Budget ups fire spending; no money for retrofits

Gov. Gavin Newsom says he wants to see Californians "harden" their homes to protect them from deadly wildfires. But he's declining to endorse a proposed $1 billion fund to help homeowners pay for retrofits.

The revised budget proposal he released yesterday includes $75 million to study power line de-energization and $41 million for inspections and reviews of utility company plans submitted to the Public Utilities Commission.

But he wouldn't commit to supporting a pending Assembly bill that would create a $1 billion fund to provide Californians in high-risk fire areas with rebates and low-cost loans to pay for retrofits.

Newsom says he still supports fire-resistant roofs and other features that can protect homes.

He says he'll work with legislators to see if they can find money to help homeowners.