Features
A
Community Prepared | Tightened Security
at Military Installations | Housing Resources
A Community Prepared
During the past several months, the City has taken an in-depth look at our emergency preparedness and response plans.
We have confirmed that Monterey, as well as Monterey County and the State, are well prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters, both natural and unnatural.
California has jokingly been called the “Disaster State,” but here’s the real punch line: because of our experience with a broad spectrum of disasters such as earthquakes, fires and hazardous
materials incidents, California is actually the “Emergency-Ready State.” And through our standard emergency response system that was developed in the mid-1990s, cities, counties and the State can work in concert
to respond efficiently to any emergency. For more than 10 years our public safety teams have trained to respond together during crisis. As always, comprehensive emergency preparedness and planning begin with you – each member of the community. Are you and your family ready? Take
the time and be prepared.
Pre-disaster actions for individuals: Remain calm. Stay informed. Identify credible and
reliable sources of information such as the City, local law enforcement agencies or the
Monterey County Office of Emergency Services. Avoid extremes such as canceling trips or
withdrawing.
Keep emergency preparedness kits up-to-date and stocked for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency. Keep emergency phone lists updated.
Choose an out-of-state friend or relative
who you and your family members can call after an emergency to report your
whereabouts and conditions. Join NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team). Call
646.3900 for more info.
What to do during a disaster:
Remain calm and be patient.
Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
Avoid spreading unsubstantiated stories.
If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries.
Give first aid and get help for those seriously injured.
If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight.
Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting
at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
Shut off any other damaged utilities.
Confine or secure your pets.
Call your family contact – do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening
emergency. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
Material provided by the American Red Cross.
For more info, visit these Web sites: www.redcross.org;
www.oes.ca.gov; and www.fema.gov.
Tightened Security at Military
Installations Means Changes in Community Routines
The closing of local military installations to through traffic altered the routines of our community. What was to be a phased-in closure at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center & Presidio of Monterey became a sudden reality following the attacks in September.
Until further notice, only official vehicles can gain entrance to the DLIFLC & POM and the Naval Postgraduate School. Stay tuned to local media and upcoming editions of City Focus for updates.
What does this mean to the community?
Community services…
Monterey Center for Youth & Families located on DLIFLC & POM grounds remains open for business. Officials from the U.S. Army and City have established a pass system that enables parents to drive their children to and
from the center.
Recreation services…
The youth soccer program, with more than 500 boys and girls ages 4-14, was relocated from Soldier Field at the Presidio to Colton Middle School for practices and most games.
Monterey Pony baseball and softball begin in February. Officials from DLIFLC & POM and the Pony league are working together regarding field use. If practices and games
cannot be held at Soldier Field’s three ballfields this coming year, teams that would normally practice or play games at Soldier Field will be relocated to other neighborhood ballfields.
Historic sites…
Access is open to the Presidio of Monterey Museum and many of the historic sites on
the Lower Presidio off Corporal Ewing Road.
Vehicles should turn on Corporal Ewing from Artillery Street or Private Bolio Road before entering the checkpoint to the base.
Traffic issues...
The City has worked over the past few months to minimize traffic congestion and direct commuters to new routes.
A new access plan redirects traffic entering the DLIFLC & POM from Lighthouse Avenue. The
left turn onto Private Bolio Road is closed and new signs now direct vehicles down Foam Street and up Reeside Avenue. New signs also direct official vehicles and visitors to appropriate base-entry points.
To minimize congestion on neighboring streets, our traffic team is also working with military officials on new designs for the
entry gates.
On Housing...
After much community input and as part of our commitment to address housing issues in the area,
the City has taken some steps to support the following housing programs.
Voluntary Guidelines Address Renter-Related Issues
The City has joined efforts to strengthen relations between landlords and tenants by adopting a set of voluntary rental guidelines for a one-year trial. The guidelines are designed to help resolve issues regarding excessive rent increases, unwarranted evictions, maintenance problems and disputes in a fair and reasonable manner.
The program for “Voluntary Guidelines for Residential Rental Owners and Managers” is administered by the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Center of Monterey County through a City grant.
Key elements include professional mediation and a peer intervention program. Guidelines and program info, in English and
espaņol, can be found at
www.monterey.org/housing.
Questions about this program should be directed to the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Center of Monterey County at
649.6219 (fax: 649.6287).
HomeShare Program More Viable than Ever
HomeShare matches senior citizens with homeowners of all ages looking for reliable tenants and/or roommates. The City this year increased financial support for the Alliance on Aging
HomeShare program to encourage affordable housing opportunities in the City.
The no-cost program not only supports seniors, it also benefits homeowners who like to live independently but may need a little extra financial help. A nonprofit agency, Alliance on Aging matches seniors with people of all ages. For more info, call Alliance on Aging at
655.1334, or go to www.monterey.org/housing/rentassist2.html.
Return to top |
