Recap from the IMPORTANT Neighborhood Meeting on the closing of our local Fire Station, #56 on Sunshine Rd. on Friday, January 9th at 5:30pm at the Crystal Falls Clubhouse.

Hello Ridgewood homeowners;

As you may have known, Ryan Campbell (our Supervisor) called for a meeting last Friday night the 9th at 5:30 at the Crystal Falls Clubhouse to give information and receive feedback regarding the closure of Station 56 (Mono Vista). This meeting occurred at the same time that an estimated 30,000 people lost power, but we still managed to have a full house. The meeting proceeded under dim lighting beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. We were then treated to an original arrangement by the Raging Grannies (If there is a fire and you know it, clap your hands). After the rendition the lights came on, Supervisor Campbell quipped that he was going to have them sing at all of his meetings.

Supervisor Campbell introduced Roger Root the interim County Administrator who gave us a financial rundown on the lack of funds that is precipitating the shut down of Station 56. Supervisor Campbell then spoke about his opposition to the closing as well as explaining his reasoning for his stance. A short Question and answer session followed. At this point Nathan Gorhum arrived, having been on site at the fire in Jamestown that caused the power outage.

Chief Gorhum presented those in attendance the same power point presentation that the board of supervisors had seen. The presentation outlined the consequences of closing station 56, the main points of which are longer response times for the entire county (not just the Mono Vista area), potential loss of eligibility for any further grant funds and the possibility of losing Cal-Fire as a partner if any further cuts are required.

Supervisor Campbell closed the meeting, as we had run way over the time anticipated, by asking the audience to reach out to the entire county who may be unaware of the potential disaster that could happen as a result of closing Station 56. We as a board encourage any and all to reach out to any board member with any questions, comments, concerns or ideas to help save station 56. It is not too late. The contact information is available at the Ridgewood Neighborhood Association webpage https://ridgewoodsonora.org/

A special thanks to the Crystal Falls Clubhouse for hosting the meeting as well as the Raging Grannies for their performance.

Your RNA Board