As we endure the first major storm of the season, it might be a good time to start planning for the next big emergency or weather event that will inevitably hit our area. Have you been feeling guilty for not having that “go bag” packed? Have you been meaning to get a solar charger, but keep putting it off?
Have you been meaning to get a solar charger, but keep putting it off?
Well, you can find some help with that burdensome emergency planning by attending the Disaster Preparedness Block Party in Valley West on Saturday, hosted by the Community United of North Arcata/ Comunidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA) – a grassroots organization working to improve Arcata’s Valley West neighborhood.
“This event is more than just a gathering—it's a bilingual, community-driven effort to build local resilience and ensure families are prepared for emergencies,” CUNA wrote in a press release. “With expert guidance, family-friendly activities, and practical disaster preparedness resources, it’s an invaluable opportunity for the community.”
The event will take place at CUNA’s newly opened Resilience HUB in Valley West, which the organization just officially took over in the beginning of November, with help from a $100,000 grant from PG&E. Kimberly White, Arcata City Councilmember and CUNA’s program co-coordinator, told KHSU that CUNA is still working to get the space fully functional, but in the future the hub will offer a warming station during extreme weather, charging ports for cell phones and other devices, a free food pantry and more.
The Resilience HUB is one of CUNA’s many efforts to improve the quality of life in the oft-overlooked Valley West area. Some of CUNA’s other projects have included planting fruit trees in Valley West Park, adding mural’s to the Hallen Drive basketball court and hosting cleanups of the newly revamped Carlson Park.
Though many of CUNA’s projects have focused on the neighborhood’s beautification, the group also strives to bring more resources to Valley West, an area that is geographically separated from the rest of Arcata and is home to many low-income individuals and families.
“We live in earthquake country and we are set geographically apart from Arcata,” White said. “In the event we do have a disaster, there are not many emergency resources available.”
The Disaster Preparedness Block Party will provide an opportunity for Valley Westers (and other community members) learn how to better prepare for an emergency, and will include hands-on workshops on creating emergency preparedness kits, a talk from local earthquake and tsunami expert Lori Dengler, and visits from Arcata’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Arcata Fire District. The block party will also feature less disaster-centric fun, with live music by Loud Neighbors Brass Band and Safety Corridor Brass Band, free face painting and food trucks.
And on top of all that, there will be multiple raffles and opportunities to score some of that emergency gear you’ve been needing. White said that raffle prizes will include emergency radios, solar chargers, mylar blankets, rain ponchos and more and that “no one will leave empty handed.”
“For families who live paycheck to paycheck, how can they be thinking about stocking up on emergency supplies or getting two weeks worth of food?” White added. “We’re offering families who otherwise couldn't afford [emergency supplies] a way to not fall between the cracks.”
The Disaster Preparedness Block Party (which will likely be moved fully indoors, due to weather) happens this Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CUNA Resilience HUB, located at 4700 Valley East Blvd, Arcata. Visit cunacomestogether.com, for more information.
