Do you recall my earlier blogs when I was struggling with changing the focus and direction of the original PetalumaNet focus in 1995-96? More than once, I indicated that - you cannot change the wind, but you can change the sails.

Even though Me, Myself & I (from Petaluma360), are on sabbatical to clean up the garage (which hasn't seen much action lately), walking the walk has proven to be very informative, as well as fun. All in one day, WE (the three of us) joined one or more other concerned citizens interested in being ready to cope with a major disaster at our local municipal or county level. For example:

A local blogger, the Squeaky Wheel, founder of PINS (Petaluma Informed Neighbors), was lamenting the fact that one of his blogging sites was not being responsive to his need for additional information so that he might improve the readership coverage of his blog that was devoted to making the public more aware of vandalism, graffiti, and abandoned property in Petaluma. In desperation, he posted messages that identified the various sites where his neighborhood action campaign was publicized:

A recent press release titled, "Americans must be ready in event of a disaster," quoted Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff as follows: "Clearly, when it comes to disaster preparation and response, millions of Americans remain in a state of denial - precisely when risks appear to be rising- First responders can't always get to everyone immediately- It may take hours or days before they reach you.

As most Petaluma360 readers know, September has been declared National Emergency Preparedness Month by Homeland Security and Citizen Corps. Petaluma ALERT (Alliance of Local Emergency Response Teams) has planned several EP events and activities, such as: four Neighborhood Emergency Response Team meetings (NERTs), and three Farmers Market booths that include Amateur Radio demonstrations.