Up the Hill and Ready
Winter Preparedness in District Three
Most of District Three sits around 4000 feet and up. That means when winter rolls in, we do not get a light frost. We get snow, downed trees, and the annual game of “Does my generator work?”
From Sugar Pine to Strawberry and beyond, we know what winter brings. It brings beauty. It brings quiet. It brings roads that turn into slip ’n slides. And it brings that moment when the power goes out just before the spin cycle starts. “Nooooo!”
The real question is, does the county have a plan for that?
Right now, the answer is Yes… sometimes.
I believe we deserve more than sometimes.
Winter Is No Longer Predictable But Our Response Should Be.
We cannot control the storms, but we can control how we prepare for them.
And frankly, relying on Facebook Chit-Chat to find out if the highway is closed is not a long-term strategy.
We need real tools. Real systems. Real backup plans.
Here is where I think we can start.
My Focus for Winter Preparedness in District Three?
1. Real-Time Alerts That Actually Reach Real People
We need a system that sends clear updates to your phone, your inbox, and yes, even your flip phone if you are still rocking one. It should be easy to sign up for and easier to trust. No scavenger hunts. No social media rabbit holes.
2. A Countywide Storm Checklist
Imagine this, a checklist that people actually use. One that tells residents, emergency crews, and agencies what to check before the storm, not after. No more scrambling for batteries at midnight. No more “I thought you were plowing our road.”
3. Better Equipment and Staffing Up the Hill
We all know the snow does not magically disappear. And our road crews cannot be everywhere at once. We need more plows, more coverage, and support for the workers who are out there at 3 a.m. in freezing fog, doing their best with what they’ve got. They need help, not wishful thinking.
4. Wellness Checks for Seniors and Isolated Residents
Some of our neighbors do not have family nearby. Some do not drive. Some lose power and just wait it out, quietly. That is not good enough. We need better outreach and a plan that includes the folks who are easy to overlook… until it is too late.
What This Is Really About
Winter preparedness is not about perfection. It is about peace of mind.
It is about knowing someone will answer when you call.
It is about knowing our roads will be cleared.
It is about knowing the county sees our community, even if it is 1000+ feet higher than the rest.
And let’s be honest. If you live up here full time, you are already resilient. You know how to stack wood, chain up, and survive on coffee and canned chili, pickled eggs and ramen if you have to.
But you should not have to do it alone. Not when we can plan better, communicate better, and treat winter safety as a priority, not an afterthought.
(There are people working on this now. Very smart people. What we have to do is make sure that they’re supported and still have a job by the time I am elected.)
Let’s Head Into Winter Prepared
As December rolls in, I hope we take the time to:
Check in on neighbors, especially the ones who still act like they’re 40.. but they definitely are not
Look over your storm supplies before the lights go out
Speak up about what is working, and what is not in our neighborhoods
I will support, be vocal and keep pushing for smarter systems, better response, and a winter plan that works for all of us in District Three, not just the parts of the county where the snow is gone before noon.
