Agenda

Greater Laguna Coast Fire Safe Council

January 26, 2002

STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION –OVERVIEW OF POSSIBLE GOALS/OBJECTIVES

The participants discussed an overview of goals and objectives for the Council that might be accomplished during the next three to five years.  The following ideas emerged:

Overall Goal: 

To create a credible organization that people turn to for information and resources regarding coastal fire safety issues.

Objectives: 

·To create high visibility programs and projects that reflect the fire safety needs of the communities in our designated area.

·To implement, within the next year, at least one project, i.e., the Red Flag Project, that benefits the community and brings visibility to the Council

·To work collaboratively (on specific projects or information gathering) with agencies and/or other organizations that are focused on fire safety for this area.

·Determine methods to measure success or implementation of activities proposed by the Council

Tactics:  

·Create a pamphlet that describes defensible space landscaping

·Write a column in our local newspaper(s) on fire safety

·Provide information/resources on “How to Conduct a Fire Safety Check” for  your home and landscaped areas

·Create an annual “Beautification Award” that features a fire-safe home –could be done during Fire Safety Week

·Provide a booth at the annual Orange County Fair

·Set up a table at the Farmers Market each Saturday in Laguna Beach, and explore doing this at other coastal communities

·Participate in state-wide events

·Identify a project such as the Mission Viejo, “Chipper” Days event that is a collaboration with the Boy Scouts.  This project reduces huge amounts of green waste.

·Consider raising funds to buy our own chipper.

·Pursue additional funding through new grants for our projects.

·Create brochures/pamphlets, in several languages, to distribute to residents in designated areas

·Consider using some of our budget funds to hire professionals to summarize data/information on low fuel/coastal plantings.  Research whether or not this information exists, i.e., Sunset Magazine, other sources.

·Create a list of landscape specialists who can help homeowners analyze their landscaping systems to ensure maximum protection against fire, yet maintain aesthetic value/appearance.

·Consider providing information on basic elements of constructing/remodeling homes that are fire safe, i.e., use of specific housing materials and construction issues and landscaping.

·Create public relations opportunities to ensure that Council projects are well publicized, i.e., the annual beautification award project, partnerships with local groups, etc.  Make extensive use of media, television, etc.

Next Steps:  - Select priorities, determine timelines, who will do what, and budget considerations.