California didn’t just pass a housing bill — it passed nearly 30 of them. And the ripple effects are already showing up in our neighborhoods.

In Episode 9 of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down what actually changed — from SB 9 lot splits and parking-free housing under AB 2097, to CEQA reform with AB 130 and small-lot development under SB 684 and SB 1123.

This isn’t an anti-housing rant or a neighborhood panic button. It’s a clear-headed look at where California is headed — and the bigger question of where growth should really go.

Today’s episode is titled “A Rabbi and a Priest Walk Into a Bar.” It’s a playful way of looking at something very real: the spaces we design—be it a synagogue, a church, a nightclub, or venue—often share more in common than you’d expect. In light of the heartbreaking events in Bondi Beach, we’ve been reminded that honoring our differences begins with understanding our common ground. Our clients—who lead communities, host celebrations, create sacred moments—are the real heroes. And we’re just here to help shape the space where those connections happen.

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of Architecting in Stilettos – Wildfire Recovery Series finale.

Today, we’re joined by Scott Wiedensohler, a recently retired Division Chief with the Orange County Fire Authority and a seasoned leader with over 30 years of fire service experience in both Operations and Community Risk Reduction.

Born and raised in Southern California, Scott is a mission-driven leader known for team building, critical thinking, and his ability to connect the dots between frontline needs and long-term planning. He’s been married for 26 years, is a proud father of two, and has built a career around ensuring that communities—and the professionals who serve them—are safer, more prepared, and better informed.

Scott now serves as a fire-hardening consultant with Proactive Fire Solutions, a team of fire service professionals offering decades of expertise in fire prevention, community planning, and emergency operations. Their mission is to provide smart, code-informed solutions to architects, designers, engineers, contractors, HOAs, and homeowners in an increasingly fire-prone California.

Check their brochure out here https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ztcxzjpfy3qpynmob69yc/Proactive-Fire-Solutions-PFS.pdf?rlkey=ekfgwvxq165jjeu7t9vp0m1gq&dl=0

From defensible space planning to fuel modification, fire master plans, fire behavior modeling, and more—Scott and the team at Proactive Fire Solutions are helping reshape how communities build and rebuild with safety in mind.