Protecting Ukiah: Fire Safe Council Initiatives and Impact #FireSafety

  If you've ever been driving in a neighborhood and seen those green address signs and wondered where people get them, wonder no further. They get those signs from the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council. In this video, I'm going to talk about what the Fire Safe Council is, what they do, and how you can help their efforts. So, let's get into it. If you're in your own neighborhood, you can look up if there is a council for your community. For instance, if you live in Redwood Valley or Willits, there are specific councils for your community. If you'd like to start your own council, you can do so easily on their website. Neighborhood Fire Safe Councils facilitate and organize collective action in wildfire planning, prevention, and education. They have a map on their website where you can zoom into your property's location and find the nearest Fire Safe Council. The Mendocino County Fire Safe Council has been in action since 2004. In January 2020, they hired an executive director, and they have board members who oversee their non-profit. They've brought in millions in grant funding, federal and state dollars, and other funds to drive fuel reduction in our county, promote fire awareness, and assist with fire-hardening homes. To support their efforts, you can become a member, subscribe to their newsletter, or make a donation on their website. They offer everything from county project tracking to fire-safe quick tips, burn permit signs, and reflective address signs for $20, making it easy for first responders to identify your property during emergencies. You can visit their website to safeguard your home and get a free assessment from their volunteers, who will help you understand how to protect and harden your home against fires. They also have a list of over 23 fire districts in our county, including their locations and agencies. If you want to help prepare your neighborhood, sign up on their website, start your council, and get the resources to organize your community to ensure everyone is prepared for a fire. The Mendocino County Fire Safe Council is an organization that many aren't aware of. Yet, they play a crucial role in fire hardening and reduction efforts in California. Join them in creating a safer environment for our homes and lands to reduce fires, lower insurance costs, and more. If you haven't already, follow them, sign up for their newsletter, or become a member. It's a great cause. If you have any questions, reach out to them and help make our community safer. Thank you for watching. If you have any insurance-related questions, feel free to reach out, and I'll connect you with some excellent service providers. Until then, let's make our homes fire-safe and help prevent wildfires, as Smokey Bear says, 'Only you can prevent wildfires.

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Deciphering Ukiah's Elected Officials and Community Involvement Opportunities

Have you ever wondered who holds the reins in Ukiah? It's easy to assume I'm the mayor, but that's far from the truth. In this post, we'll unravel the true powerhouses of our city, delve into how you can participate, and steer our community toward a brighter future.  County Supervisors:Ukiah falls under the jurisdiction of Mendocino County, where five supervisors wield authority. These supervisors represent distinct districts, each with its unique scope of responsibilities. District one encompasses areas from Hopland to Potter Valley, Tallmadge, Redwood Valley, and Potter Valley. Meanwhile, District Two largely consists of Ukiah City Limits, determined by population distribution.  District Three covers Covelo and its surroundings, including Willits and Laytonville, while District Four oversees Fort Bragg and similar regions. Finally, District Five encompasses the South Coast. This elected position serves a four-year term and carries a compensation package. Meetings occur on Tuesdays and are accessible via live streaming or in-person attendance at the county building on Low Gap. City Council:Ukiah's governance is shared between the city council and the city manager. The city council, an elected body, operates on four-year terms with no term limit. Its members take on various roles, including serving on city boards and committees. To run for city council, you must reside within city limits and meet age requirements (typically 18 or 21). Ukiah doesn't have a traditional mayor; instead, the city manager leads, and the council approves or denies measures. City council meetings convene on Wednesday evenings after 6 PM and are viewable online, allowing public participation through Zoom. Boards, Committees, and Commissions:Ukiah offers numerous opportunities for civic involvement through its various boards, committees, and commissions. These cover a wide array of issues, from civil service and community development to medical care and partnership health planning. Joining these boards can be an excellent way to dip your toes into civic engagement. If you're interested, the county website lists vacant positions, making it easy to start your journey toward a more involved Ukiah. School District:The Ukiah Unified School District Board of Education consists of seven elected members, each serving four-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of every month. You can find more information about the current board on the district's website. Tourism Boards:Ukiah's tourism boards, such as Visit Mendocino County and the Greater Ukiah Business Tourism Alliance, play pivotal roles in driving tourism and subsequently generating revenue for the area. If you're passionate about promoting Ukiah and its surrounding areas, these boards offer opportunities for involvement. Transparency in Salaries:If you're curious about the compensation of these civic leaders, TransparentCalifornia.com provides insights into their earnings. In conclusion, Ukiah's leadership is a dynamic ecosystem involving elected officials, committees, and dedicated individuals. By understanding these roles and engaging with your community, you can be an active part of shaping Ukiah's future. Don't just complain on Facebook; get involved and make a difference! Thank you for reading, and remember, I'm Kasie Gray, your friend in Ukiah, California. If you're thinking of selling a house, you know who to call. Don't forget to subscribe and access our guide to unlocking Ukiah's potential in the link below. See you in the next video!LINKS:County supervisors 5 districts https://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/board-of-supervisorshttps://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/board-of-supervisors/boards-and-commissionsCity council https://cityofukiah.com/city-council/Watch meetings, minutes, and more https://cityofukiah.com/meetings/ Join committees, boards and commissions https://cityofukiah.com/boards-commissions-committees/7 areas Current board https://www.uusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=675179&type=d&pREC_ID=1067715 https://www.uusd.net/apps/pages/abouttheboardTourism Boards Visit Mendocino https://www.mendocinotourism.org/board-of-directors/ Greater Ukiah Business Tourism Alliance https://www.discoverukiah.com/greater-ukiah-business-and-tourism-alliance/ Look up salaries https://transparentcalifornia.com/

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Join Us NOW: Where to Give Donations in Ukiah | Watch and Make a Difference!

Whether you're on a mission to declutter your home or looking to donate items that could benefit others, there's a wealth of donation places in Ukiah that extend beyond Goodwill. As a realtor and broker associate, I'm here to assist you on your journey to loving where you live. In this blog post, I'll share a comprehensive list of amazing organizations in Ukiah that are always open to receiving donations. Let's get started! 1. Hospice Thrift of Ukiah:Hospice does incredible work for our community, and their thrift store helps support their initiatives. Check with their staff to see if their donation bay is open and the types of donations they're currently accepting. 2. Deep Valley Christian School:This school hosts a massive rummage sale in their warehouse and welcomes donations on Mondays from 9 AM to 12 PM. For other drop-off times, you can contact Sandy (her number is linked below). 3. Ukiah Senior Center:Located on Leslie Street, the senior center runs a delightful thrift store that benefits their organization. Their collection includes a wide variety of items, and they often offer great deals, with most items at 50% off (excluding furniture). 4. United Disaster Relief of Northern California:For larger items or items suitable for disaster relief, you can reach out to the United Disaster Relief located on Airport Park Boulevard, next to Tractor Supply. 5. Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority:Accepting various types of donations, this organization operates from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. They're situated on Pinoleville, and you can contact them in advance to ensure they're accepting donations. 6. Dorcas:This organization accepts donations on Wednesdays, from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, located on Cherry Street. 7. RCS (Redwood Community Services):With different programs running, their needs vary. Give them a call to see what they require at the moment. Generally, they welcome new or gently used bras and new, warm clothing. Their office is open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. 8. Mendocino County Youth Project:Supporting youth in need, they have a dedicated closet for teens aged 12 to 24. Drop-off times are typically Monday to Friday. 9. Humane Society for Inland Mindo:If you have blankets, crates, pet food, or other pet items to donate, consider giving them to the Humane Society. They're open Wednesday through Sunday. 10. Healthy Start Family Resource in Laytonville:Always accepting clothes and other items, you can reach out to them to find out what they're currently in need of. 11. Ukiah High Clothing Closet:They welcome donations of adult-sized clothing for their students and staff. Make sure the items are in good condition before dropping them off. For your convenience, I've created a declutter bingo card (linked below) to help you have a fun time while decluttering your house. Access the free list, which contains all the donation locations, timings, and contact information. Remember, donating to local organizations makes a significant impact and helps support our community directly, unlike some profit-driven alternatives. Let's come together and make a difference that matters. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Together, we can all love where we live and make a positive change in Ukiah. Thank you for reading!

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