Memorandum
Date: January 28, 2020
To: The Honorable Moke Simon, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Rob Brown, District 5 Supervisor
Subject: Adopt Proclamation Recognizing Caltrans District 1 and Konocti Conservation Camp Crews for Outstanding Efforts to Mitigate Wildfire Risk in 2019
Executive Summary: (include fiscal and staffing impact narrative):
We regularly and rightfully recognize the invaluable work of our First Responders in the aftermath of disaster events. It is equally important we recognize the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations that work to prevent disasters from occurring.
From 2015-2018, Lake County faced four consecutive devastating fire seasons, and the efforts of so many to respond stretched the capacity of nearly every public agency. Though we did face some wildfire events in 2019, none were of the scale of the previous fire seasons, and the help and support of Caltrans District 1 and Konocti Conservation Camp were a significant contributor.
In mid-2019, Paul Johnson and Marty Sills of Caltrans met me on their own time, on a Saturday, and identified an area of potential wildfire concern from Ely Stage Stop to the end of California State Route 281, Soda Bay Road. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jake Hannan, Chief Greg Bertelli, and Konocti Conservation Camp put together an inmate crew, and over the course of several days, cleaned 50-100 feet on either side of portions of Soda Bay Road, to protect residents of Clearlake Riviera.
Again, following the 1,000 Hands initiative of August, 2019, Caltrans District 1, South Area, crews mobilized in a timely manner to remove debris cleared by 300 volunteers over a six-mile stretch of Soda Bay Road.
These were significant undertakings that kept Lake County residents safe and kept properties intact, and they warrant our Board's recognition and commendation.
Please adopt and present the attached Proclamation.
If n...
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