Arnold event on May 3 to focus on wildfire preparedness for seniors; free lot‑cleaning and resources offered

A community emergency‑preparedness day for the Upper Highway 4 Corridor will be held May 3 at Independence Hall in White Pines, Arnold, organizers said, with programming aimed at helping seniors prepare for wildfire season and learn evacuation and household‑safety steps.

Martha Ruwin, coordinator for emergency preparedness in the Arnold area, said the event will run “from like 9 until probably noon” and include speakers, vendors, a free barbecue lunch and afternoon workshops. "It's a community event," Ruwin said, "so our goal is really to have our community residents come and learn how to help themselves, keep their house and their property clear, and then help their neighbors."

The event will bring county and nonprofit agencies together with local first responders and community groups to present practical steps residents can take to reduce wildfire risk. Organizers listed expected participants including Calaveras County Health and Human Services, Calaveras Public Health, Public Works, the sheriff's office, the American Red Cross, the Greater Arnold Business Association, local fire departments, the Fire Safe Council/Firewise programs and community radio and neighborhood preparedness groups.

Why it matters: the Upper Highway 4 Corridor has a high share of retirees and a significant number of short‑term rentals, which organizers and county officials said complicate evacuation planning and place a premium on clearly posted evacuation information and visitor education. District 3 Supervisor Martin Hubbardy said ensuring visitors understand local evacuation routes is part of that effort.

Seniors' assistance and yard cleanup: Ruwin and others described a seniors program, run through the Fire Safe Council, that lets qualifying residents register for free lot cleaning of pine needles. "There's a seniors program ... if you go on their website, probably in May, they'll have the 2025 forms up and you can register to have your lot cleaned," Ruwin said. She said eligible residents must be 60 or older or disabled.

County and private hauling options were also discussed. Hubbardy noted that Cal‑Waste customers can request a free Handi Hauler for pine‑needle removal as part of their subscription, and organizers said they are pursuing a chipping program to accept branches and woody waste in addition to needles.

Programs, vendors and advice: the morning program will include presentations from first responders and agency panels and a short video demonstrating expected resident actions when smoke or fire threatens. Afternoon workshops are expected to cover "pack your to‑go bag," Firewise community setup, medication and pet readiness and other preparedness topics. Ruwin said the event will provide printed checklists and giveaways; she and Hubbardy encouraged residents to sign up for alert systems such as Nixle, Everbridge and other county notification tools.

Visitor safety and short‑term rentals: Hubbardy said the county is drafting a short‑term rental ordinance and is working to ensure renters receive clear safety and evacuation information in rental packets. "It is very important that information is in those Airbnb[s]," Hubbardy said, noting that many local visitors arrive by short‑term rental and that evacuations can be complicated if visitors do not leave when warned.

Attendance and contact: organizers estimated prior events drew about 80 to 100 attendees, with dozens of vendors and many speakers. For more information, Hubbardy offered a contact number: (209) 286‑9007.

Ending: Organizers said the May 3 preparedness day aims to build community connections and practical skills that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire losses by helping residents and visitors take clear, actionable steps before an emergency.