In 2019 Governor Newsom identified 35 areas of California most vulnerable to wildfire, which included a 6.5 mile stretch of SR-17 (Highway 17), a major evacuation route for thousands of homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Managed by the Santa Clara FireSafe Council, CAL FIRE, and Caltrans, the SR-17 Shaded Fuel Break Project is a collaborative effort by multiple agencies that will help keep the highway accessible during a wildfire. In addition to protecting critical infrastructure including power transmission, distribution lines and water treatment facilities, the project protects valuable wildlife habitats.