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BETTER THAN EVER FAQ’S
ART IN THE JULY = FIREWORKS, AND

PASTURES Local Artist DEFENSIBLE SPACE

BY DOUG BROWN, OF HEAVEN
SAN BENANCIO
Monterey County Regional Fire District

Local artist, Gerard Martin,
was apparently born to be an Greetings from Monterey County Regional Fire District. We appreciate
artist. His peers noticed his the opportunity to share some helpful information here. July is often
art talent as early as fourth recognized for hosting one of the most celebrated summer holidays —
grade. By high school, it was the Fourth of July! It’s a great time to gather with friends and family to
obvious to Gerard that he had enjoy the beauty of our area and to be thankful for the freedoms we are
artistic talent. He continued
to develop that talent, getting fortunate to have in this country.
further training at the college
level. He has studied with BY MATT LUMADUE, MCRFD
various artists and taken
many workshops.
At some point, he was Gerard Martin
volunteering teaching art at Robert Louis Stevenson or firefighters, this is a time of the risk. It is illegal, and the danger of and ensure there is nothing where
School. From there, he was offered a part time job and concern as well. We all know fire is quite real. flying embers could land and ignite
eventually a full-time job. He has now been teaching Fthat many people just love their On a similar note, creating and items close to the home. Another
art at York School for at least 19 years. Gerard does fireworks. But we would like to maintaining good defensible space is a consideration is to mow, edge, or trim
artwork on commission – some for the notable growers remind everyone that transportation, great way to reduce the risk of wildfire before 10 AM to help prevent fire
around our county. He also shows in two local galleries. sales, possession, and use of any spreading to your home. Defensible issues. Remember to maintain your
He likes painting agricultural scenes and specializes in fireworks are absolutely prohibited space can be thought of as a “buffer tools by keeping them sharp, clean,
farm workers. He is also connected with the Carmel Art outside of city limits that do allow zone” created around the outside of and in good working order, and use the
Association. Though not a lucrative living, Gerard makes a them. The cities of Salinas and structures and decks that is free of proper fuel.
decent living with his art (so it’s more than a hobby). Seaside are two examples of cities combustible items and vegetation. For more information, please visit
Gerard is a gentle family man with two wonderful that do sell the “safe and sane To establish a defensible space, our website at MCRFD.org, check
sons. One has just become a doctor and the other is fireworks” through a regulated start at the edge of structures by out readyforwildfire.org, or follow
headed for medicine. As they were growing up, he was process. Even transporting fireworks removing all dead, dying, dry, or our social media sites for updated
very supportive of them. He served as a coach on their outside of the city where they are diseased vegetation. Work outward information and safety posts. We
sports teams and enjoyed the outdoors with them. He and purchased is illegal, and using them as you create the necessary ‘buffer perform Defensible Space Inspections
his wife enjoy their Toro Park home and take part in many anywhere else is not only illegal but zone.’ Clean leaves and needles from every year to help homeowners
local activities. You will enjoy getting to know him at the also extremely dangerous. roofs, gutters, stairs, and porches. understand what is needed and
Art In The Pastures of Heaven event coming to Church Every year, fires are started by Remove any branches near chimney required. Our engine crews have
of the Good Shepherd in September. people being careless with fireworks outlets. Cut grass short, maintain begun their annual Defensible
Gerard’s words of wisdom follow his passion, “You are or using them in prohibited areas. If good separation between bushes and Space Inspections, so be on the
good at what you devote time to. Your passion and your art you know anyone who likes to light shrubs, and limb trees up to at least lookout; they may be coming to your
may be second nature, but that passion must periodically fireworks where they shouldn’t, six feet from the ground. Focus on neighborhood next. Please have a fun
be rekindled.” Stop by his table and introduce yourself. please let them know it’s not worth the first five feet from the structure and safe July!
Tell him that you read about him here.

Doug Brown is a long-time resident of San
Benancio where he lives with his wife,
Maria. He’s also a member of the Corral
de Tierra Rotary and has spearheaded Matt Lumadue is a Fire Prevention Specialist and outreach officer
and served on many international for the Monterey County Regional District.
Rotary projects.
FAQ’s is a great source of accurate information provided to you by the Monterey
County Regional Fire District.
Let’s celebrate the great things happening in the community! Contact Laurie.Martin@
n2co.com or phone 272-4620.

40 July 2024 Greet HWY 68 Loop 41