We are so lucky to live in southern California and more definitely, Orange County. The sun shines at least 300 days of the 365 days in the year. We do have occasional rain, but it is measured mostly by the inch and not by the barrel full. However, we do have safety issues due to earthquakes, small and large, fires, and when least expect other major disasters including power outages, gas leaks, major wind storms and sometimes flooding in areas that have been ravaged by fire.
Orange County is made up of small towns with neighbor- to- neighbor communities and as the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce views disaster preparedness we felt it was a critical issue; thus we designed a 3-day hands-on, educational EXPO in partnership with disaster preparedness –action agencies as part of our community-based 2016 Citrus Fair.
This is something that affects the young to our older population. An 11-year old girl is studying earthquakes and how to react and be prepared and she has lots of questions. We want to answer her questions and those from others who live in our community. It is the responsibility of the economic and business concerns to bring attention to safety issues and the care of those who live in our towns.
This year, the Preparedness EXPO….. Off the Grid will provide useful supplies to purchase. Presentations will include food preservation, first aid, product demonstrations and useful information and hand-outs to help prepare for emergencies, reducing dependence on utilities or camping and more. The Shakey Quakey earthquake simulator will be available from Los Angeles County Fire Department so people can experience what an earthquake feels like.
We invite other communities to be aware of the need to educate their residents and visit our event to see how they too, could produce an Off the Grid event.
The 7th Annual La Habra Citrus Fair, Friday, April 29: 5pm- 11pm, Saturday, April 30: 12-noon- 11pm and Sunday, May 1, 12 noon- 9pm in downtown La Habra. Enjoy 3 fun filled days of music, entertainment, food, amusement rides, arts and crafts and agricultural science including a Livestock exhibition and auction.
The Preparedness Expo called ‘Off the Grid’ will be held in El Centro Lions Park,, 321 E. La Habra Boulevard, La Habra, CA 90631.
Admission to the Citrus Fair AND ALL Entertainment Venues is FREE and open to the public. Find updated event schedule here.
The La Habra Citrus Fair, a community event, is presented by the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce and proceeds will benefit community nonprofit organizations.
All attractions will be located on La Habra Boulevard, (between Cypress and Euclid Streets) and El Centro Lions Park, 321 E. La Habra Boulevard, La Habra, CA 90631.
Accessibility information: Designated disabled parking is on Ema Ave. at Cypress Street entrance and in other public parking lots.
For general information, please call (562) 697-1704 or check on the website at http://www.citrusfair.com and follow us on Face Book at La Habra Citrus Fair.
Mark Sturdevant, is the President/ Fair Producer of the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce. He served as Special Assistant to Congressman Ed Royce and in the Coast Guards from 1969 until 1973. He is an author and lecturer on business and industry and can be reached at 1 (562) 697-1704.
Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue please contact Voice of OC Involvement Editor Theresa Sears at TSears@voiceofoc.org