Orinda's wildfire tax watchdog commission will review a $25,400 goat grazing project, a $750,000 state grant application and results from resident focus groups when it meets Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sarge Littlehale Community Room at City Hall.

The Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission, which monitors how Measure R sales tax dollars are spent on wildfire preparedness, has a packed agenda for its first meeting since June.

200 goats, 16.5 acres

Among the highlights in the June-July monthly activity update: the city plans to deploy 200 goats at Oaks Park Open Space from Aug. 16 through Sept. 6 to clear 16.5 acres of vegetation at a cost of $25,400.

Staff will also brief commissioners on a $750,000 CAL FIRE grant application to fund the popular Chipper Program and Individual Fuel Reduction Incentive Program, according to the meeting's agenda package.

The Chipper Program logged 1,175 completed reservations during fiscal year 2024-25, removing roughly 4,515 cubic yards of hazardous vegetation. Mid-summer wait times can stretch to six weeks.

What residents told focus groups

Paula Reinman will present findings from Voices of Orinda, focus groups conducted in June 2026 that surveyed 26 homeowners across Orinda neighborhoods. The research sorted residents into four segments: "Curious Beginners" who want first steps, "Committed Doers" hitting real barriers, a "Frustrated Vanguard" waiting for the community to catch up, and "Capable Skeptics" who doubt individual action matters.

Three gaps emerged between what residents intend to do and what they actually do: not knowing what steps to take or in what order, inability to afford or access the work, and doubt that individual effort matters without broader systemic change. The findings will inform the city's fiscal year 2026-27 wildfire communications strategy.

Software subcommittee on the table

Commissioners will consider creating a new ad hoc subcommittee to identify potential software suppliers for wildfire risk modeling. The proposal grew out of discussion at the commission's June 10 meeting, where Commissioner Jud Hammon noted that the city's existing Ladris software focuses on evacuation risks rather than wildfire fuels assessment. Hammon moved to explore additional modeling tools, and Commissioner Chris Decareau seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, according to the June 10 minutes included in the agenda package.

The agenda also flags a planned community screening of the PBS documentary "Weathered: After the LA Firestorm" on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Orinda Theatre, featuring state Sen. Tim Grayson.

How to weigh in

The meeting is open to the public at 22 Orinda Way. Residents who cannot attend may submit written comments by 3 p.m. on Aug. 12 by emailing [email protected]. Chair Rachelle Latimer presides, with Vice Chair Yasaman Lee and commissioners Brad Barber, Chris Decareau, Jud Hammon, Todd Stern and Alex Weinstein.