As promised, here is part 2 of my writings on the CCSD’s meeting yesterday. This article’s focus is the consideration to Adopt Cambria Community Wildland Fire Protection Urgency Ordinance 01-2008 and declaring the urgency thereof. ((Download a Cal Fire map of Natural Fire Hazards)
Direct Funke-Bilu showed his commitment to the community and integrity as he introduced the Ordinance that he and the members of the Forest Committee had worked on for at least a year through numerous revisions and many public comments. He began with apologies to all the people involved in creating the ordinance as he explained that he had to say he was wrong to approve the ordinance and he didn’t think the board should approve it either. He continued, as nearly the entire room sat quietly surprised, to tell everyone how he had talked to many people over the past week, between the last meeting of the forest committee and this meeting, including CCSD and Cal Fire firefighters neighbors and friends and he had come to the conclusion that this was not the right ordinance or the right way to handle the process. Director Funke-Bilu made it crystal clear that he believes the safety of Cambrians and protection against fires is critical. But since the firefighters he spoke to didn’t think the ordinance was a good idea and there was so much opposition from many residents, he could only conclude he had been incorrect in trying to have this ordinance approved. Director Funke-Bilu took the time to talk to the professionals and others, took all the information and used it to make a difficult decision.
Once he had finished, he asked the District’s Legal Council Art Montandon to speak to his opinion of the ordinance. Montandon told the Board that he had debated whether he should stay up all night and power through the draft so it would be ready for the Board to approve yesterday. His final decision was that he couldn’t review it thoroughly enough to be confident it would stand up to a challenge in court. A prudent course of action, especially considering the dubiousness of the “urgency” aspect of this ordinance. As I wrote a few posts ago, by declaring the ordinance to be urgent, the CCSD would be able to avoid the public notice and hearing requirements that would normally apply.
Director Clift spoke up and said that if he were to suggest any change in the current ordinance, it would be very useful if it was clear which parts were identical to the state law and which parts were more restrictive and unique for Cambria’s unique setting. Excellent point, Director. That would certainly help everyone understand more easily which parts of the ordinance were mandated by the state (and which couldn’t be changed) and what the CCSD had added (which would be suject to public comment and revision). And since it should be intelligible to the “average Cambrian”, it would be great if it was written in something more like English, not legalese.
Then Director Sanders (also on the Forest Committee) tried to make the case for passing the ordinance by reminding us of the imminent threat to public safety. Director Funke-Bilu stuck to his guns and continued to insist approving the ordinance would be a bad idea. Director Sanders then suggested that the Board adopt the contents of the ordinance as Board Policy in the interim and have staff study the jurisdictional conflicts between CCSD and Cal Fire. The urgency, according to Ms. Rudock, is that the County’s deadline for adding fees for lots the District clears is July 18. Director Sanders’ proposed another option: that they adopt the ordinance, even temporarily, and whatever flaws could be worked out later. This prompted Director Funke-Bilu to ask if Director Sanders was saying that he would approved an ordinance that might be wrong. Director Sanders’ answer was vague – that it was better to make sure the community was protected than that the ordinance was flawless. Without Montandon’s support and with Director Funke-Bilu standing firm against it, President Cobin suggested they hear public comment on the item while the Directors thought about the pros and cons. Most of the comments were similar to what people said at last year’s meeting on the subject. If this topic interests you and you weren’t able to attend the meeting, check it out on channel 21 or at www.slo-span.org. The discussion was interesting and even though the final decision was a non-decision, my opinion is that our community was well-served. The ordinance that’s been on the books for 30 years and applies only to vacant lots is the rule for this year’s fire season.
Ordinance or not, fire is a danger to any community in a forested area. Smart, responsible homeowners should consider voluntarily creating a defensible space, using their discretion, and perhaps, some guidelines provided by the District or Greenspace in some sort of “How To” pamphlet that outlines some tips. It may be that education takes us further toward our goal than any ordinance. I have confidence in my neighbors and don’t think we need a law defining every act and a punishment for every “incorrect” behavior. Actually, it would be nice if, just once, a law was passed that actually rewarded people for compliance instead of punishing for non-compliance. A gold foil star isn’t much to ask, I don’t think.
In Part 3 of “Good CCSD Meeting is Possible”: the public comment portion of the afternoon, including:
- Jerry McKinnon on the Vet’s Hall
- Michael Stoddard of CFRC presenting its rates proposal to the Board and answering some questions.
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What is interesting is that there is no problem figuring out who’s jurisdictions Cambria is. It is and has always been Calfires regarding wildland issues. I am not sure what the confusion is. There decision today was the correct one. Cambria CSD needs to concentrate on the open parcels while Calfire enforces the laws that are already present. Modification of the open parcel ordinance to exclude the potential clear cutting of open land should be addressed.
Of course the anonymous commenter is correct – there should be no problem figuring out the jurisdictional boundaries and responsibilities. Director Sanders was quite clear at the meeting that he (and the board, probably) is unclear about what Cal Fire is responsible for and what the Fire Department of the CCSD and the District must be responsible for. The community would benefit from a better understanding how and when the men and women charged with protecting the community from fire and other disasters work together.
I appreciate the input the previous commenter offered…What do you think?
I was at the same meeting Sanders was at. All he had to do is look across the room and ask the Fire Chief the question of jurisdiction and what calfire is responsible for and where Cambria fits into the big picture. All of Cambria is SRA, meaning that the ultimate authority for wildland fires and enforcement is Calfire. The CSD needs to concentrate on the stuff that they can’t finish already. Why revisit this topic later if they can’t complete what they are supposed to be doing already?
The decision by the board was the correct one.