October 2018 Mayor’s Message
Thanks to the Swiss Days Committee and the City Staff for their efforts and work to deliver another great Swiss Days celebration this year. I am constantly amazed at the dedication and professionalism of the people behind the scene at the event. Without their hard work, residents and visitors alike would not be able to enjoy this annual celebration of our community heritage. Thanks also to the SCI Public Safety and Fire Departments for their assistance and maintaining the peace during the event.
Speaking of the Fire Department, Chief Dan Nelson has announced his resignation effective October 10th. Dan’s wife landed her dream job near Twin Falls, Idaho and the family has wanted to live in the area for several years. Dan has done a tremendous job with the fire department for many years and will be sorely missed. His dedication to serving residents of this community is unparalleled. Deputy Chief Randy Hancey will be taking over interim Chief duties for the time being. Randy was the Ivins Fire Chief for several years before the two departments combined. We wish Dan and his family the best as they begin this new adventure in their lives.
I think September should be renamed National Disaster Month. Last September, residents of Texas and Florida were struggling to recover from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Millions of people were trying to re-cover from two of the most damaging natural disasters in our nation’s history. This year we are watching Hurricane Florence plunder the Carolinas. Lives have been lost and thousands of homes have been dam-aged, many completely destroyed by the relentless wind, overwhelming rain and resulting storm surge and flooding. Many of you have reached out to support residents via donations to assist with the recovery efforts. Thank you for your humanitarian service on behalf of those in need.
A little closer to home, residents in Elk Ridge and Mapleton have been evacuated from their homes as the Pole Creek Fire ravages the mountain forest in south Utah County. Soon their attention will turn to the increased flood risk from mountain drainages and the treat of tons of fire debris and sediment flowing into the City potentially damaging homes, farms and infrastructure. Watching these disasters ravage these small communities, rural areas and neighborhoods, I’m constantly reminded of our flood event of September 11, 2012. I still think about it every time it rains.
These events should remind us all how important it is for residents to be prepared for potential natural disasters which can happen at any time, to anyone. No one is exempt from these risks. Local government resources necessary to respond to events of this magnitude are always going to be limited. It’s going to take time, maybe even days, for assistance to be available. I’ll remind you again to be prepared to help yourselves. It’s important for all of us to set aside the resources needed and develop home emergency plans to allow you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours to preserve life and protect property during the initial emergency response period. If you still need to complete this important step to keep your family safe, please start the process today. The next natural disaster could be just around the corner.
Enjoy the cooler temperatures and remember to stay safe Santa Clara.
Mayor Rick Rosenberg (rickr@racivil.com or mayor@sccity.org)