City supports fire-affected families with consulate and housing resources

In a recent Ukiah City Council meeting, officials highlighted the city's proactive response to a devastating fire that affected numerous families in the community. Although the fire occurred outside city limits, the city stepped up to assist those impacted, particularly families of Mexican descent who lost vital documents in the blaze.

The city provided a conference center where these families could meet with representatives from the Mexican consulate to begin the process of recovering their lost documents. Additionally, city officials are exploring financial support options for those affected, as many families faced significant hardships. Not only did they lose personal belongings, but the fire also led to utility outages, forcing families to evacuate for four nights and incur unexpected hotel and grocery expenses.

One council member emphasized the ongoing need for housing assistance, stating, "They're still looking for housing," and underscored the city's commitment to mitigating the effects of the fire on the community, particularly among the homeless population.

In another discussion, Randy Howard, general manager of the Northern California Power Association, visited Ukiah to meet with city leaders, including the mayor and city manager. This meeting aimed to strengthen ties with the consortium of publicly owned utilities, of which Ukiah is a member, ensuring continued collaboration on energy-related initiatives.

The city’s efforts to support fire-affected families and its engagement with utility leaders reflect a commitment to community resilience and resourcefulness in times of crisis.