2024 was a year of many accomplishments. As we wrap up our first DECADE,
we’re looking forward to your support of our work in the year ahead.
Congratulations to Ken Benson for a Well-Deserved Honor!
Ken Benson, our co-founder, past president, and Emeritus board member was honored with a Jefferson Award for his work to make Oakland safer from wildfire.
“Even though it’s a beautiful place – we live in a place that can turn very dangerous and hazardous in a moment,” Benson explained.”
Full article with video HERE
What Can We Do In Our Neighborhood?
Joelle Fraser, our Firewise USA® Lead, works with neighborhoods that would like to explore, apply for, and become Firewise USA recognized communities. The process takes several months from introduction, learning about expectations, drafting a plan and getting suggestions for strengthening applications, then assistance with revisions to final approvals that have slowed down due to high demand.
Our fifth Firewise USA recognized community was approved this summer and one of the leaders said, “We are getting to know new neighbors and renewing relationships with old neighbors, … the best crime prevention step we could take.” We have seven additional communities in the pipeline and two more requests.
What’s Happening?
Jen Grimm, our communications leader, imparts information about our activities, highlights our partners and shares relevant happenings with a newsletter that’s opened by a majority of our 1000+ recipients. While we don’t know how many people share the link with their neighbors, we’re confident that this program, including the associated content on the website, is vital to our mission.
East Bay Wildfire Coalition Established!
Wildfire doesn’t respect jurisdictional boundaries; the four-year effort of OFSC and the Claremont Canyon Conservancy finally succeeded in the establishment of the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC).
“After the 1991 fire, returning residents had two dreams about making their future safe. The first was a regional approach to vegetation management; the fire did not see the border between Oakland and Berkeley. This year, with the creation of the Wildfire Prevention Coordinating Group, Oakland is now part of a network of East Bay governments that can plan and execute in concert.” David Kessler.
Sue Piper, then Ken Benson, now Elizabeth Stage have represented OFSC on this expedition; Michael Killian, our longtime treasurer, has supported this effort through thick and thin, as he does everything else that keeps us in business and following the many rules that govern our finances.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Doug Mosher created and manages the GENOAK emergency 2-way radio network, conducting trainings and holding simulation exercises to prepare for emergencies when cellular communications are not available. We encourage residents to join our GENOAK 2-way radio network. (In the photo ~ Sam Sargent working the GENOAK network during 2024 Bay Area Golden Eagle exercise)
Doug also serves on the Oakland Radio Communication Association (ORCA) board, coordinating with Oakland’s Emergency Management Services Division on emergency exercises and July 4th fire patrols. He and Elizabeth Stage serve as liaisons to the multi-University of California campus Smart and Connected Communities project, currently working on different aspects of emergency evacuation challenges.
Highlighting Our Partners
Doug Mosher, Jen Grimm, and Joelle Fraser collaborated with the office of Alameda County District 5 Supervisor Keith Carson to co-sponsor the Emergency Preparedness Day at the Ed Roberts campus. They invited emergency services providers and community associations to table and introduce themselves and their services to hundreds of families and individuals who came to learn.
Working With the City of Oakland to Make Oakland More Wildfire Safe
Working with the Claremont Canyon Conservancy, North Hills Community Association, and the Sierra Club, OFSC revised the City’s Vegetation Management Plan so it would be good enough to deserve our endorsement. Its adoption paved the way for the Oakland City Council and staff to craft a ballot measure to fund the work; OFSC provided feedback on successive drafts, incorporating lessons learned by community groups from the most recent, unsuccessful effort.
Once the ballot measure was sent in final form to the Registrar of Voters, these partners could no longer participate in its advocacy. Elizabeth Stage orchestrated the campaign, enlisting volunteers throughout OFSC, with Piedmont Pines, North Hills, the Claremont Canyon Conservancy, and South Hills, plus many individuals to knock on doors and raise money. The team effort paid off handsomely; Measure MM got more than 71% of the Yes votes when only 67% were required.
What to Expect in 2025
Over the next year we want to
- continue providing a newsletter that regularly delivers timely information around wildfire safety and related topics
- respond to the increased demand for helping communities become Firewise USA recognized
- maintain and update our website content, including our informative Guides
- provide even more education to our communities by delivering our Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness (WEP) workshops and Town Hall webinars
- create new programs such as home hardening for wildfire
But in order to be able to provide these valuable services to our Oakland communities, we need your support …
In other words, can you help OFSC to not only survive, but also thrive?
If so, please consider making a meaningful year-end contribution by hitting the “SUPPORT” button and choosing whichever donation method (online or by check) is most comfortable for you.
Many thanks for your crucial financial support!
Best Wishes for the Holidays and the Year Ahead!
~ Elizabeth Stage, President of Oakland Firesafe Council