PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 30 people showed up
to take part is a planning session on public transit with an emphasis on meeting the needs
of seniors, the disabled and welfare to work clients. Participants identified many needs
and service gaps that exist in the county. For instance, there is a need for: (1)
financial assistance in providing service in such a huge dispersed area; (2) “circulator”
services looping within the larger cities; (3) service to unserved areas such as Dorris,
or underserved areas such as the Western portion of the county; (4) out of county service to Redding and Medford; (5) door-to-door
service under the American Disabilities Act to the disabled; (6) a public information
campaign on available services; and (7) pre-arranged daily door-to-door service for
seniors to nutrition centers or shopping.
Several strategies for meeting needs were identified and ranked.
Currently, fixed route service is provided by Greyhound, County schools, and the County S.T.AG.E.
system http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/dpw/stage/stage_schedule.htm
“Demand response” services are offered by many local providers to their clients,
such as: the City of Yreka Senior Center; Fairchild Medical Center; Golden Umbrella,
Goodwill; Karuk tribe; Madrone Hospice http://www.madronehospice.org/; Mercy Medical
Center in Mt. Shasta; Family/Community Resource Centers; Mt. Shasta Parks and Recreation;
Siskiyou County Behavioral Health, Human Services and Public Health; and Siskiyou County
Veteran’s Services. It was discussed whether some sort of central coordination (“mobility
management center”) could more efficiently utilize vehicles and drivers. This could
look like a central dispatcher who received incoming requests and added pick-up responses
to a vehicle going to that area. It could be held together by informal MOUs (Memorandums
of Understanding) between agencies/organizations. It could also be a full blown central
shared pool of smaller wheel chair lift- equipped vehicles and personnel, with centralized
repair, driver training and insurance, dispatched out of a central facility. (Liability
issues and additional tower capacity for radio communication would need to be addressed.)
Public education was identified as important. People need to know
regular schedules and have them posted. Most people don’t know that Greyhound
provides out of area service from Weed to Medford or Redding. (Those with special wheel
chair access needs should make arrangements 48 hours in advance.) Also, the public needs
to know who provides what transportation services to whom and appropriate contact numbers.
Participants noted the need for infrastructure improvements –
working with the cities and businesses to provide park and ride areas, curb cuts, “talking”
signs covered bus stops with benches and lighting. Perhaps a ride match system could be
initiated for individuals making medical trips out of county. Extra assistance is often
needed for disabled riders, perhaps “bus buddies” or riders trained as
volunteers to assist could qualify for a free or reduced rider’s pass.
A strategic planning document is being prepared from the workshop for
Siskiyou County. This will go to the Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/ltc/minutes.htm
for approval. Workshop participants have indicated they are excited about continuing to
meet to work on details of how the plan can be implemented. Some targeted grant funding
for implementation is available. If you are interested in joining this group effort,
please contact Tom Anderson at STAGE (530) 842-8295 for
additional information.
AGENCY PERSONNEL –ACCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY: I have received several complaints about an increase
in trespassers crossing onto private property to access rivers. I have asked agencies such
as the Dept. of Fish and Game (DFG), NOAA fisheries, the
North Coast Water Quality Control Board and Cal-Fire about their procedures for access to
take samples, measurements, etc. With the exception of a Game Warden or NOAA special agent
pursuing their duty under probable cause or law enforcement serving a warrant associated
with a regulatory action, all agency personnel will introduce and identify themselves.
Some will give you a prepared handout explaining any authority they have. If it is not an
enforcement action, agency personnel will ask landowner’s permission to enter. (DFG will give the landowner 48
hours notice and acquire written or verbal permission before entering.)
If you are having
difficulties with trespassers, it is suggested that you call the Sheriff’s office and
determine the best way to handle such situations and to gather appropriate evidence for
possible prosecution.
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