Essential emergency readiness updates, Mayor’s goals discussed Tuesday
The public received essential reports during Tuesday’s Council meeting regarding wildfire readiness from OCSD Chief of Police Jason Ivins, OCFA Chief Cheyne Maule, City of Mission Viejo Emergency Operations Manager Paul Catsimanes, and Saundra Jacobs and Frank Ury of the Santa Margarita Water District. Watch the video now at this link.
In addition, Mayor Bob Ruesch gave an opening statement for the new year and presented a detailed vision of priorities, goals, and objectives for 2025.
In commemoration of her service to Mission Viejo, Mayor Ruesch thanked and presented a plaque to 2024 Mayor Trish Kelley.
The Council also appointed representatives to serve on the City’s Community Services Commission, Investment Advisory Commission, and Planning and Transportation Commission.
City Council meetings are streamed live on the City's website and air on Cox Channel 30 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the City's eNewsletter and follow the City's official social media sites for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
Comments
The City is served by three…
The City is served by three water districts.
SMWD Director Sandra Jacobs assured the council that the water district is in good position to defend against fire.
The council did not bring up that Santa Margarita Water District serves about half of Mission Viejo.
I met with Sandra after her comments and asked if the other two water districts are as well prepared. She stated that SMWD is ready to share its water resources with the Moulton Niguel Water District. I did not ask about the El Toro Water District.
I hope the council invites the other two water districts to assure its customers that their facilities are prepared to fight wild fires in its districts.
Also, I made the following records request:
"Hello Robert
At last night's council meeting, the OCFA gave a report that was extremely reassuring on the readiness of the department in the event of a breakout of a major fire, or any fire.
Throughout the City there are many open spaces.
A number of years ago there was a council presentation on the steps the City had taken on removing brush and dead trees.
Since then, what steps has the City taken to manage the fuel load is the high risk areas?
Does the City have an Open Space Vegetation Management plan?
Thank you, cathy"
Thank you for your comment…
Thank you for your comment on the News page. The City of Mission Viejo is supporting the Orange County Fire Authority’s “Ready, Set, Go!” initiative, and the following web pages provide essential steps and tools to protect you, your family, property, and community from wildfires:
https://ocfa.org/SafetyPrograms/ReadySetGo.aspx
The OCFA’s “Ready, Set, Go!” pages offer critical info to prepare for future emergencies, and for more information, you may call 714-573-6774 or email rsgoc@ocfa.org.
As to vendors, the City, the Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Sheriff’s Department host an Emergency Preparedness Expo each October featuring numerous vendors, and I will forward your comment to the Emergency Services team so see if there are other opportunities for additional events.
Good morning, Can we get a …
Good morning,
Can we get a "how to prepare for FIRE"
step by step guidelines with vendors as appropriate?
Thank you,
Patrick Dwyer