“The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then get elected and prove it.”
In fact, the chief problem is that people in general are complicit in the failure of government at all levels. They are willing to accept mediocrity. They fail to hold their public officials accountable and demand more from their elected leaders and their unelected civil servants.
I bring this up in part due to the response, by some, to the lack preparation and leadership from the city government during the latest emergency. And as I suggested yesterday, a low-level emergency at that.
But if we cannot properly handle a low-level emergency, how will we handle the big one?
I received a large volume of emails yesterday from residents and public officials. There were points made that I think need to be posted in public. I shall excerpt a few while protecting the identity of the guilty parties.
This one in particular gives me great pause:
“The bottom line is we all knew this was coming. Citizens made plans. Did the City? Does it have a plan? Was it executed properly? Is there a plan to review what happened and revise the plan and execution for the next emergency? This is a great opportunity to improve. I hope we don’t miss it. I’d hate to see what happens to us if there were a levee break at the Yolo bypass, or a problem with the Monticello dam. (BTW, I hear there is a map at public works that shows what happens in the event of a Monticello dam failure. Davis has approximately two-four hours between the break and various levels of inundation. I’m curious to see if there is a City plan for that event.)”
If we had two hours to get people out of the city, especially elderly and disabled, would we be able to do so?
I grew up in San Luis Obispo, as I have mentioned many times before on this blog. PG&E in all of their great wisdom decided to build a nuclear power plant on an earthquake fault. Now they claim it could withstand an earthquake, but at one point in time they also built the darn thing backwards and had to start over from scratch.
San Luis Obispo in response to public outcry developed an evacuation plan that basically put everyone on the two-lane (at the time) Highway 101 North to Atascadero. This is basically a town of 44,000 where all would be evacuating into one outlet in the event of an emergency. School children first. We actually practiced these evacuations during school.
It was a lousy plan and if it ever had to go to fruition it would have been fraught with problems, but at least they had a plan. As a result, San Luis Obispo County also has a much more sophisticated emergency response plan than we do in Yolo County.
Art Shapiro posted a great comment on the Davis Enterprise site yesterday:
“People who follow the weather or even pay close attention to the news knew this was coming and could take appropriate precautions, though some thought the Weather Service was crying wolf and didn’t. You can’t force people to exercise good judgment. But the vast majority – alas – don’t keep up, so many were caught flat-footed and didn’t have the opportunity to act prudently. This, for most of us, was merely a nasty nuisance. But it was immensely valuable in that it showcased how grossly inadequate our emergency planning actually is; it is laughable to rely on radio broadcasts when the power is out and only those with battery-operated radios can get them. Major power outages take down Web sites and kill computer-based information delivery. (Those with campus connections had Web access this time, but we cannot count on that–it was luck of the draw.) Phone lines can go down too, and many people no longer have land lines at all, but reverse-911 systems may be the most effective means of communication when there are extensive power outages. We (and others nationwide–our situation should be a trigger for such review elsewhere) need to rethink these issues; the next time may be a lot more than a nasty nuisance.”
The Mayor, Sue Greenwald, followed it up with:
“At our council meeting this Tuesday, I plan to ask that our winter storm and power outage procedures be reviewed. As Mayor, I talked with the City Manager numerous times before and during the storm about our procedures. Even before the storm hit, I asked if we had a process for assuring that citizens, and particularly the elderly, had access to warm shelter in the case of major power outages. As the extent of outages became apparent, I continued to press the City manager. When the shelter was belatedly set up, I suggested to the City Manager that we start a door-to-door outreach, looking especially for the elderly. When I received no reply, I drove over to the shelter and then to emergency headquarters. Temperatures were falling rapidly. I asked which areas were still out of electricity. Most of Central Davis bounded by Russell, Covell, 113 and F street were still without heat. I pointed out that this older area of Davis was home to a lot of senior citizens. I was told that we would not be doing a door to door outreach. I returned to the emergency shelter, and one of the Red Cross volunteers told me that Woodland was undertaking a house to house outreach. Again, I will ask the council to look into this on Tuesday night.”
Getting back to my original point. In many ways this was a dry-run for us. For most resident this was a pain rather than a serious danger. But next time we may not be so lucky.
The key question I have is whether we are willing to accept the level of governance we have, accept mediocrity, or will we demand accountability from our elected officials. Will we demand accountability from our unelected officials who apparently run this town?
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
A health self examination is definitely warranted. The City needs to learn from its mistakes, so that those mistakes are not repeated. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me; is the phrase that comes to mind first in this situation.
I sincerely hope that tommorrow evening when Council meets that we the citizens (or near-citizens) of Davis don’t spend much time venting anger over the past few days, and instead focus on a clear governmental and community effort to make sure we are a cohesive whole when the next crisis hits.
A health self examination is definitely warranted. The City needs to learn from its mistakes, so that those mistakes are not repeated. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me; is the phrase that comes to mind first in this situation.
I sincerely hope that tommorrow evening when Council meets that we the citizens (or near-citizens) of Davis don’t spend much time venting anger over the past few days, and instead focus on a clear governmental and community effort to make sure we are a cohesive whole when the next crisis hits.
A health self examination is definitely warranted. The City needs to learn from its mistakes, so that those mistakes are not repeated. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me; is the phrase that comes to mind first in this situation.
I sincerely hope that tommorrow evening when Council meets that we the citizens (or near-citizens) of Davis don’t spend much time venting anger over the past few days, and instead focus on a clear governmental and community effort to make sure we are a cohesive whole when the next crisis hits.
A health self examination is definitely warranted. The City needs to learn from its mistakes, so that those mistakes are not repeated. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me; is the phrase that comes to mind first in this situation.
I sincerely hope that tommorrow evening when Council meets that we the citizens (or near-citizens) of Davis don’t spend much time venting anger over the past few days, and instead focus on a clear governmental and community effort to make sure we are a cohesive whole when the next crisis hits.
BTW, I hear there is a map at public works that shows what happens in the event of a Monticello dam failure. Davis has approximately two-four hours between the break and various levels of inundation. I’m curious to see if there is a City plan for that event.
Six months after Katrina hit New Orleans I contacted Rose Conroy and Will Marshall to getm them to make a presentation to the El Macero Homeowners Association Annual Meeting, to help those homeowners understand their flood risk. Rose, Will and I spoke at great length about levee flooding potential, as well as the FEMA model of various levels of Monticello Dam failure. One of the key omissions of your BTW is that in order to produce the maximum flooding you have described, the Dam would have to be vaporized. Any “normal” catastrophic failure of Monticello Dam would result in a huge amount of concrete debris clogging the narrow valley just below the dam, effectively making a series of new dams. The formation and reformation of those impromptu dams would substantially spread the floodwater release over a longer time period. In most cases in the FEMA model, the water once it hit the “groove” of Route 113 would divert south down 113 and bypass all of Davis east of 113.
With that said, while “vaporization” of the Dam would require a bombing, and the likelihood of flooding in most of Davis is remote, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a Plan. What I heard from Rose and Will at that time led me to believe there was a coordinated City/County Plan in place. The events of the past few days clearly indicate that that Plan needs to be reviewed, and perhaps even rehearsed.
BTW, I hear there is a map at public works that shows what happens in the event of a Monticello dam failure. Davis has approximately two-four hours between the break and various levels of inundation. I’m curious to see if there is a City plan for that event.
Six months after Katrina hit New Orleans I contacted Rose Conroy and Will Marshall to getm them to make a presentation to the El Macero Homeowners Association Annual Meeting, to help those homeowners understand their flood risk. Rose, Will and I spoke at great length about levee flooding potential, as well as the FEMA model of various levels of Monticello Dam failure. One of the key omissions of your BTW is that in order to produce the maximum flooding you have described, the Dam would have to be vaporized. Any “normal” catastrophic failure of Monticello Dam would result in a huge amount of concrete debris clogging the narrow valley just below the dam, effectively making a series of new dams. The formation and reformation of those impromptu dams would substantially spread the floodwater release over a longer time period. In most cases in the FEMA model, the water once it hit the “groove” of Route 113 would divert south down 113 and bypass all of Davis east of 113.
With that said, while “vaporization” of the Dam would require a bombing, and the likelihood of flooding in most of Davis is remote, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a Plan. What I heard from Rose and Will at that time led me to believe there was a coordinated City/County Plan in place. The events of the past few days clearly indicate that that Plan needs to be reviewed, and perhaps even rehearsed.
BTW, I hear there is a map at public works that shows what happens in the event of a Monticello dam failure. Davis has approximately two-four hours between the break and various levels of inundation. I’m curious to see if there is a City plan for that event.
Six months after Katrina hit New Orleans I contacted Rose Conroy and Will Marshall to getm them to make a presentation to the El Macero Homeowners Association Annual Meeting, to help those homeowners understand their flood risk. Rose, Will and I spoke at great length about levee flooding potential, as well as the FEMA model of various levels of Monticello Dam failure. One of the key omissions of your BTW is that in order to produce the maximum flooding you have described, the Dam would have to be vaporized. Any “normal” catastrophic failure of Monticello Dam would result in a huge amount of concrete debris clogging the narrow valley just below the dam, effectively making a series of new dams. The formation and reformation of those impromptu dams would substantially spread the floodwater release over a longer time period. In most cases in the FEMA model, the water once it hit the “groove” of Route 113 would divert south down 113 and bypass all of Davis east of 113.
With that said, while “vaporization” of the Dam would require a bombing, and the likelihood of flooding in most of Davis is remote, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a Plan. What I heard from Rose and Will at that time led me to believe there was a coordinated City/County Plan in place. The events of the past few days clearly indicate that that Plan needs to be reviewed, and perhaps even rehearsed.
BTW, I hear there is a map at public works that shows what happens in the event of a Monticello dam failure. Davis has approximately two-four hours between the break and various levels of inundation. I’m curious to see if there is a City plan for that event.
Six months after Katrina hit New Orleans I contacted Rose Conroy and Will Marshall to getm them to make a presentation to the El Macero Homeowners Association Annual Meeting, to help those homeowners understand their flood risk. Rose, Will and I spoke at great length about levee flooding potential, as well as the FEMA model of various levels of Monticello Dam failure. One of the key omissions of your BTW is that in order to produce the maximum flooding you have described, the Dam would have to be vaporized. Any “normal” catastrophic failure of Monticello Dam would result in a huge amount of concrete debris clogging the narrow valley just below the dam, effectively making a series of new dams. The formation and reformation of those impromptu dams would substantially spread the floodwater release over a longer time period. In most cases in the FEMA model, the water once it hit the “groove” of Route 113 would divert south down 113 and bypass all of Davis east of 113.
With that said, while “vaporization” of the Dam would require a bombing, and the likelihood of flooding in most of Davis is remote, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a Plan. What I heard from Rose and Will at that time led me to believe there was a coordinated City/County Plan in place. The events of the past few days clearly indicate that that Plan needs to be reviewed, and perhaps even rehearsed.
Matt –
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann
Matt –
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann
Matt –
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann
Matt –
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann
Ann said…
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann, regarding your bolded statement, I don’t disagree that venting does serve a very useful personal purpose. However, if we devote a huge amount of the Council’s time tomorrow night to that personal exercise, then we will have that much less time for identifying solutions so that this doesn’t happen again.
I would much rather see Bob Emlen get up and 1) outline what the plan was, 2) identify the areas where he believes the plan failed, and 3) outline the immediate steps he plans to take to avoid repeating those failures.
As I said in yesterday’s Blog responses, the phrase Its not nice to fool (with) Mother Nature is highly germane right now. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the next storm of this magnitude is only a matter of days away, rather than a matter of years. IMHO, the City Manager and the Council need to focus on that.
Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.
Tomorrow night I hope a single spokesperson (or group of spokespersons speaking as one) for all the angry Davis residents starts the Council session by expressing his/her frustrations, turns to the assembled audience after his/her remarks and asks those who share his/her frustrations to stand and voice agreement. If that is done the Council will get a very clear message that we need solutions more than anything else.
Ann said…
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann, regarding your bolded statement, I don’t disagree that venting does serve a very useful personal purpose. However, if we devote a huge amount of the Council’s time tomorrow night to that personal exercise, then we will have that much less time for identifying solutions so that this doesn’t happen again.
I would much rather see Bob Emlen get up and 1) outline what the plan was, 2) identify the areas where he believes the plan failed, and 3) outline the immediate steps he plans to take to avoid repeating those failures.
As I said in yesterday’s Blog responses, the phrase Its not nice to fool (with) Mother Nature is highly germane right now. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the next storm of this magnitude is only a matter of days away, rather than a matter of years. IMHO, the City Manager and the Council need to focus on that.
Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.
Tomorrow night I hope a single spokesperson (or group of spokespersons speaking as one) for all the angry Davis residents starts the Council session by expressing his/her frustrations, turns to the assembled audience after his/her remarks and asks those who share his/her frustrations to stand and voice agreement. If that is done the Council will get a very clear message that we need solutions more than anything else.
Ann said…
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann, regarding your bolded statement, I don’t disagree that venting does serve a very useful personal purpose. However, if we devote a huge amount of the Council’s time tomorrow night to that personal exercise, then we will have that much less time for identifying solutions so that this doesn’t happen again.
I would much rather see Bob Emlen get up and 1) outline what the plan was, 2) identify the areas where he believes the plan failed, and 3) outline the immediate steps he plans to take to avoid repeating those failures.
As I said in yesterday’s Blog responses, the phrase Its not nice to fool (with) Mother Nature is highly germane right now. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the next storm of this magnitude is only a matter of days away, rather than a matter of years. IMHO, the City Manager and the Council need to focus on that.
Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.
Tomorrow night I hope a single spokesperson (or group of spokespersons speaking as one) for all the angry Davis residents starts the Council session by expressing his/her frustrations, turns to the assembled audience after his/her remarks and asks those who share his/her frustrations to stand and voice agreement. If that is done the Council will get a very clear message that we need solutions more than anything else.
Ann said…
It is at times necessary to vent and express frustration in order to get to business and discuss how things could have been handled better and should be handled better for the future.
However, we do need a plan, and we need one asap, as opposed to some long drawn out process with hired consultants and focus groups (same as usual).
What is equally concerning is the disrespect that the city manager showed our mayor. She is the mayor, and asked for a door to door effort where there are elderly residents. Why is he (who didn’t have another plan) directing our mayor?
I find this troubling, since the city manager is not elected and should be held accountable by those whom we do elect.
Ann, regarding your bolded statement, I don’t disagree that venting does serve a very useful personal purpose. However, if we devote a huge amount of the Council’s time tomorrow night to that personal exercise, then we will have that much less time for identifying solutions so that this doesn’t happen again.
I would much rather see Bob Emlen get up and 1) outline what the plan was, 2) identify the areas where he believes the plan failed, and 3) outline the immediate steps he plans to take to avoid repeating those failures.
As I said in yesterday’s Blog responses, the phrase Its not nice to fool (with) Mother Nature is highly germane right now. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the next storm of this magnitude is only a matter of days away, rather than a matter of years. IMHO, the City Manager and the Council need to focus on that.
Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.
Tomorrow night I hope a single spokesperson (or group of spokespersons speaking as one) for all the angry Davis residents starts the Council session by expressing his/her frustrations, turns to the assembled audience after his/her remarks and asks those who share his/her frustrations to stand and voice agreement. If that is done the Council will get a very clear message that we need solutions more than anything else.
Matt,
I and I’m most certain many others are not in some category of “angry Davis residents.”
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
If it was so important to them perhaps they should have an immediate special meeting to fix these problems. An evening meeting so all can attend would be best.
Matt,
I and I’m most certain many others are not in some category of “angry Davis residents.”
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
If it was so important to them perhaps they should have an immediate special meeting to fix these problems. An evening meeting so all can attend would be best.
Matt,
I and I’m most certain many others are not in some category of “angry Davis residents.”
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
If it was so important to them perhaps they should have an immediate special meeting to fix these problems. An evening meeting so all can attend would be best.
Matt,
I and I’m most certain many others are not in some category of “angry Davis residents.”
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
If it was so important to them perhaps they should have an immediate special meeting to fix these problems. An evening meeting so all can attend would be best.
Some people here need to calm the bleep down.
Ultimately, screaming at people about who screwed up is not constructive.
I am pleased the PG&E people have worked around the clock to restore power and have succeeded in doing so pretty well.
I’m sure they have been working like madmen for us. My hats off to them.
Some people here need to calm the bleep down.
Ultimately, screaming at people about who screwed up is not constructive.
I am pleased the PG&E people have worked around the clock to restore power and have succeeded in doing so pretty well.
I’m sure they have been working like madmen for us. My hats off to them.
Some people here need to calm the bleep down.
Ultimately, screaming at people about who screwed up is not constructive.
I am pleased the PG&E people have worked around the clock to restore power and have succeeded in doing so pretty well.
I’m sure they have been working like madmen for us. My hats off to them.
Some people here need to calm the bleep down.
Ultimately, screaming at people about who screwed up is not constructive.
I am pleased the PG&E people have worked around the clock to restore power and have succeeded in doing so pretty well.
I’m sure they have been working like madmen for us. My hats off to them.
Look, this may have seemed like a huge deal, and to some it was. The fact that some of us went without power for 36, 48+ hours is pretty bad. The reality is that this was a storm that had huge winds to it.
The PGnE system is getting old, the city has limited resources and the people of Davis have to stop expecting the city to be the knights on white horses.
Fact of the matter is, no matter what emergency planning you look at they always tell people that you should be prepared to be self sustained for 48 to 72 hours before help can get to you. It takes time.
It takes time to get equipment in place, it takes time to get people deployed and it takes time to work through the streets to get to your house.
The power issue is never one that can forecast. A single drop of water in the wrong place can shut power off for hours.
The city nor the state can pre stage equipment, that cost huge amounts of money and if it was to be pre staged and nothing happened, then I am sure we would be reading how stupid the city and how wasteful it was.
Can the city do better? Yes. Can the citizens do better? Yes. On a big scale of issues is this worth causing hate and discontent at the city council meeting? No. It is cause for discussion, but civil discussion, ask questions, one I would like to ask is how come we in Davis do not have an organized group of people that are trained disaster workers, people that could have done the door to door checks. People that could have assisted the fire department in closing the roads as needed for fallen trees so that the fire and police personnel could continue to the next emergency.
I am also concerned that once again DPD is focusing on the council just as the race for the seats will begin heating up…
Look, this may have seemed like a huge deal, and to some it was. The fact that some of us went without power for 36, 48+ hours is pretty bad. The reality is that this was a storm that had huge winds to it.
The PGnE system is getting old, the city has limited resources and the people of Davis have to stop expecting the city to be the knights on white horses.
Fact of the matter is, no matter what emergency planning you look at they always tell people that you should be prepared to be self sustained for 48 to 72 hours before help can get to you. It takes time.
It takes time to get equipment in place, it takes time to get people deployed and it takes time to work through the streets to get to your house.
The power issue is never one that can forecast. A single drop of water in the wrong place can shut power off for hours.
The city nor the state can pre stage equipment, that cost huge amounts of money and if it was to be pre staged and nothing happened, then I am sure we would be reading how stupid the city and how wasteful it was.
Can the city do better? Yes. Can the citizens do better? Yes. On a big scale of issues is this worth causing hate and discontent at the city council meeting? No. It is cause for discussion, but civil discussion, ask questions, one I would like to ask is how come we in Davis do not have an organized group of people that are trained disaster workers, people that could have done the door to door checks. People that could have assisted the fire department in closing the roads as needed for fallen trees so that the fire and police personnel could continue to the next emergency.
I am also concerned that once again DPD is focusing on the council just as the race for the seats will begin heating up…
Look, this may have seemed like a huge deal, and to some it was. The fact that some of us went without power for 36, 48+ hours is pretty bad. The reality is that this was a storm that had huge winds to it.
The PGnE system is getting old, the city has limited resources and the people of Davis have to stop expecting the city to be the knights on white horses.
Fact of the matter is, no matter what emergency planning you look at they always tell people that you should be prepared to be self sustained for 48 to 72 hours before help can get to you. It takes time.
It takes time to get equipment in place, it takes time to get people deployed and it takes time to work through the streets to get to your house.
The power issue is never one that can forecast. A single drop of water in the wrong place can shut power off for hours.
The city nor the state can pre stage equipment, that cost huge amounts of money and if it was to be pre staged and nothing happened, then I am sure we would be reading how stupid the city and how wasteful it was.
Can the city do better? Yes. Can the citizens do better? Yes. On a big scale of issues is this worth causing hate and discontent at the city council meeting? No. It is cause for discussion, but civil discussion, ask questions, one I would like to ask is how come we in Davis do not have an organized group of people that are trained disaster workers, people that could have done the door to door checks. People that could have assisted the fire department in closing the roads as needed for fallen trees so that the fire and police personnel could continue to the next emergency.
I am also concerned that once again DPD is focusing on the council just as the race for the seats will begin heating up…
Look, this may have seemed like a huge deal, and to some it was. The fact that some of us went without power for 36, 48+ hours is pretty bad. The reality is that this was a storm that had huge winds to it.
The PGnE system is getting old, the city has limited resources and the people of Davis have to stop expecting the city to be the knights on white horses.
Fact of the matter is, no matter what emergency planning you look at they always tell people that you should be prepared to be self sustained for 48 to 72 hours before help can get to you. It takes time.
It takes time to get equipment in place, it takes time to get people deployed and it takes time to work through the streets to get to your house.
The power issue is never one that can forecast. A single drop of water in the wrong place can shut power off for hours.
The city nor the state can pre stage equipment, that cost huge amounts of money and if it was to be pre staged and nothing happened, then I am sure we would be reading how stupid the city and how wasteful it was.
Can the city do better? Yes. Can the citizens do better? Yes. On a big scale of issues is this worth causing hate and discontent at the city council meeting? No. It is cause for discussion, but civil discussion, ask questions, one I would like to ask is how come we in Davis do not have an organized group of people that are trained disaster workers, people that could have done the door to door checks. People that could have assisted the fire department in closing the roads as needed for fallen trees so that the fire and police personnel could continue to the next emergency.
I am also concerned that once again DPD is focusing on the council just as the race for the seats will begin heating up…
Mr. Chilled – the PG&E line workers are not the problem. The City of Davis emergency personnel and public works people are not the problem. Even Bill Emlen is not a problem.
The problem is the lack of communication during a natural disaster. PG&E managers were not out re-stringing lines and fixing down power poles. One of them could have recorded an update on how the repairs were coming along and where to call to get information about services every couple of hours.
The problem is no information ahead of time, even far ahead of time on what to do, where to go, if to go, etc.
The problem is that we, as a community, don’t seem to have a plan for communicating what to do when we don’t have power for an extended period of time. That’s the simplicity of it.
To all – there is really no reason to vent at anyone. Think of this mini-natural disaster as a favor. Now we can see where and how we are unprepared and come up with a community plan, a neighborhood plan, and a household plan.
Mr. Chilled – the PG&E line workers are not the problem. The City of Davis emergency personnel and public works people are not the problem. Even Bill Emlen is not a problem.
The problem is the lack of communication during a natural disaster. PG&E managers were not out re-stringing lines and fixing down power poles. One of them could have recorded an update on how the repairs were coming along and where to call to get information about services every couple of hours.
The problem is no information ahead of time, even far ahead of time on what to do, where to go, if to go, etc.
The problem is that we, as a community, don’t seem to have a plan for communicating what to do when we don’t have power for an extended period of time. That’s the simplicity of it.
To all – there is really no reason to vent at anyone. Think of this mini-natural disaster as a favor. Now we can see where and how we are unprepared and come up with a community plan, a neighborhood plan, and a household plan.
Mr. Chilled – the PG&E line workers are not the problem. The City of Davis emergency personnel and public works people are not the problem. Even Bill Emlen is not a problem.
The problem is the lack of communication during a natural disaster. PG&E managers were not out re-stringing lines and fixing down power poles. One of them could have recorded an update on how the repairs were coming along and where to call to get information about services every couple of hours.
The problem is no information ahead of time, even far ahead of time on what to do, where to go, if to go, etc.
The problem is that we, as a community, don’t seem to have a plan for communicating what to do when we don’t have power for an extended period of time. That’s the simplicity of it.
To all – there is really no reason to vent at anyone. Think of this mini-natural disaster as a favor. Now we can see where and how we are unprepared and come up with a community plan, a neighborhood plan, and a household plan.
Mr. Chilled – the PG&E line workers are not the problem. The City of Davis emergency personnel and public works people are not the problem. Even Bill Emlen is not a problem.
The problem is the lack of communication during a natural disaster. PG&E managers were not out re-stringing lines and fixing down power poles. One of them could have recorded an update on how the repairs were coming along and where to call to get information about services every couple of hours.
The problem is no information ahead of time, even far ahead of time on what to do, where to go, if to go, etc.
The problem is that we, as a community, don’t seem to have a plan for communicating what to do when we don’t have power for an extended period of time. That’s the simplicity of it.
To all – there is really no reason to vent at anyone. Think of this mini-natural disaster as a favor. Now we can see where and how we are unprepared and come up with a community plan, a neighborhood plan, and a household plan.
Thank you Sharla and Ann. Anonymous 2:44 you are missing the point. The Vanguard and the Enterprise to some extent got info. to us that the city SHOULD HAVE.
It sounds to me like you’re simply trying to protect those without a plan on council because there is an election.
They need to hear the discontent of taxpayers and come up with a solution, so we can have a plan in place for the next disaster.
As someone mentioned it sounds like the city manager needs to listen to the mayor more often and not pick sides. He works for the entire council not just the majority of three.
Thank you Sharla and Ann. Anonymous 2:44 you are missing the point. The Vanguard and the Enterprise to some extent got info. to us that the city SHOULD HAVE.
It sounds to me like you’re simply trying to protect those without a plan on council because there is an election.
They need to hear the discontent of taxpayers and come up with a solution, so we can have a plan in place for the next disaster.
As someone mentioned it sounds like the city manager needs to listen to the mayor more often and not pick sides. He works for the entire council not just the majority of three.
Thank you Sharla and Ann. Anonymous 2:44 you are missing the point. The Vanguard and the Enterprise to some extent got info. to us that the city SHOULD HAVE.
It sounds to me like you’re simply trying to protect those without a plan on council because there is an election.
They need to hear the discontent of taxpayers and come up with a solution, so we can have a plan in place for the next disaster.
As someone mentioned it sounds like the city manager needs to listen to the mayor more often and not pick sides. He works for the entire council not just the majority of three.
Thank you Sharla and Ann. Anonymous 2:44 you are missing the point. The Vanguard and the Enterprise to some extent got info. to us that the city SHOULD HAVE.
It sounds to me like you’re simply trying to protect those without a plan on council because there is an election.
They need to hear the discontent of taxpayers and come up with a solution, so we can have a plan in place for the next disaster.
As someone mentioned it sounds like the city manager needs to listen to the mayor more often and not pick sides. He works for the entire council not just the majority of three.
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtued to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
On another related point – why is it that in the post-Katrina world people continue to be suprized that to some measure we are all on our own in a big event? I have a really hard time with complaining complainers that are not also really into self-sufficieny. Call me crazy, but my family and I have back-up food, water, power and heating and cooling contingency supplies. The government suggests each household be prepared. They are not lying to us about that, at least!
Don’t get me wrong, I think that there should be better repsonsiveness and preparedness on the part of all levels of govenment, and that we the people should hold the government accountable for that. However, I am getting from the tone of these posts that some of you are also not self-sustainers either. Get a clue and get some supplies. Get out and help your elderly / less mobile neighbors with your supplies. Get a plan, create one as a suggestion for your government, get involved. Then and only then do your complaints have merit with me.
What have you done to prepare fr the next big event, lately?
Respectfully…
Momma Nomen
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtued to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
On another related point – why is it that in the post-Katrina world people continue to be suprized that to some measure we are all on our own in a big event? I have a really hard time with complaining complainers that are not also really into self-sufficieny. Call me crazy, but my family and I have back-up food, water, power and heating and cooling contingency supplies. The government suggests each household be prepared. They are not lying to us about that, at least!
Don’t get me wrong, I think that there should be better repsonsiveness and preparedness on the part of all levels of govenment, and that we the people should hold the government accountable for that. However, I am getting from the tone of these posts that some of you are also not self-sustainers either. Get a clue and get some supplies. Get out and help your elderly / less mobile neighbors with your supplies. Get a plan, create one as a suggestion for your government, get involved. Then and only then do your complaints have merit with me.
What have you done to prepare fr the next big event, lately?
Respectfully…
Momma Nomen
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtued to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
On another related point – why is it that in the post-Katrina world people continue to be suprized that to some measure we are all on our own in a big event? I have a really hard time with complaining complainers that are not also really into self-sufficieny. Call me crazy, but my family and I have back-up food, water, power and heating and cooling contingency supplies. The government suggests each household be prepared. They are not lying to us about that, at least!
Don’t get me wrong, I think that there should be better repsonsiveness and preparedness on the part of all levels of govenment, and that we the people should hold the government accountable for that. However, I am getting from the tone of these posts that some of you are also not self-sustainers either. Get a clue and get some supplies. Get out and help your elderly / less mobile neighbors with your supplies. Get a plan, create one as a suggestion for your government, get involved. Then and only then do your complaints have merit with me.
What have you done to prepare fr the next big event, lately?
Respectfully…
Momma Nomen
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtued to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
On another related point – why is it that in the post-Katrina world people continue to be suprized that to some measure we are all on our own in a big event? I have a really hard time with complaining complainers that are not also really into self-sufficieny. Call me crazy, but my family and I have back-up food, water, power and heating and cooling contingency supplies. The government suggests each household be prepared. They are not lying to us about that, at least!
Don’t get me wrong, I think that there should be better repsonsiveness and preparedness on the part of all levels of govenment, and that we the people should hold the government accountable for that. However, I am getting from the tone of these posts that some of you are also not self-sustainers either. Get a clue and get some supplies. Get out and help your elderly / less mobile neighbors with your supplies. Get a plan, create one as a suggestion for your government, get involved. Then and only then do your complaints have merit with me.
What have you done to prepare fr the next big event, lately?
Respectfully…
Momma Nomen
Ann said…
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
Ann, feel free to call me bold if you want. I asked people to volunteer to make the Council meeting more efficient in getting to the real issue. What constructive outcome is going to be achieved by one person after another getting up and venting?
The bottom-line of tomorrow’s Council meeting should be communication of information. Right now the only people who will be in the room tomorrow night who have the information everyone wants are the City employees and City Council. The individual and collective frustrations of the City residents are by now very, very well known. Taking up valuable time just to hear yourself talk is your right, but it isn’t constructive. Turning in a written description of your concerns will put you on the record, if that is your concern.
Ann said…
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
Ann, feel free to call me bold if you want. I asked people to volunteer to make the Council meeting more efficient in getting to the real issue. What constructive outcome is going to be achieved by one person after another getting up and venting?
The bottom-line of tomorrow’s Council meeting should be communication of information. Right now the only people who will be in the room tomorrow night who have the information everyone wants are the City employees and City Council. The individual and collective frustrations of the City residents are by now very, very well known. Taking up valuable time just to hear yourself talk is your right, but it isn’t constructive. Turning in a written description of your concerns will put you on the record, if that is your concern.
Ann said…
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
Ann, feel free to call me bold if you want. I asked people to volunteer to make the Council meeting more efficient in getting to the real issue. What constructive outcome is going to be achieved by one person after another getting up and venting?
The bottom-line of tomorrow’s Council meeting should be communication of information. Right now the only people who will be in the room tomorrow night who have the information everyone wants are the City employees and City Council. The individual and collective frustrations of the City residents are by now very, very well known. Taking up valuable time just to hear yourself talk is your right, but it isn’t constructive. Turning in a written description of your concerns will put you on the record, if that is your concern.
Ann said…
It’s a bit insulting and rather bold of you to suggest that we give up our right to speak to our electeds during public comment if we so choose.
Ann, feel free to call me bold if you want. I asked people to volunteer to make the Council meeting more efficient in getting to the real issue. What constructive outcome is going to be achieved by one person after another getting up and venting?
The bottom-line of tomorrow’s Council meeting should be communication of information. Right now the only people who will be in the room tomorrow night who have the information everyone wants are the City employees and City Council. The individual and collective frustrations of the City residents are by now very, very well known. Taking up valuable time just to hear yourself talk is your right, but it isn’t constructive. Turning in a written description of your concerns will put you on the record, if that is your concern.
The Enterprise has posted a link on its website for people to say thanks to the people who did help during the storm and its aftermath. This would be a good thing for people to do, I think. For example, the police officers and public works personnel who were out in the storm dragging downed trees out of the road, the fire fighters who rushed from one call to the next all day, etc.
The Enterprise has posted a link on its website for people to say thanks to the people who did help during the storm and its aftermath. This would be a good thing for people to do, I think. For example, the police officers and public works personnel who were out in the storm dragging downed trees out of the road, the fire fighters who rushed from one call to the next all day, etc.
The Enterprise has posted a link on its website for people to say thanks to the people who did help during the storm and its aftermath. This would be a good thing for people to do, I think. For example, the police officers and public works personnel who were out in the storm dragging downed trees out of the road, the fire fighters who rushed from one call to the next all day, etc.
The Enterprise has posted a link on its website for people to say thanks to the people who did help during the storm and its aftermath. This would be a good thing for people to do, I think. For example, the police officers and public works personnel who were out in the storm dragging downed trees out of the road, the fire fighters who rushed from one call to the next all day, etc.
Nommenature said…
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtuted to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
Momma Nomen, thank you for posting the above. I read the article and couldn’t find anywhere in it any information on how they modeled the actual dam failure. Therefore, I called one of the authors, Tom Heinzer, who was happy to answer my questions.
According to Mr. Heinzer,
— the model assumes an instantaneous release of the Lake Berryessa water. Imagine if you will the hand of God reaching down and grasping Monticello Dam and pulling it out of the ground like a playing card.
— Monticello Dam was chosen because of the fact that the water capacity of Lake Berryessa is known well.
— The purpose of the 1997 model was to see what would happen once the water exits a confined space (Putah Creek Canyon) and enters into “areas that open into large, unconfined valleys, such as the California Central Valley, (where) a one dimensional modeling approach fails to adequately describe the two dimensional flows that occur.”
— The model had no ability to simulate more than one dam destruction model, nor did it assume anything other than a complete emptying of Lake Berryessa.
— It was indeed a worst-case scenario, that “had virtually no possibility of ever happening.” However, as a model of the worst possible case could be useful input to the local agencies that are responsible for preparing for catastrophic events.
With that said, I echo the final words of your post, “What have you done to prepare for the next big event, lately?”
Equally respectfully.
Matt
Nommenature said…
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtuted to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
Momma Nomen, thank you for posting the above. I read the article and couldn’t find anywhere in it any information on how they modeled the actual dam failure. Therefore, I called one of the authors, Tom Heinzer, who was happy to answer my questions.
According to Mr. Heinzer,
— the model assumes an instantaneous release of the Lake Berryessa water. Imagine if you will the hand of God reaching down and grasping Monticello Dam and pulling it out of the ground like a playing card.
— Monticello Dam was chosen because of the fact that the water capacity of Lake Berryessa is known well.
— The purpose of the 1997 model was to see what would happen once the water exits a confined space (Putah Creek Canyon) and enters into “areas that open into large, unconfined valleys, such as the California Central Valley, (where) a one dimensional modeling approach fails to adequately describe the two dimensional flows that occur.”
— The model had no ability to simulate more than one dam destruction model, nor did it assume anything other than a complete emptying of Lake Berryessa.
— It was indeed a worst-case scenario, that “had virtually no possibility of ever happening.” However, as a model of the worst possible case could be useful input to the local agencies that are responsible for preparing for catastrophic events.
With that said, I echo the final words of your post, “What have you done to prepare for the next big event, lately?”
Equally respectfully.
Matt
Nommenature said…
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtuted to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
Momma Nomen, thank you for posting the above. I read the article and couldn’t find anywhere in it any information on how they modeled the actual dam failure. Therefore, I called one of the authors, Tom Heinzer, who was happy to answer my questions.
According to Mr. Heinzer,
— the model assumes an instantaneous release of the Lake Berryessa water. Imagine if you will the hand of God reaching down and grasping Monticello Dam and pulling it out of the ground like a playing card.
— Monticello Dam was chosen because of the fact that the water capacity of Lake Berryessa is known well.
— The purpose of the 1997 model was to see what would happen once the water exits a confined space (Putah Creek Canyon) and enters into “areas that open into large, unconfined valleys, such as the California Central Valley, (where) a one dimensional modeling approach fails to adequately describe the two dimensional flows that occur.”
— The model had no ability to simulate more than one dam destruction model, nor did it assume anything other than a complete emptying of Lake Berryessa.
— It was indeed a worst-case scenario, that “had virtually no possibility of ever happening.” However, as a model of the worst possible case could be useful input to the local agencies that are responsible for preparing for catastrophic events.
With that said, I echo the final words of your post, “What have you done to prepare for the next big event, lately?”
Equally respectfully.
Matt
Nommenature said…
A little Google surfing reveals the following analysis.
http://gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc97/proc97/to600/pap581/p581.htm
The authors of this study used a Montello Dam breach and Davis as examples for their work. Not very reassuring, and a far more troubling picture than the 100 year flood graphics used in the City of Davis Hazard Plan, albeit attribtuted to Bureau of Reclamation, so the City is not to blame for bad data – yes?
Momma Nomen, thank you for posting the above. I read the article and couldn’t find anywhere in it any information on how they modeled the actual dam failure. Therefore, I called one of the authors, Tom Heinzer, who was happy to answer my questions.
According to Mr. Heinzer,
— the model assumes an instantaneous release of the Lake Berryessa water. Imagine if you will the hand of God reaching down and grasping Monticello Dam and pulling it out of the ground like a playing card.
— Monticello Dam was chosen because of the fact that the water capacity of Lake Berryessa is known well.
— The purpose of the 1997 model was to see what would happen once the water exits a confined space (Putah Creek Canyon) and enters into “areas that open into large, unconfined valleys, such as the California Central Valley, (where) a one dimensional modeling approach fails to adequately describe the two dimensional flows that occur.”
— The model had no ability to simulate more than one dam destruction model, nor did it assume anything other than a complete emptying of Lake Berryessa.
— It was indeed a worst-case scenario, that “had virtually no possibility of ever happening.” However, as a model of the worst possible case could be useful input to the local agencies that are responsible for preparing for catastrophic events.
With that said, I echo the final words of your post, “What have you done to prepare for the next big event, lately?”
Equally respectfully.
Matt
In any disaster, EVERYONE needs to take responsibility. For instance, the Davis Police Dept tried to drum up interest in starting a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program here. Unfortunately there were not many takers for the thirty hour course required to obtain certification. Neighbors must assist neighbors in any disaster.
For the politicians to wring their hands, and be dismayed that the city didn’t do a great job rings hollow. Hurricane Katrina happened long ago. Local leaders knew or should have known what emergency plans were in place. Why weren’t there close order drills over the past few years, to make sure any plans in place were adequate? Disaster plans need to be tested regularly.
Senior facilities are required by law to have emergency plans in place, including how to evacuate from their site. But often such plans are generic and nonspecific, failing to hold up in a real emergency. Personal calls to check on the elderly and disabled will only happen with respect to those seniors accessing public services because they are low income.
The entire community needs to take responsibility for disaster preparedness. The first rule of thumb is that each one of us should lay in supplies to shelter in place for the first 72 hours, including senior facilities. Secondly, in this latest situation, communications broke down, the most critical element of any disaster plan. However, if anyone had thought to make sure of possessing a battery operated radio, it was clear from broadcasts that power would be restored by the end of the weekend.
More troubling is the shelter situation. Depending on the disaster, certain types of shelters are necessary. My understanding is the city of Davis put together a shelter on the fly, but had no idea how to get the word out to those who would be in need of it. Hence it sat uselessly empty. Furthermore, how do seniors in desperate plight, who have no transportation, get to a shelter?
It is incumbent on all of us to take a deep breath, stop playing the blame game, and figure out who should do what, when. In any disaster, plans materialize as the situation unfolds. A certain amount of flying by the seat of ones pants is expected. Each of us has to make sure we can shelter in place the first 72 hours. Those who cannot shelter in place need to have backup plans, in which relatives, friends or neighbors step in to assist.
If you completely rely on your gov’t to provide for you in an emergency, your disaster preparedness plan is foolish beyond belief. The Hurricane Katrina debacle should have taught you better. Gov’t is inherently unreliable, especially because politicians by their very nature are transient.
Encourage developing neighborhood CERT programs; make sure the city notifies folks where shelters will probably be and improve on communicating with the public; push for a countywide response in a coordinated way (which is beginning to happen at the county and state level by the way); and make sure your elected politicians assess this latest mess and take steps to improve.
In any disaster, EVERYONE needs to take responsibility. For instance, the Davis Police Dept tried to drum up interest in starting a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program here. Unfortunately there were not many takers for the thirty hour course required to obtain certification. Neighbors must assist neighbors in any disaster.
For the politicians to wring their hands, and be dismayed that the city didn’t do a great job rings hollow. Hurricane Katrina happened long ago. Local leaders knew or should have known what emergency plans were in place. Why weren’t there close order drills over the past few years, to make sure any plans in place were adequate? Disaster plans need to be tested regularly.
Senior facilities are required by law to have emergency plans in place, including how to evacuate from their site. But often such plans are generic and nonspecific, failing to hold up in a real emergency. Personal calls to check on the elderly and disabled will only happen with respect to those seniors accessing public services because they are low income.
The entire community needs to take responsibility for disaster preparedness. The first rule of thumb is that each one of us should lay in supplies to shelter in place for the first 72 hours, including senior facilities. Secondly, in this latest situation, communications broke down, the most critical element of any disaster plan. However, if anyone had thought to make sure of possessing a battery operated radio, it was clear from broadcasts that power would be restored by the end of the weekend.
More troubling is the shelter situation. Depending on the disaster, certain types of shelters are necessary. My understanding is the city of Davis put together a shelter on the fly, but had no idea how to get the word out to those who would be in need of it. Hence it sat uselessly empty. Furthermore, how do seniors in desperate plight, who have no transportation, get to a shelter?
It is incumbent on all of us to take a deep breath, stop playing the blame game, and figure out who should do what, when. In any disaster, plans materialize as the situation unfolds. A certain amount of flying by the seat of ones pants is expected. Each of us has to make sure we can shelter in place the first 72 hours. Those who cannot shelter in place need to have backup plans, in which relatives, friends or neighbors step in to assist.
If you completely rely on your gov’t to provide for you in an emergency, your disaster preparedness plan is foolish beyond belief. The Hurricane Katrina debacle should have taught you better. Gov’t is inherently unreliable, especially because politicians by their very nature are transient.
Encourage developing neighborhood CERT programs; make sure the city notifies folks where shelters will probably be and improve on communicating with the public; push for a countywide response in a coordinated way (which is beginning to happen at the county and state level by the way); and make sure your elected politicians assess this latest mess and take steps to improve.
In any disaster, EVERYONE needs to take responsibility. For instance, the Davis Police Dept tried to drum up interest in starting a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program here. Unfortunately there were not many takers for the thirty hour course required to obtain certification. Neighbors must assist neighbors in any disaster.
For the politicians to wring their hands, and be dismayed that the city didn’t do a great job rings hollow. Hurricane Katrina happened long ago. Local leaders knew or should have known what emergency plans were in place. Why weren’t there close order drills over the past few years, to make sure any plans in place were adequate? Disaster plans need to be tested regularly.
Senior facilities are required by law to have emergency plans in place, including how to evacuate from their site. But often such plans are generic and nonspecific, failing to hold up in a real emergency. Personal calls to check on the elderly and disabled will only happen with respect to those seniors accessing public services because they are low income.
The entire community needs to take responsibility for disaster preparedness. The first rule of thumb is that each one of us should lay in supplies to shelter in place for the first 72 hours, including senior facilities. Secondly, in this latest situation, communications broke down, the most critical element of any disaster plan. However, if anyone had thought to make sure of possessing a battery operated radio, it was clear from broadcasts that power would be restored by the end of the weekend.
More troubling is the shelter situation. Depending on the disaster, certain types of shelters are necessary. My understanding is the city of Davis put together a shelter on the fly, but had no idea how to get the word out to those who would be in need of it. Hence it sat uselessly empty. Furthermore, how do seniors in desperate plight, who have no transportation, get to a shelter?
It is incumbent on all of us to take a deep breath, stop playing the blame game, and figure out who should do what, when. In any disaster, plans materialize as the situation unfolds. A certain amount of flying by the seat of ones pants is expected. Each of us has to make sure we can shelter in place the first 72 hours. Those who cannot shelter in place need to have backup plans, in which relatives, friends or neighbors step in to assist.
If you completely rely on your gov’t to provide for you in an emergency, your disaster preparedness plan is foolish beyond belief. The Hurricane Katrina debacle should have taught you better. Gov’t is inherently unreliable, especially because politicians by their very nature are transient.
Encourage developing neighborhood CERT programs; make sure the city notifies folks where shelters will probably be and improve on communicating with the public; push for a countywide response in a coordinated way (which is beginning to happen at the county and state level by the way); and make sure your elected politicians assess this latest mess and take steps to improve.
In any disaster, EVERYONE needs to take responsibility. For instance, the Davis Police Dept tried to drum up interest in starting a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program here. Unfortunately there were not many takers for the thirty hour course required to obtain certification. Neighbors must assist neighbors in any disaster.
For the politicians to wring their hands, and be dismayed that the city didn’t do a great job rings hollow. Hurricane Katrina happened long ago. Local leaders knew or should have known what emergency plans were in place. Why weren’t there close order drills over the past few years, to make sure any plans in place were adequate? Disaster plans need to be tested regularly.
Senior facilities are required by law to have emergency plans in place, including how to evacuate from their site. But often such plans are generic and nonspecific, failing to hold up in a real emergency. Personal calls to check on the elderly and disabled will only happen with respect to those seniors accessing public services because they are low income.
The entire community needs to take responsibility for disaster preparedness. The first rule of thumb is that each one of us should lay in supplies to shelter in place for the first 72 hours, including senior facilities. Secondly, in this latest situation, communications broke down, the most critical element of any disaster plan. However, if anyone had thought to make sure of possessing a battery operated radio, it was clear from broadcasts that power would be restored by the end of the weekend.
More troubling is the shelter situation. Depending on the disaster, certain types of shelters are necessary. My understanding is the city of Davis put together a shelter on the fly, but had no idea how to get the word out to those who would be in need of it. Hence it sat uselessly empty. Furthermore, how do seniors in desperate plight, who have no transportation, get to a shelter?
It is incumbent on all of us to take a deep breath, stop playing the blame game, and figure out who should do what, when. In any disaster, plans materialize as the situation unfolds. A certain amount of flying by the seat of ones pants is expected. Each of us has to make sure we can shelter in place the first 72 hours. Those who cannot shelter in place need to have backup plans, in which relatives, friends or neighbors step in to assist.
If you completely rely on your gov’t to provide for you in an emergency, your disaster preparedness plan is foolish beyond belief. The Hurricane Katrina debacle should have taught you better. Gov’t is inherently unreliable, especially because politicians by their very nature are transient.
Encourage developing neighborhood CERT programs; make sure the city notifies folks where shelters will probably be and improve on communicating with the public; push for a countywide response in a coordinated way (which is beginning to happen at the county and state level by the way); and make sure your elected politicians assess this latest mess and take steps to improve.
This is amusing. Seems like people are complaining about their own lack of preparation and want to blame someone for it.
As for the New Orleans Katrina victims, they built their city in the wrong place and Mother Nature got em.
This is amusing. Seems like people are complaining about their own lack of preparation and want to blame someone for it.
As for the New Orleans Katrina victims, they built their city in the wrong place and Mother Nature got em.
This is amusing. Seems like people are complaining about their own lack of preparation and want to blame someone for it.
As for the New Orleans Katrina victims, they built their city in the wrong place and Mother Nature got em.
This is amusing. Seems like people are complaining about their own lack of preparation and want to blame someone for it.
As for the New Orleans Katrina victims, they built their city in the wrong place and Mother Nature got em.
many progressives have been whining about conservation and global warming for years now.
Yet when energy conservation is forced on them for all of a day or two, they whine repeatedly about not having electricity and want to hold govt. officials responsible for it.
You wanted people to conserve for the sake of our planet. Be careful what you wish for.
many progressives have been whining about conservation and global warming for years now.
Yet when energy conservation is forced on them for all of a day or two, they whine repeatedly about not having electricity and want to hold govt. officials responsible for it.
You wanted people to conserve for the sake of our planet. Be careful what you wish for.
many progressives have been whining about conservation and global warming for years now.
Yet when energy conservation is forced on them for all of a day or two, they whine repeatedly about not having electricity and want to hold govt. officials responsible for it.
You wanted people to conserve for the sake of our planet. Be careful what you wish for.
many progressives have been whining about conservation and global warming for years now.
Yet when energy conservation is forced on them for all of a day or two, they whine repeatedly about not having electricity and want to hold govt. officials responsible for it.
You wanted people to conserve for the sake of our planet. Be careful what you wish for.
That’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. That’s not forced conservation. Conservation involves planning and the development of alternatives.
That’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. That’s not forced conservation. Conservation involves planning and the development of alternatives.
That’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. That’s not forced conservation. Conservation involves planning and the development of alternatives.
That’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. That’s not forced conservation. Conservation involves planning and the development of alternatives.
Thank-you for the additional posts extolling the virtues of personal / family preparedness. I cannot abide helpless complainers that could otherwise be helping themselves.
One thing to consider is that in the months after Katrina, the communications network that worked well with the lack of infrastructure were volunteer, civilian amateur (aka “HAM”) radio operators. There are a couple of local radio clubs (http://www.bark2m.com/) (http://www.yars.org/) that may be interested in supporting communications in the event of a big or prolonged event resulting in disruption of communication services.
Then there are always bullhorns mounted a top roaming vehicles… My point is that communication assumes there are appropriately equipped senders and receivers, and any plan or technology needs to know the least common denominator or have a plan that targets the mean.
Perhaps an old-fashioned phone-tree is worth considering?
Regards,
Momma Nomen
Thank-you for the additional posts extolling the virtues of personal / family preparedness. I cannot abide helpless complainers that could otherwise be helping themselves.
One thing to consider is that in the months after Katrina, the communications network that worked well with the lack of infrastructure were volunteer, civilian amateur (aka “HAM”) radio operators. There are a couple of local radio clubs (http://www.bark2m.com/) (http://www.yars.org/) that may be interested in supporting communications in the event of a big or prolonged event resulting in disruption of communication services.
Then there are always bullhorns mounted a top roaming vehicles… My point is that communication assumes there are appropriately equipped senders and receivers, and any plan or technology needs to know the least common denominator or have a plan that targets the mean.
Perhaps an old-fashioned phone-tree is worth considering?
Regards,
Momma Nomen
Thank-you for the additional posts extolling the virtues of personal / family preparedness. I cannot abide helpless complainers that could otherwise be helping themselves.
One thing to consider is that in the months after Katrina, the communications network that worked well with the lack of infrastructure were volunteer, civilian amateur (aka “HAM”) radio operators. There are a couple of local radio clubs (http://www.bark2m.com/) (http://www.yars.org/) that may be interested in supporting communications in the event of a big or prolonged event resulting in disruption of communication services.
Then there are always bullhorns mounted a top roaming vehicles… My point is that communication assumes there are appropriately equipped senders and receivers, and any plan or technology needs to know the least common denominator or have a plan that targets the mean.
Perhaps an old-fashioned phone-tree is worth considering?
Regards,
Momma Nomen
Thank-you for the additional posts extolling the virtues of personal / family preparedness. I cannot abide helpless complainers that could otherwise be helping themselves.
One thing to consider is that in the months after Katrina, the communications network that worked well with the lack of infrastructure were volunteer, civilian amateur (aka “HAM”) radio operators. There are a couple of local radio clubs (http://www.bark2m.com/) (http://www.yars.org/) that may be interested in supporting communications in the event of a big or prolonged event resulting in disruption of communication services.
Then there are always bullhorns mounted a top roaming vehicles… My point is that communication assumes there are appropriately equipped senders and receivers, and any plan or technology needs to know the least common denominator or have a plan that targets the mean.
Perhaps an old-fashioned phone-tree is worth considering?
Regards,
Momma Nomen
It is true the GOP didn’t achieve much. I’m not the least bit sorry they are gone. However, the Democrat run congress gets in and makes excuses for not achieving anything. They need to go.
It is true the GOP didn’t achieve much. I’m not the least bit sorry they are gone. However, the Democrat run congress gets in and makes excuses for not achieving anything. They need to go.
It is true the GOP didn’t achieve much. I’m not the least bit sorry they are gone. However, the Democrat run congress gets in and makes excuses for not achieving anything. They need to go.
It is true the GOP didn’t achieve much. I’m not the least bit sorry they are gone. However, the Democrat run congress gets in and makes excuses for not achieving anything. They need to go.
The Democrats have only been in office a while and have a BIG mess from the GOP to clean up.
The Democrats have only been in office a while and have a BIG mess from the GOP to clean up.
The Democrats have only been in office a while and have a BIG mess from the GOP to clean up.
The Democrats have only been in office a while and have a BIG mess from the GOP to clean up.
“Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.” wrote Matt
Perhaps you could persuade actors and directors from the UC Davis Dept. of Theatre to come and judge the best performance art there.
Where is Cocteau and the Grand Guignol* when we flatland provincials need them?
*The Grand Guignol (pronounced [gʁɑ̃ giɲɔl]) was a theatre (Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol) in the Pigalle area of Paris (at 20 bis, rue Chaptal), which, from its opening in 1897 to its closing in 1962, specialized in naturalistic horror shows. The name is often used as a general term for graphic, amoral horror entertainment.
–Wikipedia
“Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.” wrote Matt
Perhaps you could persuade actors and directors from the UC Davis Dept. of Theatre to come and judge the best performance art there.
Where is Cocteau and the Grand Guignol* when we flatland provincials need them?
*The Grand Guignol (pronounced [gʁɑ̃ giɲɔl]) was a theatre (Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol) in the Pigalle area of Paris (at 20 bis, rue Chaptal), which, from its opening in 1897 to its closing in 1962, specialized in naturalistic horror shows. The name is often used as a general term for graphic, amoral horror entertainment.
–Wikipedia
“Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.” wrote Matt
Perhaps you could persuade actors and directors from the UC Davis Dept. of Theatre to come and judge the best performance art there.
Where is Cocteau and the Grand Guignol* when we flatland provincials need them?
*The Grand Guignol (pronounced [gʁɑ̃ giɲɔl]) was a theatre (Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol) in the Pigalle area of Paris (at 20 bis, rue Chaptal), which, from its opening in 1897 to its closing in 1962, specialized in naturalistic horror shows. The name is often used as a general term for graphic, amoral horror entertainment.
–Wikipedia
“Maybe the best way to handle the personal venting would be at a Farmers Market tent this Saturday. The City would be wise to set one up.” wrote Matt
Perhaps you could persuade actors and directors from the UC Davis Dept. of Theatre to come and judge the best performance art there.
Where is Cocteau and the Grand Guignol* when we flatland provincials need them?
*The Grand Guignol (pronounced [gʁɑ̃ giɲɔl]) was a theatre (Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol) in the Pigalle area of Paris (at 20 bis, rue Chaptal), which, from its opening in 1897 to its closing in 1962, specialized in naturalistic horror shows. The name is often used as a general term for graphic, amoral horror entertainment.
–Wikipedia
the first thing the dems did was pick a fight with Bush on the War. That’s not leadership.
the first thing the dems did was pick a fight with Bush on the War. That’s not leadership.
the first thing the dems did was pick a fight with Bush on the War. That’s not leadership.
the first thing the dems did was pick a fight with Bush on the War. That’s not leadership.