HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Barbara Eldridge - Commitment to be Pro-Active December 11, 2018
TO: Butte County Board of Supervisors
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SUBJECT: Commitment to be Pro-Active
First, I want to say only a doctor's appointment is keeping me from attending today's
meeting. In light of the recent Camp Fire event, I feel very strongly that we must act to
preserve our homes, community and lifestyle-NOW. We have been given an
opportunity to correct many areas of neglect and in light of one of the biggest messages
we could receive, shame on us if we don't learn from it and act.
Several areas of concern and ripe for improvement:
1. After years of drought, we have an abundance of dead trees and brush
surrounding our homes and environment.
SOLUTION: Start immediately to thin out and remove. Trees should be tagged
for removal and a time frame to remove and follow up to make sure it has been
done.
2. Vacant lots in Kelly Ridge are mowed only once a year. During the growing
season weeds are 3-4 feet high. When they are mowed, the cuttings are left.
SOLUTION: Initiate two mowings a year and require removal of cuttings.
3. Dead trees: Some trees are alive but have many low lying dead branches which
are fire hazards.
SOLUTION: Tag all offending trees and require owners to trim. Follow up to see
it has been done.
4. Detritus: Many homeowners leave household items, trash bags filled with
flammable materials, etc.
SOLUTION: Notify all offenders and require removal. Follow up required.
5. Kelly Ridge Golf Course: One of the biggest offenders of all. Owner does not
maintain the area allowing high grass and weeds to grow. Seriously neglected
"golf' course with health hazards from fouled water, many dead trees and more.
Many subdivisions have homes constructed in close proximity to one another and we
must understand and act on the necessity of correcting these above listed items to protect
our homes and loved-ones. Kelly Ridge alone has 1,500 homes and the winds come
almost nightly which would be extremely detrimental and reminiscent of Paradise, sadly.
Please, please commit to making us all safer through pro-activism and not crisis
management, after the fact.
Submitted by: Barbara Eldridge, 6336 Jack Hill Dr., Oroville, CA