Wildfires lead to uptick in tiny home awareness
A s of February 2025, where 57,660 acres have burned, according to data from Cal Fire. As a comparison, in 2024 there were 2,148 structures destroyed in 8,024 wildfires with 1,050,012 acres burned. In 2023, across California 179 structures burned in 7,386 wildfires with 332,822 acres burned. Wildfires add to California’s California has lost 16,249 structures in 359 wildfires already burdened housing crisis, but as more housing codes are loosened to allow for tiny homes and other small or mobile options,
the potential for adding stock continues to increase. Between those who are homeless, those who are experiencing a loss of their home from a natural disaster and those who are so-called precariously housed (i.e., a job-loss away from homelessness), there is a common thread—housing is essential to maintaining dignity and the pursuit of happiness. In research for this and other NorthBay biz housing stories, local residents downsizing to smaller living situations often speak of the unexpected benefits of letting
go of unnecessary “stuff” and living more simply. Tiny homes, tiny home capsules, and other smaller living accommodations are not only are a resource for addressing the growing housing crisis, they can also offer a more peaceful existence. Tiny home villages face more obstacles than single ADUs placed at people’s homes. But these villages offer up the potential for cooperative living in more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. —Janet Perry
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Read on Sonoma is off to its strongest start yet, with almost 4,000 students participating and 35,000 books read so far! 3rd through 6th grade students have also scored an average of nearly 90% or higher on their quizzes. Keep up the great work!
34 NorthBaybiz
March 2025
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