“GAYNE BRENNEMAN
”I would recommend that we follow the City of Los Angeles model, for fire risk. They have a system that evaluates each and every property, annually, and if the property doesn’t follow the ‘Fire guidelines’ regarding ‘safety’ and minimizing risk, the property and owner faces a minimum fine. This is strictly enforced. Unfortunately, their model does NOT apply to Los Angeles County, and annual inspections are NOT made of ‘developed’ land, in PVE.

The guidelines are very specific for landscaping near the home, too high hedges, certain trees, etc.

Last year, our Fire Dept distributed those guidelines, to residents, and they are available on the internet, but we lack the ‘enforcement’.””

“SANFORD DAVIDSON (incumbent)
(Councilmember Davidson declined to supply answers to any of the questions posed)”

“DAWN MURDOCK
”The entire city of Palos Verdes Estates is deemed a very high fire risk. We must have practices in place to protect our families, pets, and homes. Weed abatement is performed annually, by a contractor who has not consistently provided the highest quality of work. Removal of cuttings is one concern. Tree trimming has not been performed regularly and residents have had problems getting rid of trees they have been told are fire risks.

I would make the following changes:

• Create clear guidelines regarding trees and vegetation that promote fire risk, develop an inventory of risky vegetation, and implement a mitigation/reduction plan;

• Evaluate the frequency of fire abatement practices – some activities may need to be more frequent than annually;

• Bid out fire abatement services ensuring multiple bids. Contracts need to include a clear statement of work, service levels, and periodicity for conducting abatement and trimming;

• Provide regular oversight of contract work to ensure it is being done correctly and relative to contract terms. Payment is provided once the quality of services is inspected and approved;

• Ensure the budget includes adequate coverage;

• Educate residents on the risks and mitigation strategies.

I would also investigate alternative ambulance models to see if we can reduce costs while maintaining high performance and service.””

“JIM ROOS
”Fire safety will continue to be a significant concern for our City. Proper maintenance of our Parklands is the best way to reduce fire risk. This is especially true in up sloping areas where dead weeds create a “fire ladder” that can quickly become uncontrollable. I support efforts to maintain all of our Parklands both to enhance their beauty and to increase fire safety.

I am dismayed by recent increases in the City’s contract with Los Angeles County to provide Fire and EMS services. Our City Council must push back against these increases and consider the lessons this contract offers regarding local control of public safety expenses.””

“BILL SEWELL
”Fire hazard is one of our most troubling threats. I would continue to partner with LA County Fire to ensure that inspections are carried out, hazards noted and mitigated, and residents are continually educated on fire hazards and fire prevention. I will work with LA Fire’s Brush Clearance Unit and our City’s contractor to create and maintain “defensible space”.

I am an active member of the District Disaster Preparedness (DDP) program sponsored by PVE Police Department, I’m trained by FEMA in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and I’m also a member of the Peninsula Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). If elected I plan to represent PVE on the Regional Disaster Preparedness Committee. I will continue my participation in these programs and represent PVE at the Regional level.

I will call for a review and update of our emergency response plan and emergency evacuation plan.””