A Stronger Community: Lake Nacimiento Educational Town Hall Brings Residents Together
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Lake Nacimiento community came together for an important event: the Educational Town Hall at the Cal Shasta Club Meeting Hall. Organized by Russ Johnson, Susan Preletz, Phil Humfrey, and community partners, the event was a major success, combining education, safety planning, and neighborhood connection into a memorable day.
A Day Focused on Preparation and Resilience
With wildfires and emergency preparedness at the top of many residents’ minds, the Town Hall was designed to deliver critical information in a practical, accessible way. More than 200 South Shore property owners attended, demonstrating the strong commitment our community has to safety and mutual support.
The program began with impactful, concise presentations from:
- Cal Fire officials, who shared valuable insights about wildfire behavior, home hardening, and defensible space.
- The Sheriff’s Office, who outlined evacuation procedures, zone identification, and the importance of having personal emergency plans.
- Stacy Korsgaden, Fire Safe Council Board Member and insurance industry representative, who offered clarity on insurance issues facing homeowners in fire-prone areas.
Presentations were focused and engaging, ensuring that attendees stayed connected and informed throughout the session.
Hands-On Learning and Live Demonstrations
Inside the meeting hall, participants had discussions offering a dynamic view of how fire can spread across different landscapes. Outside, Cal Fire apparatus were on display, giving residents the chance to explore firefighting equipment up close and talk directly with personnel about emergency response operations.
Attendees also received a detailed resource handout, packed with websites, phone numbers, and service provider lists to help them continue their emergency preparation efforts at home.
A highlight of the day was showcasing the Cal Shasta Club’s helipad. Organizers demonstrated how pilots can remotely activate the landing lights and explained the emergency communication system available on-site — an important resource for the community’s safety.
Food, Music, and Community Spirit
After the educational portion concluded, attendees enjoyed a wonderful community meal featuring brisket sandwiches and fresh salads. Thanks to the generosity of neighboring communities and volunteers, there was plenty of food for everyone.
Live music filled the air, creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere as families and neighbors mingled. Activities like cornhole provided entertainment for young people and added to the fun.
The day’s events truly captured the heart of the Lake Nacimiento community — neighbors looking out for each other, sharing resources, and building resilience together.
A Facility that Made it All Possible
The Cal Shasta Club Meeting Hall proved to be the perfect venue. With a large pull-down screen, wireless microphones, high-speed internet, and ample space for displays and tables, the facility easily accommodated the large crowd and technical needs of the event.
The success of this Town Hall showcased the strength and unity of Lake Nacimiento’s residents. It was a meaningful step forward in building a safer, more connected community, prepared to face the challenges of wildfire season — and whatever else may come — together.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and helped make the Educational Town Hall such a tremendous success.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are safer.