors:

• Call the Contractors State License Board at 800-321-2752 or visit their Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov to check a contractor's license number or get further information on home and property repairs.

• Deal only with licensed contractors. Ask to see the contractor's "pocket license," together with other identification. If the person claims to be representing a contractor, but can't show you a contractor's license or home improvement salesperson registration card, call the contractor and find out if the person is authorized to act on the contractor's behalf.

• Do not do business with a contractor who does not carry the appropriate insurance coverage. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property. Ask the contractor if he/she carries general liability and workers compensation insurance. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor that shows the name of the insurance company, policy number and policy limits the contractor carries. Contact the insurance company directly to verify information on the COI.

• Call the insurance adjuster assigned to your property damage claim and ask the adjuster to make an estimate of the damage and the probable cost to repair. This will provide you with a benchmark estimate prepared by a professional that you can use when negotiating with contractors.

• Don't rush into signing a contract. Collect business cards, interview several contractors, and request multiple bids for comparison. Make sure to read the fine print on all estimates and contracts.

• Beware of building contractors that encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs.

• Hire local, licensed contractors when possible, as it is easier to deal with a local contractor if problems develop. However, since it may not always be possible to deal with local contractors in the aftermath of a disaster, be particularly careful to thoroughly check references for out-of-town contractors.

• Get everything the contractor discusses in writing. Also, if changes or modifications occur in the contract terms, they should be acknowledged by all parties in writing.

• Never sign a contract with blanks that have not been filled in. Unscrupulous contractors may fill in the blanks later with unacceptable terms.

• Never pay a contractor for the entire project in advance or before the work is completed.

California law requires that the amount of the down payment for any one improvement project, other than for construction of a swimming pool, may not exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, excluding finance charges, whichever is less.

Be especially suspicious of door-to-door sales people who make unrealistically low estimates, refuse to leave a contract overnight, or try to sell their services by playing on your emotions.