Measure C Tax Dollars at Work
From the August 2020 Issue of the SHHA Bulletin
Measure C Tax Dollars at Work
The new Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority that was created with the passage of Measure C has approved funding for several projects that will directly benefit Sleepy Hollow. 20% of Measure C tax revenue is returned on a pro rata basis to each of the 17 member agencies of the Authority. Our share is $44,591.
Three Local Projects
We are using it for three local projects: evacuation route maps which will be mailed to each residence, assistance for our block captain program from a part time Ross Valley Neighborhood Response Group organizer, and a 50% match for our $78,000 hazardous vegetation grant program. A number of grant applications have already been approved, details about the program and applications can be found on our website shfpd.org.
Defensible Space Inspection
An additional 20% of Measure C revenue funds the defensible space inspection program which is currently underway in Sleepy Hollow. The inspectors do not enter a property without permission. They are trained to walk up to a front door (through an unlocked front gate at the street, if present, under rules of curtilage), and knock to introduce themselves. If no adult is present, they have two options: 1) inspect the property as visible from the front door or public areas such as from the front pathway or roadway, or 2) come back later. Under no circumstances do the inspectors enter locked or gated areas of a property without permission of a resident or landowner, and they don't "peek" over fences. They only inspect areas that are plainly visible from a common area unless an adult resident gives permission to gated areas.
The Board Approved Programs With Countywide Benefit
The Board also approved programs with countywide benefit. These include a number of public education projects to be carried out by FIRESafe MARIN (FSM). The centerpiece of this program is a monthly online webinar covering a variety of fire prevention and protection topics targeting homeowners. Please subscribe to the FSM newsletter and refer to their website for details (firesafemarin.org). FSM is creating a bilingual training program and will host several community workshops next year assuming Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. In addition, FSM is managing a curbside pickup chipper program for all of the Marin Firewise Sites including Sleepy Hollow and designated areas in each of the 17 Agency jurisdictions. Red Flag Warning signs will be posted at the entrances of participating Firewise Sites on Red Flag days and NOAA weather radios will be strategically distributed throughout the county to test their efficiency as back up alert and warning systems in the event of a power failure or non-existent cell phone coverage. Our Fire District will be distributing NOAA radios to all residents once the shelter in place orders are lifted. Finally, the MWPA approved funding for a major study to improve our evacuation capabilities. A detailed description of these projects can be found on the MWPA website (marinwildfire.org) as part of the Board of Directors meeting packet for June 18, 2020.
Goats/Sheep Grazing
The goat grazing program in Sleepy Hollow will soon wrap up. The shaded fuel breaks between Sleepy Hollow and Terra Linda, above San Domenico, across the Triple C Ranch and along the ridge between the Hollow and Fairfax have all been completed. Defensible space was created by grazing behind many homes in Sleepy Hollow that backed up to wild lands and throughout the San Domenico campus. There was a mix of sheep in one of the herds this year which improved grazing in grassy areas.
Curbside Chipping Program
We will conduct one more curbside pickup chipper day on Monday, September 21. Please register at chipperday.com. The last chipper day of the year will be drop off at the end of Butterfield on October 5 to coincide with the creek cleanup.