As part of a new initiative in fire safety, the Los Trancos County Water District has recently retained the services of fire safety specialist Ray Mortiz.  In the past, Ray has worked closely with numerous municipalities and special districts in the state including Portola Valley and the Woodside Fire Protection District.

Next Wednesday afternoon, July 23rd, he’ll be making an initial tour and assessment of the neighborhood.  Afterwards, at 6:00 pm we’ll have a public meeting where we will learn of his initial impressions, as well as get his thoughts on how we, as a community, can best face this issue.

The meeting will be held at 80 Joaquin Rd and should last for about an hour.

 

Response From William Coats (Seconded by Victoria Lazear)

I do not want this fellow on my property and commenting on it. These "so-called" fire safety experts can cause all sorts of legal problems with insurance, not just increasing rates, but possibly getting claims denied if you have the misfortune to have a fire, and have not disclosed and/or failed to implement changes they claim are necessary to your property.   Having been on the insurance company side of flood/fire/mudslide property claims disputes in my youth and having tried some to juries successfully, it is not a risk I am willing to accept.  And since these guys make money by telling you how bad things are, you are unlikely to get a report that "all is well".  I have never heard of this particular guy so cannot comment on him, but in general, its a poor use of money.