On November 2, 2024, I trapped a juvenile red-tailed hawk and began the process of training. He will likely be returned to the wild after a year or two of guaranteed food, health benefits, and company housing, but he became my partner for the falconry season.

The Inland Empire is watching as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire, and Airport Fire wind down to a smolder. As the containment percentages rise and the smoke finally settles, we must continue to stay vigilant. Incorporating defensible space principles isn’t just a precaution—it’s a vital shield for our homes. Here, the threat of fire is a persistent reality, making defensible space an essential strategy to safeguard our neighborhoods from catastrophic blazes.