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Minutes
LAGUNA COAST FIRE SAFE COUNCILMINUTES FROM MEETING 11-10-01
The facilitator opened the meeting at approximately 11:15 a.m. by outlining the key topics for discussion. These included:-Clarifying current issues -Identifying preferred projects -Structural/organizational issues -Next steps/date of December meeting
Mission Statement of the Fire Safe Council at the State Level “To preserve California’s natural and manmade resources by mobilizing all Californians to make their homes, neighborhoods, and communities safe.”
Participants identified the following areas as priorities for the Laguna Fire Safe Council: -Get information out to public about what we are doing. -Invite more people to join us -Get clear on problems or issues that are relevant -Get people involved and committed to doing something
Information strategies: -Get on the cities’ (or city’s) web site in addition to our own web site and linked cities -Get into city’s Recreation calendar -Include in Utility bills
A discussion followed on several topics. -Internal vs. External: Internal is inside city limits. External is outside city limits. -Urban vs. Wildlife Urban interface 1. Cultural Differences are apparent when citizens are involved in issues related to wildlife/vegetation. There are those whose “love” of certain types of plants keeps them from seeing and understanding the potential dangers of certain forms of vegetation. 2. Involvement suggestions included: -Thurston School and its re-seeding project which involved a 5-year study -what happened as a result of that project? Need to contact school and have kids report about it. 1. Target neighborhood groups to get involved/ get updated feedback -In emergencies, how can we enhance community information delivery? -We need an immediate response system -We need information on location of emergency systems -We need to be organized beforehand -Can we replicate the Emerald Bay volunteer model in Laguna’s high- risk neighborhoods? -Prevention, Response, Which should we focus on? How do we develop these? -How can insurance representatives be involved? Pat Freeman reported on a system used by insurance companies that rates hazards, etc. of newly purchased properties. Could this kind of “Report card” system be shared with all residents so that they could check the safety levels of their own homes? -Bluebird canyon is a “nightmare” in terms of fire safety.
Fire Dept. Issues/clarification: -What components are parts of the checklist? Ropes, trees, location of roads, size of roads, brush types -Has the Fire Dept. classified any high-risk areas? No-due to political issues (property values, privacy etc.) -We need a clear directive to Fire Dept. so they can regulate issues on fire safe regulations -We need to get past politics
What triggers a Fire Department inspection? -Spring- an annual inspection on open lots, but not open spaces -Money restricts inspection in internal areas -Private vs. public land -Protected species restricts inspection -Neighborhood complaints (50% are unfounded) -Design Review is attempting to sure that more homes are designed correctly and that landscaping is in compliance -There is a continued resistance by owners to fire safe recommendations (wood decks etc.)
How can this council help the fire department enforce building codes?
-Do we have a brochure on brush clearance? At station/ -On request will someone come to do an inspection? -Real Estate office could provide information to new home owners -Vision committee could be utilized -Dangers from foliage varies depending on irrigation, maintenance, etc.
The Council identified these as Priority Projects:
1. Public Education -Create a fire safe checklist to be published in Coastline, and include an invitation to have an inspection. -Create a series of articles on fire safe practices (get a media connection- Barbara Diamond) 2. Interagency cooperation/communication is critical and should include: -OC Fire Authority -Water Districts 3. Better communication between city council and emergency services -We could assist with this and include existing groups in Laguna Beach (possibly a speakers bureau) 4. Create public support for building upgrade codes 5. Demonstration projects were suggested that included: -Brush clearing -Possibly the “pool identification” project -Fire Dept. would prefer something precautionary as opposed to reactionary -Involve kid and schools -Reservoirs in Blue Bird Canyon interface issue could be explored -Projects with senior citizens, students and our council -Students could go to Senior’s homes and fire safe them
Projects in order of importance1. Demonstration Project -Select an area -Select a topic Recommendations: -Volunteers should be key players in this project (not city employees) -Urban canyons are a problem -South Laguna could interface with Laguna Niguel -Hortense Miller Garden area could be a project
Next Steps:-Select a sub-committee to explore a site/project -Come up with a list to discuss at next meeting -Select a house owned by a senior to make fire safe -Plan a tour of reservoirs -Make owners focus on fire safe homes -videos/ tape progress -Identify a fire-safe yard/home -Add additional ideas -Sub-committee of David Horne, Pat Cooper and Jim Nestor formed to evaluate ideas.
-NEXT MEETING – DECEMBER 6TH –THURSDAY –AT EMERALD BAY CLUBHOUSE – 7 –8:30 P.M.
Emerald Bay is located at the north end of Laguna Beach. The entrance is on the inland side of PCH. Just tell the guard at the gate that you are going to the Laguna Coast Fire Safe Council and he/she will direct you to the Community Center. Just park and go around the building by the tennis courts and you will find the meeting room. There will be light desserts and coffee available.
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