Residents praise new Ohana Connect calendar; one speaker warns parklets could hinder evacuation this fire season

During public comment, community members highlighted a new countywide events and business directory run by Ohana Connect and raised public-safety concerns about permanent parklets.

Representatives of Ohana Connect said the group has launched a searchable events calendar at directory.myohanaconnect.com and myohanaconnect.com, listing roughly 250 county events and allowing free event and business postings. A presenter said the organization has obtained a business license for Mount Shasta, registered a fictitious business name with the county, and has nonprofit paperwork and an EIN; organizers said donations will be tax-deductible once federal paperwork is fully processed.

Several audience members asked whether the calendar can be linked to city or chamber sites; the presenter asked for help connecting with local organizations. Council members and attendees thanked the group for the service and encouraged outreach.

Therese Swenson, speaking separately during public comment on parklets, urged the council to consider evacuation and fire-season risks before making temporary parklet encroachment permits permanent. She told the council that parklets occupy public sidewalks and parking that should turn over every two hours to serve Main Street businesses and said the city should ensure clear evacuation routes and parking availability in the event of a large wildfire or freeway closure. "Are you prepared?" she asked the council, noting regional event attendance and fuel concerns that could hamper evacuation.

Council thanked speakers and noted parklet policy remains under review; staff later said finalization of parklet code is on the council's 90-plus day list.