Our current investment horizon is about 1 year our so it seems like a savings account is our best bet to keep the cash liquid.

You should talk to a financial advisor and seriously think about putting the money into the stock market if your investment horizon is long.  

Honestly, looking back at my memories from a few days prior, I want and am cry thinking back to the first time I visited Paradise 3 days, before the fire spared/started early Thursday morning...I actually planned to visit them again and confirm a meeting with them on the day that the tragic event unfolded(not knowing what would happen a few hours later): it all made me cry and hurt inside, when I messaged them to ask what time would be best to meet.... a few minutes later replied with a startling photo of smoke in horizon/sky, then a few minutes later they described a large groups of birds flocking away, and then a shocking and scary reply... that they all must "evacuate immediately" and that the wildfire was moving very very quickly!

And factor in that you're in an appreciation rich market you don't want to leave if more appreciation is on the horizon. 

Im living and working in So Cal as a consultant/ installer for a skylight company, and im looking to broaden my horizons everyday- as per a Panda Express fortune cookie.

A younger person with more of a time horizon and/or a higher risk tolerance might feel quite differently.

I'm not buying at the moment...though its on the horizon for the next 12-16 months. 

Whether you are brand new like me, middle of the road finding your way in the business and looking to make more contacts, an expert looking to pass on your horizon of knowledge to somebody eager to learn it, or anything in between, go ahead and CONNECT!

Long term horizon bump in the road as long as you have a "solid"  portfolio or individual stock.Yeah scary but Im holding on, happens every so often.

I see some big expenses on the horizon.