Dear NRG Firewise Community,
Wow – we ARE the Champions! In just four incredible Saturdays, our community rolled up its sleeves and removed over 10 tons of trash from homeless encampments along Rodeo Creek. Together, we dug, hauled, and lifted heaps of cookware, batteries, tents, mattresses, and even hazardous sharps from deep dump sites — some as deep as 6–8 feet!
From the 2021 and 2024 fire sites, we dragged heavy 32-gallon trash cans and contractor bags across the creek and up the embankment to NRG. Our progress each week was astounding, and our methods got more efficient as we went:
- Week 1 : Human power! Volunteers physically pushed loads uphill with the help of Frank Locatelli’s ATV.
- Week 2 : Game changer – Ryan Meeks brought his tractor, Kevin McElhinney introduced sleds, and Frank Locatelli used his ATV.
- Week 3 : Rick Duckart and Frank added even more hauling power and streamlined the lift system.
- Week 4 : Frank and Mark Locatelli returned with their tractor and ATV, turning us into a well-oiled machine.
It wasn’t just about the trash. It was about community, determination, and protecting our homes. We laughed, worked hard, and made a visible impact. Most importantly, we sent a message: Rodeo Creek is not a safe haven for encampments anymore.
We’re now installing surveillance cameras on NRG and along the paths to former encampment sites — with the full support of Supervisor Manu Koenig and Sheriff Baldrige, who believe this will help prevent future reoccupation.
See people wandering along NRG? Call Sheriff Randall Hop at (831) 471-1121.
Special Thanks
To our 40+ volunteers who showed up with gloves, boots, and incredible energy:
Frank Locatelli, Mark Locatelli, Matthew Todd, Rahel Lyons, Marika Riggs, Michaline Todd, Ryan Meeks, Teresa Locatelli, Tam Holbert, Anthony Silvera, Steve Jaffe, John Nadler, Jim Peterson, Rob D’Arcy, Jim Starr, Khalil Montawakkil, Keith Trinity, Fred Nadel, Fred’s helper, Justin, Kristi Young, Ron Perrigo, Gary Riggs, Will Cassilly, Akemi Riggs, Kadin Riggs, Tenzin Riggs, Justin Hamilton, Hannah Hamilton.
Supervisor Manu Koenig and his team also joined us:
Jillian Ritter, Rahshan Williams, Matt Abernathy (RCD).
Santa Cruz Gardens Firewise/HOA :
Tom Sahakian, Wendy Rowatt, Bob Rowatt, Su Gatch, Erin Busch.
Thank You to Our 2025 Donors:
Carolyn Stallard (twice!), Rick and Ruth Moe (twice!), Dania Moss (twice!), Marianna Mejia (twice!), Eric Swenson (twice!), Jules Meyer, Rima Anthony, Laurie Wilmore, John Nadler, Karen Magranet, Nancy Harper, Rick Kralowski, Marlene Jensen, Shannon Siegel, Susan Rolan, Annie Morhauser, David and Judy Ow, Karen Ow, Guntram Wolski, Jerome Garcia, Randy Nolan, Anya Spear, Ariana Green, Lawrence Flores, Teresa Locatelli, Annette Robbins, Rahel Lyons, Cathy McGoff, Fred Nadel Sara Winterburn, Steve and Jodi Christianson/Kurtaugh, Daryl Dichek.
Donated Equipment From:
Deo Robbins, Frank Locatelli, Mark Locatelli, Ryan Meeks, Rick Duckart, Kevin McElhinney,
John Nadler, Matthew Todd, Rob D’Arcy, Fred Nadel, Tam Holbert, Manu Koenig, Jillian Ritter.
Huge Thanks:
To Supervisor Manu Koenig and Jillian Ritter for:
- Fast-tracking our Encroachment Permits
- Funding 4 massive dumpsters and $1,000+ in dump fees
- Volunteering alongside us on the ground!
If we accidentally missed acknowledging you as a volunteer, donor, or supporter, please accept our sincere apologies — we are so grateful for everyone’s contributions. Let me know and I’ll be sure to include you in our next community update!
Together, we’re building resilience, camaraderie, and safety in NRG.
We CAN do this!
Warmly,
Susan
www.nrgfirewise.com
Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy
Director