NERT Containers Key During Emergency
Designed to make neighborhoods more self-sufficient in times of emergency or disaster, six large storage containers have been placed throughout the City.
As part of the City’s Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) program, the containers were provided to local neighborhood associations as a secure place to store tools, equipment and supplies needed for disaster recovery operations. The containers are in the following areas: Casanova Oak Knoll, Deerflats, Hilltop Park, Skyline Forest, Dela Vina/Montecito and the cemetery.

NERT members are an important component of the City’s ability to recover after a disaster. Call the Monterey Fire Department at 646.3900 (email roth@ci.monterey.ca.us) for more info on how to join NERT or to register for classes today.

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Residents Take Opportunity to Rate Public Works
Door-hanger flyers are helping the City’s Public Works Department actively seek customer feedback.
Here’s how it works:
1) door-hanger flyers are distributed by City crews after the completion of a job to all residents in the surrounding area;
2) the flyer includes a tear-off card encouraging residents/business owners to write comments or suggestions; and
3) once the feedback card has been received, the resident will receive an answer regarding any concern or issue, either by phone or in writing.
Since the department started the program last October, Public Works has received more than 30 cards with positive comments about the professionalism and responsiveness of our crews. Keep the cards coming – we need to hear from you.

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You and Your Dog
While enjoying the outdoors with your dog, you can do your part to keep Monterey safe and clean for all. Know and follow the City’s dog safety laws:

1. Dogs are prohibited in all parks with the exception of El Estero, Veteran’s Memorial, along the Coastal Trail and on beaches east of Wharf II.
2. When in public areas, all dogs must be on a leash that cannot exceed six feet in length.
3. Dog owners are required to pick up their dogs’ droppings.

City Intergenerational Programs Help Bridge Gap
Activities that successfully “bridge the generation gap” have lasting effects on participants both young and old. They can create a sense of understanding and appreciation and lead to an exchange of ideas, outlooks and energy as well as good old-fashioned fun.
Community Helper Week at the City’s four preschool sites introduces students to adults from diverse walks of life, allowing adults to share what they do in this “great big world.” Both preschool and school-age programs benefit from adult volunteers who provide some extra attention.
One example of the effects of intergenerational programming can be seen at the Visiting Nurse Association Adult Day Care program at Hilltop Park Center. Adult Care participants often host young visitors from Hilltop’s preschool and afterschool programs. Youth sing holiday songs, share hand-made cards and crafts and invariably bring smiles and laughter. On a recent occasion, school-age children helped the seniors plant potted seedlings. It’s fun for everyone.

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Program Guidelines Help You Protect Your Valuable Assets
Ever hear the old saying, “They don’t build them like they used to”? Well, from a structural standpoint, it’s probably good they don’t!
Older buildings were not built to withstand the destructive forces of an earthquake. Today’s modern building codes help make homes stronger and safer than ever. And that doesn’t just apply to earthquake safety.
Problems such as electrical fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and foundation settlement can all be caused by faulty construction.
What can you do? Get a permit, have your project inspected and help make sure your home is “up-to-Code.”
To learn more about the people and programs that keep our buildings safe, join us for National Building Safety Week from April 3-7.
During this week, you can ride along with City building inspectors to get a first-hand look at what goes into making homes and businesses safer places.
Or stop by our Building Safety and Inspection office Mon.-Fri. between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Colton Hall to ask questions or pick up information on home remodeling, seismic retrofitting and selecting a contractor.

Call 646.3890 by March 31 to schedule your ride-along.

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New Park Big Attraction for Skateboarders, In-line Skaters
Skateboarders and in-line skaters, come on down! The City’s new Skate Park is now open.
The Monterey Skate Park features fun and exciting elements that will challenge skateboarders and in-line skaters of all skills and abilities.
More than 40 local skaters and youth participated in the design, development and construction process.
Located next to Lake El Estero behind Sollecito Ballpark, the park is open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk. Come and have fun while following these rules:

1. Skaters under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
2. All skaters are required to wear safety gear, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist/hand guards.

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Rev 02/19/08 L. Huelga http://www.monterey.org/focus/spring00/citybriefs.html