Bonny Doon hosts Wildfire Preparedness Fair this Saturday
Supervisor Justin Cummings and the Bonny Doon Fire Safe Council will host a Community Fire Preparedness and Resilience Fair on May 30 at Martin Fire Station in Bonny Doon. The free, family-friendly event is scheduled from 10am-2pm and will feature wildfire preparedness resources, panel discussions, informational booths, live music, food and fire truck tours.
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, Bonny Doon Fire and Rescue and the Long-Term Recovery Group. Organizers said the fair is intended to provide residents with information, tools and access to agencies and organizations focused on wildfire preparedness and recovery in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
“As wildfire risk continues to evolve across California, the Fire Fair aims to provide timely information, practical tools, and direct access to the agencies and organizations working to strengthen community resilience in the Santa Cruz Mountains,” organizers stated in a news release.
A moderated panel discussion will be led by Dave Reid of the County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience (OR3). Topics will include defensible space, Home Ignition Zone practices, Zone Zero regulations, home hardening strategies, wildfire insurance trends, FireWise community organizing, vegetation management, prescribed fire, emergency communications and disaster recovery resources.
Participating organizations and panelists are expected to include representatives from CAL FIRE, United Policyholders, National Fire Protection Association FireWise, the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, California State Parks, the Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group, County Information Services and other regional partners.
“The increasing complexity of wildfire preparedness requires collaboration across agencies, organizations, and neighborhoods,” said Supervisor Cummings. “This event is about bringing people together to share information, strengthen community connections, and help residents prepare for the realities of wildfire in our region.”
In addition to the panel discussion, resource booths will provide information on evacuation planning, vegetation management, communications systems, insurance concerns, grants and home preparedness. The event is open to the public, and residents throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains are encouraged to attend.
North County Dems present fire protection, emergency preparedness speakers
The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County meeting on Tuesday, June 2, will focus on fire protection, emergency preparedness and the future of local emergency services.
Felton Fire Chief Isaac Blum will provide information about the Proposition 218 Fire Protection District to help fund firefighting and emergency services. Joni Martin, Felton Community for Emergency Response, will speak in support of the proposed fire protection property assessment. Tami Tracey from the SLV Emergency Network (SLVEN.org) will talk about prepping a Go Bag for emergencies.
This is a timely and informative program that will help the community stay informed, prepared and resilient. Meetings start at 6:30pm and are held at the Scotts Valley Water District Santa Margarita Community Room, located at 2 Civic Center Drive. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Damians Ladder receives $15K grant for senior home safety repairs
Damians Ladder has received a $15,000 general operating support grant from the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to help seniors and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes through low- or no-cost repairs and modifications.
The funding will support the organization’s efforts to address home safety needs, such as broken steps, missing grab bars and damaged doors, for older adults across Santa Cruz County.
“We are deeply grateful to Community Foundation Santa Cruz County for this generous grant,” said Ann Bennett Young, executive director of Damians Ladder. “This support goes directly to the heart of our work—making sure seniors and people with disabilities in our community can stay in the homes they love, safely and with dignity. This gift makes that possible.”
Kevin Heuer, the foundation’s director of engagement and impact, said the funding comes at a critical time for nonprofits.
“The charitable funds that families have established here serve as our community’s permanent resource for strengthening the civic fabric that makes Santa Cruz County resilient,” Heuer said. “It’s a time of fiscal uncertainty for many nonprofits, but we’re proud to be able to offer steady, reliable funding to our trusted partners so they can continue their vital work caring for our community’s needs.”
General operating support grants help organizations cover essential expenses, such as tools, materials, outreach and coordination, ensuring services remain available to those in need.
To learn more about Damians Ladder or to request services, volunteer or donate, visit damiansladder.org or contact at***********@***********er.org.
