Photo by Nancy Mueller, "Claremont Hotel Blooms"—CCC helped the Hotel plant natives with input from CNPS member Glen Schneider, founder of Skyline Gardens Alliance.
On a beautiful fall day, Sunday, November 12, 2023, the Conservancy held it’s 22nd annual meeting at the Claremont Club and Spa, our host for every meeting, except a Zoom meeting held during the Pandemic. We had a turnout of more than 100 to hear about Oakland’s revised Vegetation Management plan. It has been three years since it was first proposed. It likely will go before the voters at the Fall 2024 election. We believe it merits our approval.
Photo by Nancy Mueller of Janani Ramachandran, District 4 City Council Member, speaking about her work and next steps on issues brought up by community members, home owners, and organizations.
Janani Ramachandran, our District 4 City Councilmember, was the keynote speaker. Much of Oakland’s High Fire Hazard Severity Zone is in her district. She has walked through of Garber Park with Conservancy members and was able to secure additional funding for Oakland’s Department of Tree Services when other services were on the chopping block, meaning that more dead and dying trees can be taken down before they are fire hazards. She also described her work with the insurance commissioner to provide relief for homeowners who are having difficulty insuring their properties because their homes are in the high fire severity zone.
Photo by Nancy Mueller of Oakland’s Deputy City Administrator, Joe DeVries, speaking about his role and work in fire prevention.
Also speaking were Fire Chief of Oakland, Damon Covington, and Joe DeVries, Oakland’s Deputy City Administrator. Joe (left) has been involved with fire prevention work along Grizzly Peak and Skyline Boulevards and coordination among city departments.
Photo by Ruby J. Soto Cardona of Fire Chief of Oakland, Damon Covington, responding to questions from community members.
Chief Covington (right) has been with the OFD for 24 years. He said, “As Fire Chief, I will work tirelessly to protect and enhance the health and safety of our dedicated members, ensure we always have the tools and resources needed to fulfill the mission, and develop data-driven solutions to address the specific safety needs within Oakland’s diverse neighborhoods.”
We thank these dedicated public servants!
And hope you enjoy a few photos from the Annual Meeting
