A sigh of relief

This is Sealy relaxing after our Saturday morning run. She’s pleased with herself and enjoying the sun… time to kick back and not worry.

Sealy deserved her rest. She ran about 5 miles at a good clip. She’d prepared all week, stocking up on kibble and treats, reminding me every morning that we needed to run, and making sure she got plenty of rest. She never skimps on her rest.

At the risk of stretching this analogy just a little too thin, I felt the same way Tuesday evening after the Board of Supervisors agreed not to revoke the authority of the Los Altos Hills County Fire District and keep in place the current governance structure. The LAHCFD community rallied, with more than 130 residents speaking in favor of maintaining the district. The comments stayed on point, were positive and respectful. We should all be proud of our community.

But now we have both a responsibility and opportunity. We have the responsibility to address the issues raised in the audit. I think we are well on our way and I have confidence in the LAHCFD board and staff. Jitze Couperus captured the opportunity well when he described how LAHCFD in known for being creative and nimble. We have the opportunity to continue that tradition and support the larger community. Both the town and the district are focused on reducing fire risk in our community. Because of this focus and tight working relationship we should be able to move more quickly in implementing innovative measures, much more quickly than similar communities. What we learn will help us and will also benefit other communities. A win-win.

So how do we develop innovative and effective fire prevention programs? I would start by setting some stretch goals.

Thanks!
- Lisa