Greenville Rising July 7: Insurance questions loom while small successes move forward
By Meg Upton
The Dixie Fire Collaborative announced that the community of Indian Falls now has water, and that “Residents have rejuvenated the community water system damaged by the Dixie fire.” That is wonderful news in the midst of more disturbing news coming out of the Indian Valley Community Services District.
By now, most readers may have heard that as we approach the anniversary of the Dixie Fire wreaking havoc on Indian Valley, Canyon Dam, Indian Falls, Warner Valley, etc., that insurance policy cancellations or insurance policy extreme rate increases are beginning to happen—none probably as dire as the Indian Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s increase that will render the IVVFD unable to function. And if they cannot function the rest of the community will not be far behind. This is indeed the time that residents should be concerned and should be attending Indian Valley Community Service District meetings concerning the damaged infrastructure that needs replacing. It’s an uphill climb. We will need to ask just how we will come back without a top functioning sewer and water system?
We will need all hands on deck to help us. We need to be calling on all our representatives of all parties for help with this situation. I personally find it alarming and disheartening that we’ve spent this year working so hard at recovery only to be thwarted by insurance companies? I’m thinking today about how painstakingly the Dixie Fire Collaborative has gotten so much done in a year, more than most communities facing trying to come back from fire, only to be slapped down by insurance companies.
This feels like a great time for PG&E to step in and pay the insurance premiums for the fire department.
How can we as a state continue to require people carry insurance when at the same time we live in a state with severe drought? Where climate change is no longer a threat that will happen but a reality that is happening? Why is there no recognition of this as far as insurance goes?
But still, we have each other. And still we have community to look forward to even as we deal with infrastructure issues on a whole new level.
One bright spot on the horizon this week is Sammy Prior’s new food trailer Crush A Bowl. It’s open now! The sign says 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s not the usual fare and that’s a great thing. I’m always up for a good use of cilantro (Bahn Mi Bowl). Keep it up, downtown Greenville—we’re on our way to becoming the food destination of the county!
Jocelyn Cote’s hollyhocks are making a comeback in downtown Greenville. Photo by Meg UptonAnother bright spot? Seeing Jocelyn Cote’s hollyhocks come up on the corner of the lot where their house once stood. That brought both a smile and a tear to my eye at the same time today. Insurance be damned. Greenville lives.
Below are some events and announcements happening this weekend and beyond in Indian Valley. If you have an announcement, email [email protected].
Saturday, July 9 Mixer
On July 9, IVCC will be co-hosting a mixer with Plumas Bank near the Greenville branch on Ayoob Alley from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Food trailers will be there for the event with beverages available for donation provided by the Chamber.
Sunday, July 10 Country Picnic
The monthly community picnic gets underway at 3 p.m. at the Greenville Park. Free admission and free food and live music provided by Rickety Bridge. Picnic goers are asked to bring a potluck salad or dessert if possible. For more information contact Dan Kearns at (949) 395-3694 or Ken Donnell at (530) 566-2561. The picnic is sponsored by the DFC and Donnell’s Sacred Waters of Greenville project.
July 16 Gold Digger Days
Is around the corner beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Greenville. Contact Region Burger owner Christi Hazelton (she can be reached on facebook) about entering a float or participating as a vendor or a volunteer. Volunteers are very much needed. Jeff Titcomb, the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce treasure had this to say about the event and IVCC’s sponsorship:
“We are moving forward with Gold Diggers Day on July 16 [with] a parade in the morning, kid’s corner, kid’s gold rush by (Plumas Bank), watermelon eating for adults and kids, possibly crib races, water balloon fights, possible dunk tank, street vendors, street dance with live band (SideFX) in the evening hours. All activities will be held on Church Street, Pine Street, and North Main Street. We want people to stay away from the Old Way Station and that side of Main Street as it is still a hazard area. The IVCC will have a quad runner as a raffle prize and tickets are $20 each. The theme is Greenville Lives! There will be some t-shirts for sale with the theme. Pine and Church streets will be closed all day for the event.”
The next Gold Digger planning meeting is July 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Green Meadows community room off Hot Springs Road.
Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics is happening every Monday through Thursday at 5:15 p.m. It’s $7 a class, with a 10-session card that can be purchased at a discount of $60. Open swim Saturdays are coming soon. There is a shortage of lifeguards, so if you know anyone who is already certified or can become certified, let the Indian Valley Community Pool volunteers know.
Library
Plumas County Library is hosting their annual Summer Reading Program from June 13 to August 13. As each child reaches their reading goal each week, they may pick up a prize from their local branch and enter into a drawing for a gift card. Raffle winners will be announced at the end of the program in August. This is for children age 0-18. Greenville branch hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, the Summer Reading Program is being held on Thursdays from 11a.m. to 12 p.m. through the end of July. Greenville Branch is located at Greenville High School, room 402.
Resource Center
The Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center (RGRC) has a variety of resources and household goods, including COVID-19 test kits, toiletries, food, home goods replacement items, children’s books and toys, first aid kits, and other over-the-counter medical supplies. The RGRC distributes these items on behalf of donors and funders who specify who may receive what they donate. The RGRC has to comply with laws around donor intent, and this is a relatively complex process at this point in time.
In order to ensure compliance with donor intent, clients seeking certain resources must complete an intake with the Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) first. At the moment, this includes heating and cooling assistance and home goods. It is important to note that the items requiring a DCMP intake may change at any time depending on what donations the RGRC receives and what eligibilities and/or restrictions are placed upon them by donors.
A DCMP intake only needs to be completed one time, and staff are then able to identify all items a client is eligible to receive as well as any resources or referrals staff can provide to meet additional needs. Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) use the intake to identify resources outside of the RGRC that clients may qualify for as well, and can help with applications, referrals and/or advocacy depending on the scenario. DCMs can identify goods, resources, and aid for individuals and families who have been impacted by the Dixie Fire in diverse ways, from evacuation to home damage to home loss, and everything in between.
If you would like to complete a DCMP intake, please call (530) 283-2735, ext 883, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. When you come to the RGRC, a DCM will take a copy of your photo ID and proof of disaster residency to keep on file (so you will not have to bring it again in the future). If you are unsure whether what you are looking for requires a DCMP intake, you may call Lara Wheeler at (530) 778-4309. RGRC hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
