The rain began again. It fell heavily, easily, with no meaning or intention but the fulfilment of its own nature, which was to fall and fall - Helen Garner
Dear neighbors:
It felt like the smoke and the heat and threat of fire and PG&E shutdowns would never end this year, didn’t it? But the recent cooler temperatures, higher humidity and a good dump of rain has finally decreased the threat of wildfire in our area. Never has it felt so good to pull on a warm jacket and a pair of rainboots.
In other news
Among the pluses of the season is the ability to take care of those burn piles you’ve been saving for months. CalFire has lifted the ban on residential burns, but you must check on burn day status before you begin to burn. Call (530) 274-7928 or visit Air Quality to check. When you do burn, remember: Only dry, vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burned
The burning of trash, painted wood or other debris is not allowed
Do NOT burn on windy days, regardless of the burn status
Clear a 10-foot diameter down to bare soil around your piles
Have a shovel and a water source nearby.
An adult is required to be in attendance of a fire
A big thank you to everyone who submitted your Volunteer Hourly Work Sheet with the hours and money spent for fire prevention work in 2020 to Karen Pridemore. Karen will soon send you the results of our community survey and provide you with instructions for our next annual survey period November 1, 2020- October 31, 2021.
Neighborhood hero: Lisa Scadden didn’t just drive by the commercial water truck pulled over by one of our fire hydrants on Thoroughbred Loop a couple weeks ago. She stopped, questioned the driver and told him he could not pump water from a private hydrant intended for use in the event of fire in our neighborhood. Thanks to Lisa, the driver went on his way. When contacted, the company owner was accommodating and apologetic. Thank you for taking action, Lisa!
Lauren Drutz has installed a temporary sign indicating the hydrant is for FIRE DEPT USE ONLY and your Firewise committee is discussing possibly ordering permanent signs for all three fire protection water sources.
Did you know: Beginning December 23, the Grass Valley and Nevada City fire departments will be integrated into one organization, overseen by Fire Chief Mark Burton.
Neighbors helping neighbors: Nine Hidden Valley/South Ponderosa neighbors pooled their money and hired Hansen Brothers to dramatically improve a very rough portion of their road. Hats off to these neighbors for bettering an important evacuation route for our area.
Schedule a free in-home winter safety inspection. PG&E will inspect your gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and ovens, to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. During the visit, PG&E will also relight pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months. Call 1-800-743-5000 to schedule a visit.
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It’s been a tough year, but we are grateful to live in such a beautiful neighborhood filled with great neighbors. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Be well, be safe!
Your Firewise Committee,
Lauren Drutz, Lynn Forbes, Karen Pridemore, Trent Pridemore, Jim Walters