Lakeport >> A few months ago, Senator Mike McGuire scheduled a Lake County town hall meeting for August 6. He invited local community leaders, from Sheriff Brian Martin to County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg to update the community on the county operations. McGuire himself planned to speak on the state and county economy, the drought and the marijuana industry, among other topics.
Then the Rocky Fire broke out. By the time the scheduled town hall rolled around, Rocky had consumed 69,600 acres and drew in 3,551 fire personnel from across the nation. So for Thursday night’s meeting, held at Clear Lake High School in Lakeport, McGuire shifted focus.
“What we wanted to be able to do was provide the community with an update,” he said. The update was threefold. First, convey the latest on the fire. Second, begin talks about recovery. And third, “drill home the point that the state is here now and we’re going to be here for the long run.”
The night began with McGuire’s gratitude for the emergency personnel flooding the county. Every speaker after echoed his words. “It has really been a privilege to work with so many agencies … committed to our community,” said Lt. Commander Hector Paredes, with the California Highway Patrol.
Clearlake City Councilman Bruno Sabatier also expressed his thanks to the emergency workers. “We’ve had complete strangers come to our county and put themselves in the line of fire, literally … to protect everything we care about,” he said.
McGuire and some county personnel did take time to deviate from the fire and discuss other county happenings. Sheriff Martin informed attendees that the Lake County Sheriff’s Department recently promoted the very first female deputy sergeant in the history of the department. Falkenberg talked about the unification of Upper Lake Union Elementary School District and the Upper Lake Union High School District. McGuire touched on the funds being allocated for public schools. But these were footnotes compared to the topic weighing heavily on everyone’s minds: the devastation of the Rocky Fire.
The latest on the fire consisted of numbers. At the time of the meeting, the blaze was at 45 percent containment. More than 300 engines, 40 water tenders, 17 helicopters, 4 air tankers, 94 hand crews and 36 bulldozers were sent to the fire. For the first time in two decades, the National Guard was activated and 171 troops were fighting the flames. “It’s been an unprecedented approach,” McGuire said. “It’s been a significant push, but thanks to weather that has cooperated and a massive force that are on the lines, both on the land and in the air, we are seeing progress.”
A number of representatives spoke extensively about recovery assistance in the aftermath of the fire. The California Office of Emergency Services is developing a recovery dedicated plan and beginning Monday, August 10, the Lake County Office of Emergency Services is opening a local assistance center at 14092 Lakeshore Dr. in Clearlake. Yesterday, the Red Cross opened a Recovery Center at the Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake, which will be open throughout the weekend.
“Next week you’re going to see significant gear-up for recovery resources,” McGuire said.
In a press conference earlier that day, California Gov. Jerry Brown emphasized that the state is committed to assisting the county not just as the fire burns, but as residents recover. “I can tell you the Governor and his staff are engaged in what’s going on here in Lake County,” McGuire stressed.
Since the fire began, McGuire said he has spoken every day with numerous departments and individuals, including the director of the California Office of Emergency Services, the Chief of Staff of the Governor and the county Office of Emergency Services. Their first conversations were about resources and now they’re beginning to focus on recovery efforts. “We are talking constantly about what’s happening on the ground,” he said. “I’ve been talking with Sheriff Martin every day, asking him what he needs and how the state can be of assistance. That’s our number one goal, how can we deliver for Lake County?”
The recovery efforts include financial assistance as well. Through the Fire Management Assistance Grant, the federal government will reimburse 75 percent of all direct costs for law enforcement and firefighting. According to McGuire, the county was able to secure the grant through the efforts of Gov. Brown and through the priority Sheriff Martin placed on obtaining the grant. “It’s taking significant financial resources to be able to fight these fires, but our bottom line is this: we are committed to spending the resources it takes to get these devastating fires out across the state,” said McGuire.
Just as important as recovery assistance was creating awareness of those who are looking to take advantage of the situation. The California Department of Insurance was present to give people tips to avoid being victimized by an insurance scam. “I can’t stress enough, it is despicable, but what we start to see now is predators coming in to communities that are impacted by natural disasters and trying to scam residents and business owners,” said McGuire.
While various individuals spoke on different aspects of the fire, one undercurrent of the evening was Lake County’s strength of community. “This county like no other has come together,” McGuire said just after the start of the town hall meeting. “It is a true testament to the folks that live here and work here.”
Many others expressed similar sentiments. “I’ve never seen this much outpouring from local folks in a long time,” said Scott McLean, the CalFire Battalion Chief and North Region Public Information Officer.
Sabatier spoke of the dedication of countless Clearlake volunteers. He recalled a time when one volunteer contributed 63 hours in about four days. “If it wasn’t for all our volunteers, we would be lost,” he said, adding that the fire has created a “beautiful” level of collaboration between citizens. “Let’s not lose it when the crisis if over,” he urged.
Falkenberg lauded Lake County schools for stepping up to support the response effort, as many converted their buildings into evacuation centers. “In this time of crisis, together we are Lake County,” he said. Applause erupted throughout the room.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
Cutline 1: Senator Mike McGuire hosted a Lake County town hall meeting at Clear Lake High School in Lakeport Thursday evening to update the community on the Rocky Fire.
Cutline 2: City of Lakeport Mayor Martin Scheel addresses Thursday’s meeting.
Cutline 3: Kelseyville Lt. Commander Dector Paredes of the California Highway Patrol and Senator Mike McGuire.
