Town Hall Meeting
'It's a step forward'
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Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun
“We are now anxiously awaiting his contact.” were the words of valley contractor Lanny Borthick in reference to Bob Lerude, Director of Kern County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the county's decision on the so-called “Gazebo Project.” Borthick and his wife, Cheryl, are just two of the many Kernville Chamber members who have worked to bring a gazebo to Circle Park. Both were at the June 17 Town Hall Meeting held in Kernville to see if any progress had been made.
Close to 50 people joined the Borthick’s at the Odd Fellows Hall for the evening meeting which was arranged by Supervisor Jon McQuiston’s office. It was held to discuss three topics of concern to valley residents; emergency preparedness, proposed road and traffic changes in Kernville, and lastly, a gazebo for Circle Park.
As McQuiston was held up in a closed session in Bakersfield, the meeting began without him. First up on the agenda was Deputy Chief Brian Marshall of the Kern County Fire Department. Marshall traveled up from Bakersfield to encourage valley residents to take measures to prepare for the eventuality of a disaster.
Marshall is familiar with the impact disasters can have on our valley. He was one of the senior fire officials responsible for last year’s Piute Fire. He opened by stating, “Disaster preparation is very important business because disaster can strike at any time.” He clarified that although wildfires and a potential flood from Isabella Dam are the two threats that most people immediately think of, there are others that also pose a concern. A major earthquake on the San Andreas Fault and the resulting massive power outages would impact the valley in a big way. Our remote location would inevitably delay emergency response for a minimum of 24 hours and possibly longer. As a result, valley residents need to take necessary measures to prepare.
Marshall distributed copies of the Disaster Preparedness Guide and encouraged everyone at the meeting to read through it and follow up on the many suggestions it contained; everything from having a week’s worth of water and non-perishable food, extra supplies of medication, additional pet food, a generator with fresh fuel, alternate housing backup outside the valley are just a few of the things he mentioned.
Marshall also encouraged valley residents to participate in one of our local Certified Emergency Response Team’s (CERT) training sessions. The next one is scheduled for September. Attendees will learn everything from providing emergency first aid, to how to assist emergency responders in the event of a disaster. The KRV Fire Safe Council also has a wealth of useful information to share on ways to make your property fire safe.
Marshall concluded by posing a question, “Preparedness is complex, but it is vital. We are doing everything we can as a department to be proactive and to be prepared for when a disaster strikes. Are you?”
At that point, McQuiston arrived and the discussion moved to possible changes that may be made to Kernville in terms of creating a more “walkable community.” For the past several months, Kern County Roads Department and concerned Kernville residents have been looking into the possibility of having a crosswalk installed near Circle Park, having continuous bike paths built and reducing the speed through town. Mark Evans, Design Engineer with the Roads Department addressed meeting attendees.
Several months ago at a previous meeting, he explained the Transportation Enhancement Grant (TEA) process and possible time frames for seeing proposed changes become a reality. Once again, he asked the community for their input stating, “This is your community. We want you to tell us what you would like to see happening.” TEA Grants can run anywhere from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Evans clarified that the chance of getting a grant are greatly increased if the amount of funds being requested is smaller.
Evans stated that a follow-up meeting will be held in one or two months to finalize the details.
At that point it was time to move on to the discussion of the gazebo. Cheryl Borthick read a letter from the KRV Historical Society giving their full support of the project and encouraging the Parks Department to give theirs. Valley resident, Jim Davis stated, “Local groups such as the Art Association, the Jazz Tones, the Kern Valley Community Orchestra and the Sweet Adelines would all be able to utilize the gazebo and further enhance the community. “
Lerude stated that if the design were appropriate, there was a solid commitment of volunteer labor from local contractors, and an assurance that the materials would be provided, he would be prepared to take the project before the Board of Supervisors for approval. Borthick assured him that everything was already in place. He later added, “It’s a step forward.” Lerude stated that he will contact him to get the necessary information.
For more information about being prepared for a disaster, visit www.kerncountyfire.org. You can also register for ReadyKern, the departments state-of-the-art notification system.
