Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

What goes around comes around! With orange- and red-level national security alerts flashed on our TV screens, and with government officials urging vigilance, three days' food supply on hand, and a roll of duct tape, it's good to know that we've already been there and done that in the Bay Area. We've been there because nearly all the latest suggestions tie right into our earthquake-preparedness family plans, if we've kept our discipline up. In any case, we can brush up our planning. In the Leona Heights area, that means getting out the telephone-tree listings, finding out who newer neighbors are, updating names and telephone numbers, and disseminating them around the neighborhood. It also means bringing up to date the Home Alert cell maps, so that new folks know the encircling six to twelve homes they are to work with. Many of us have also designated out-of-neighborhood rendezvous points if we have to evacuate our homes, and have preagreed telephone numbers family members can call (out of the city to check in with other family or friends). We will also review and appoint new block captains where such are needed. We need to be serious with our neighborhood planning. So, reach out to your neighbors and get to know them, as the Fitzpatrick-Changs did at their recent open house on Leona Street. In a brighter vein, increasing numbers of walkers and other helpful residents have lately picked up trash and cleared sidewalks of overhanging acacia limbs that affect our area's beauty as well our health and safety, when the dumpings include engine blocks! Thanks to those of you who help.