City honors 40 years of EMS program
Last month marked the 40th anniversary of emergency medical services in Contra Costa County. The county Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) arranges first responder services in Clayton and other areas for people needing emergency medical attention.
The Clayton City Council recognized the county EMSA, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel and Clayton resident Kacey Hansen, chair of the county Emergency Medical Care Committee, at the May 16 meeting. The council issued a proclamation declaring May 21-27 as Emergency Medical Services Week.
I also had the pleasure of attending the County First Responders Demonstration and Barbecue held at the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District training headquarters in Concord. An EMS team, along with units from the fire district and California Highway Patrol, provided a demonstration response to a simulated traffic collision, with the need to extricate an injured passenger from a vehicle. The coordination of all three entities offered a look at the exacting teamwork these trained emergency personnel use when they respond.
It was reassuring to see the precision of their abilities to address and resolve a serious incident. Should we have the misfortune of being involved in such a traffic collision, we have the assurance of receiving help from expertly trained and dedicated emergency personnel.
Incidentally, under the direction of Chief Jeff Carman, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has entered into a combined first response services agreement with the county fire district and American Medical Response (AMR). This combined service provides seamless responses to emergencies that makes it the leading edge model being embraced and adopted throughout California.
Mosquito abatement update
At the May 2 City Council meeting, we received a report from Peggie Howell, president of the board of the Contra Costa Mosquito Vector Control District and the city of Clayton’s representative. She provided an overview of the services and noted that the district’s funding comes through local property tax revenue.
The district’s current status includes monitoring for two species of mosquito that are found in Contra Costa County. These species potentially carry the West Nile virus. The monitoring is done through weekly collection of mosquitos, then identification of the species and testing for viruses. One collection trap is located in Clayton.
In 2016, collection results revealed that out of 442 West Nile virus cases in all of California, only four cases were found in Contra Costa – and none in Clayton.
Street maintenance update
The city is nearing completion of repaving on arterial streets, namely Clayton Road, Marsh Creek Road and Oakhurst Drive, through the use of $1.07 million in restricted funds. The final pavement markings should be completed by the time this article is published.
The next phase of street repaving is planned for later this summer and includes Keller Ridge Drive, from Eagle Peak Avenue up to Golden Eagle Way (and perhaps beyond if bids are favorable), and the El Portal Drive Restoration Project. These three projects alone are an investment of about $2 million to keep Clayton’s roads in top condition.
Classic Car Show returns
The 2017 Clayton Classic Car Show series begins 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 14. As in previous years, the classic cars will be on display in the public parking lot downtown at 6099 Main St. Local DJ Don Vogel will be providing 1950s to 1970s music.
Classic cars will be on display for seven shows, every other Wednesday night. Check the city website (www.ci.clayton.ca.us) for all 2017 dates and times.
Send comments to the mayor at jdiaz@ci.clayton.ca.us.