2021 Priorities
The election was certainly a cliff hanger! Now I’m eager to get to work on town issues. One of our first activities is a goal setting session on 2/5. The following 3 items are my top priorities, though I reserve the right to add more as the year progresses. Certainly things may come up, but hopefully this year is much more boring when it comes to big issues.
Fire hardening
I seriously doubt there is any controversy in putting this item at the top of the list. Last year’s fires were a loud wakeup call. I envision the town and LAHCFD working together to build a comprehensive plan for reducing fire risk and updating our emergency response plan as necessary. This effort should include a comprehensive review of all existing codes to make sure they support best fire prevention practices and don’t conflict. This will be a big effort and take time, but we should start making progress on fire reduction actions — clearing dead trees, brush, etc — ASAP.
Greater communication
I want there to be more “casual” and on-going communication with residents. Our town newsletter is beautiful and a way to dive deeper into subjects of general community interest. The activities newsletter fulfills an important function. I envision a communication channel more similar to this email: a way to keep residents aware of ongoing items on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The goal is to encourage two-way communication and avoid surprises when larger “official” communications come out. An example would be the official communication about updating the tree ordinance that came out last year. It took many people by surprise, creating a high level of concern that the ordinance would put significant restrictions on residents. I would like to find a way to avoid those kinds of surprises. Official notices tend to look and sound intimidating.
Undergrounding utilities
Again, I don’t think this a controversial priority. Work has already started and I will actively support the process.
What are your priorities? I would like to hear from you. And please, pass this email along. I hope to add other residents to the conversation.