Monte Rio Musings by Chuck Ramsey — April 2019
Though many of us remember or have seen pictures of the “big flood of whenever” we really haven’t experienced a major flood in a while until February. Were we prepared for this? Why is flood insurance so cost prohibitive on the river as say compared to Sacramento? Why was there so much garbage, toxic debris and environmental damage to our waterways? Why didn’t we quickly get FEMA or SBA disaster assistance loans for our residents and our small businesses? Will we see this as an opportunity to change the way we live and do business, or will the next flood just be a rinse and repeat?
This time around it was a very local response. Business owners were out there doing what needed to be done day one. Our supervisor Lynda Hopkins fought to get us relief funds, so we could clean up and recover. Our county Board of Supervisors were there for us. First responders and neighbors did whatever was needed. As President of Russian River Alliance, I am proud of the work of Jeniffer Wertz hitting the streets immediately after the flood handing out Safeway gift cards. She was also without power or propane heat for a week and took time off her job to make a difference. One of our initiatives is to support local businesses and our local workforce. These people contribute to our community every day. Many businesses closed, and workers lost their paychecks and, in many cases, even their homes. Having a strong reliable workforce in a tourism dependent resort area is not negotiable.
We have been providing emergency rent assistance to our local workers before the flood through county grants and private donations. Landlords sell rental houses or convert them to vacation rentals, rents go up, hours are seasonally cut back, but with the flood many lost their paychecks, their housing, and their personal belongings. There was a Safeway worker who has a disabled mother. They lost their home in the flood. They were living in their car in the Safeway parking lot and her work shift started at 4am. We were able to provide them assistance securing temporary housing. I am also astounded at the immediate outpouring of support and donations we received. Donations from $25 to $5,000. Donations from businesses, and people from as far away as Florida and Washington DC. The best way to prevent homelessness is to be proactive up front and help those that contribute to our community every day, especially when they need help to get back on their feet again. RussianRiverAlliance.org
The River has an opportunity to rebuild and be stronger and more competitive then it was before the flood. Thriving and welcoming come to mind. Pride in community comes to mind. Being open to change instead of being complacent with the way things are and lamenting the good old days. We can certainly have the good old days again, at least on a smaller scale. Think the Pink! The time for hate, pettiness, division, small town thinking, and government as usual, is over. There’s work to be done and not much time to do it. Tourist season is quickly approaching. Let’s show the world, that not only are we open for business, but that we have one of the most beautiful, diverse, civil, and welcoming communities the planet has to offer!
On Sunday 4/14 the Friends of Monte Rio Spring Celebration will be held at, and hosted by, Monte Rio Union School. Festivities include: Egg Hunt and Games, Face Painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny, Bake Sale, a Raffle, and a new “Egg Catapult” to replace the “Egg Drop from the Bridge” event. Noon-2pm
The Wonderland Radio Hour Show featuring Monte Rio and Villa Grande originally scheduled for 4/13 has been postponed. Visit wonderlandradiohour.com to listen to and view segments from past shows and get information on when the new show will be rescheduled.
Rodger from the r3 Hotel is putting on a fundraiser this month. Saturday 4/20 a Flood-Aid Show Extravaganza featuring full bar, comedy and a drag show at the Guerneville Vets Hall with MC Bruce Villanch, Shann Carr, and the Backwoods Barbies. $20 suggested donation. Show 6-10pm.
On Sunday 4/21 is Easter in the Plaza. All ages. BBQ, Easter egg hunt, karaoke, Easter bonnet building, and Parade. Noon-4pm.
Vacation Wonderland, we just keep getting better.
