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| Fire Brigade compiles data for new updated South Coast directory By Greg Thomas [ greg@hmbreview.com ] Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 2:13 PM PDT La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade is putting together a comprehensive South Coast community telephone directory for the first time in nine years. “It’s a way for people in the community to reach other people without having to go through big telephone directories,” Fire Brigade President Jeff Clarke said. “It’s also a good way for advertisers to reach people in the South Coast area.” Clarke said the last directory the fire brigade put together was completed in 1999, “so you can imagine that the book is a bit out of date.” In the era of high-speed Internet and online directories, some might consider old-fashioned phone books obsolete. Not so, according to Clarke, who said that the directory is useful to South Coast dwellers for a variety of reasons. Along with providing local businesses with an avenue for advertising in the local community, a “long-term investment,” Clarke said, it also serves as a fundraiser for the all-volunteer fire brigade staff putting it together and selling it in various South Coast locations. “It would also certainly help with an evacuation,” he said. “If anything does go wrong, having a list of people you can contact is very valuable. The roads here can easily be blocked in an emergency, and if you’re on the other side of the hill you may need to get in touch with people here to get the kids, the animals, or take care of the house.” The directory will span the South Coast area, incorporating La Honda, Pescadero, Loma Mar and San Gregorio, as well as the Tunitas Creek and Dearborn Park areas, and extending up to Skyline. “We’d like as many people as possible to participate,” Clarke said. “We’re trying to get the word out so they can be listed as they choose to be.” The book, in addition to listing the names, addresses and phone numbers of South Coast businesses and residents, will contain information on community services in the area. Clarke noted the fire brigade, Neighborhood Emergency Services Team, Citizens Emergency Response Team, Puente de la Costa Sur, South Coast Children’s Services as well as sections on local schools and educational foundations. Phone books will cost between $10 and $15 per copy and will be made available for purchase by the end of this year at the La Honda post office, the fire station and various other locations. To sign up to be added to the phone list, people can find and fill out a simple form at the La Honda post office and stores around town, or go online to lahondafire.org and submit their information electronically. |