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CSAC and California Counties have placed a strong emphasis on disaster preparedness, resilience and recovery over the past several years. Some of our most memorable regional meetings, partnerships and even Challenge Awards have spotlighted California’s innovation in preparedness at the individual, community and county levels.

In a state as geographically diverse as California, emergencies can take many forms. Wildfires and earthquakes are often top of mind, but power outages, floods, debris flows, tsunamis and even drought can prompt disaster declarations as well.

While everyone should always be careful before posting anything on social media, extra care is paramount during mass casualty or other major emergencies. Too frequently, civilians and officials alike mistakenly rush to publish so that they are “first.” Speed is important, but accuracy is even more important. So is staying within your area of responsibility.

Up until a few years ago, the idea that wildfires could change the shape of a populous landscape over the course of mere hours was unthinkable. Even after the first series of catastrophic fires in 2017, it was hard to believe fires could ever wipe out an entire subdivision, until it happened to me and my neighbors in Sonoma County’s Coffey Park. And then, equally unthinkable, it happened to the entire town of Paradise in Butte County.

As a child, I always looked forward to Fourth of July celebrations. Not only did my family host 200 of our closest friends for a potluck party on our five acre “truck farm” in New York, but my four uncles by marriage provided an extensive fireworks display. While fireworks have been a part of Fourth of July celebrations from the very beginning– more on that later– in many California Counties, the reality of wildfire season means local ordinances, restrictions and adaptations to keep the Fourth festive, safe and wildfire-free.

Even if you think you know everything there is about being an elected representative in your community, CSAC Institute courses will enable you to learn something new and useful. Having recently completed my Institute Credential, I want to share some of my experiences and encourage my supervisor colleagues and county staff to take advantage of this incredible professional development opportunity.

Mariposa County Supervisor Kevin Cann was recently sworn in as the 2019-20 President of NACo’s Western Interstate Region (WIR). Supervisor Cann spent some time discussing the top issues facing rural counties as well as his priorities as President for the coming year.

What motivated you to want to lead NACO’s Western Interstate Region?

Missing out on healthy meals over the summer months can negatively impact children’s health and put them at an academic disadvantage come fall. When schools close for summer break, less than 20 percent of the California’s children who rely on free and reduced meals at school take advantage of USDA’s free Summer Food Service Program (SFSP or summer meals). While California’s counties are increasingly involved with summer meals programs, more can be done to make sure children have access to healthy food while school is out.