MVEST Webinars

Block Captain Training Meeting of 11/6/21 

A  shorter revised recording of the November 6, 2021 meeting is available on our MVEST YouTube channel at
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox?projector=1 (The  original recording had sound imperfections.)

Novato Response Team 4/27/21 MVEST Zoom Recording

A  recording of the MVEST April 27, 2021 Zoom call with the Novato Police Department’s Novato Response Team (NRT), which replaced Neighborhood Watch, is available on our MVEST YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zrv7oiz_cw  The NRT team can be reached at nrt@novato.org

The Pedestal MVEST Zoom 3/24/21 Recording

The Pedestal Zoom webinar of Marche 24, 2021 is available on our MVEST YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zrv7oiz_cw

Wildfire Preparedness — August 6, 2020

The RECORDING of the MVEST Wildfire Preparedness Webinar about what residents can do to prepare for the fire season is HERE. The webinar focuses on hardscaping the “Zero Zone,” the area within five feet of our homes and Fire-Smart Landscaping in general (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKnW0spINlE). It includes these two YouTubes from FIRESafe Marin below:

Fire-Smart Landscaping – FireSafe
Marin and UC Marin Master Gardners

The first in a new video series — short videos covering topics important to homeowners and residents in Marin’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). This video introduces the concepts of “Fire-Smart” landscaping with UC Marin Master Gardeners from the UC Cooperative Extension and FIRESafe MARIN.

Questions and Answers

Q: Is there a good resource for having trees inspected for fire prevention?
A: Two resources: The excellent work done by the FIRESafe Marin: https://www.firesafemarin.org/plants. And you can contact the Novato Fire District who will send someone, probably Deputy Fire Marshall, Lynne Osgood, out to you to discuss your plant decisions.

Q: I heard Ellen Jane at the board meeting request to have her junipers removed. I understand it correctly, she has made this request since September last year. Watching the video of the juniper bush ignites the home in the initial video in this zoom meeting, I’m a bit perplexed that the Park has not responded to Ellen Jane’s request. Please advise.
A: Park Management prioritizes requests and balances the need against available funds. Although now removed by a neighbor, these were deemed to be of less importance than other fire safety tasks.

Q: Way too many yards that are not maintained. Dead weeds, some tall. What about decks that are full of junk, one in particular that I’m thinking of is old bamboo fencing, that is just sitting rotting. How can we get help for those that clearly need it?
A: MVEST is reaching out to other Park resources (HOL and Management) to organize clean-up days where a team of people will assist in yard and garden clean-up for those that want such help. This may be done by volunteers and/or paid workers.

Q: Talk about the new mulch made from old tires; how fire-resistant is it?
A: While it provides good insulation from heat, it doesn’t t attract insects, discourages weed and fungal growth, lasts almost forever, stays in place, and is low maintenance. It potentially contains chemical residues that can be harmful to plants. It contains zinc which can be harmful if found in some soils. It does not decompose and will not provide the soil with organic material. It also doesn’t look or feel organic.

Q: There is a hillside running between the houses on Scenic Drive and Meadow View. There are trees, tall bushes, and ivy, all of which are close to the houses. Should something be done about that?
A: It is already on Matt’s list.

Q: Is there a good resource for having trees inspected for fire prevention?
A: Novato Fire District. See above, ask Park Management, or hire an arborist.

Q: I understand that Los Robles has a group that comes in and does clean up at no charge. I think it’s the Lyon’s club
A: MVEST will be contacting local organizations to see if we can get similar help.

Q: I complained to our GM about a nearby home that has overgrown vines, trees, and plants all over his home including on the roof. Managements answer to this fire hazard—we can’t do anything, the City of Novato staff won’t allow it.
A: If the resident wants help managing their plants, Park Management, MVEST, Just One Hour, and other organizations can assist. If the residents don’t want assistance, nothing can be done.

Q: We think we have residents who are willing to help with the removal of juniper, which seems to be the single largest threat here. Again, Fire Dept. rep told us if all the juniper were removed, 95% of our risk would be GONE.
A: Juniper was a MAJOR fire hazard in Marin Valley. Now that most of it is gone, the next most important hazards are in Zone Zero.

Q: What are the chances of using some of our $ above what we need for debt ratio to make low-interest loans to homeowners here who are short of funds to fire-proof their landscaping?
A: Our cash savings are not part of the debt/service calculation. Before considering whether to use our savings for fire mitigation, we need to determine all the available options, as well as other needs and priorities.

Q: I was alarmed to hear earlier in our meeting that a fire would move through the park in one minute!
A: Although fires can spread rapidly, that was incorrect.

Q: I have oleander bushes right up against my house, and I see LOTS of oleander in the park. Should I remove mine? Didn’t last year the fire department offer to help with removing plants?
A: Oleander is considered fairly fire-resistant. But it is toxic, especially if burnt.

Q: Are not taller trees that are limbed up still vulnerable to embers? We have some tall pine trees that are limbed but they are not very healthy and have a lot of pitch. The inspectors are not supportive of removing them.
A: Although all plants can burn, these usually do not represent an immediate fire danger.