Pressing ahead with public safety
As chair of the city’s Public Safety Commission, I’d like to present an update on some of our activities. The commission is structuring our upcoming 2012 meetings around the safety goals proposed in the LCF General Plan update. Commissioners Olivia Brown, Kay Linden, Tom Schafer, Joel Smith and I meet each month to review and recommend action on a wide range of safety issues impacting the city.
As the city’s draft general plan moves closer to adoption, the Public Safety Commission had the opportunity to review the safety elements of the plan at our January meeting. The clear goals established in several areas offer a great framework for us to review existing programs and to publicize them in the appropriate season. Building on successful forums we’ve held on topics ranging from substance abuse and social hosting to earthquake and mudslide preparedness, we hope that the community will turn out to hear presentations on some of the key safety issues affecting La Cañada Flintridge.
The commission’s monthly schedule through July will include:
April 23: Fire Season updates, including brush clearance programs, ready-set-go drills and materials, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone reviews, and potential dangers in the urban forest canopy.
May 21: The Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT) committee presentation on preparedness to meet local natural disasters, residential emergency preparedness, and upcoming VERT training available to all city residents.
June 25: Communications updates, including the city’s reverse 911 system “Alert LCF” website and social media outreach, and other ways the commission can educate citizens about safe practices and actions.
July 23: Discuss preparations for La Cañada Flintridge’s participation in National Night Out, and progress on Neighborhood watch and other crime mitigation measures.
We’re fortunate to have outstanding public safety professionals on our city staff, at fire stations No. 19 and No. 82, and at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, working tirelessly for the benefit of every La Cañada Flintridge resident and business owner. The Public Safety Commission is excited to host these informational meetings and hopes that the public and press will attend to be better informed about our plans, programs and opportunities.
Public Safety Commission meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 1327 Foothill Blvd.
Andy Beattie
La Cañada Flintridge