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A new plan for Peninsula firefighters’ search and rescue drones and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters to share the skies over the San Francisco Bay could make the difference between a “live rescue and a tragic recovery,” Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman said.
Drones are frequently used in emergencies and natural disasters but conflicts emerged between public and private drone operators and other emergency aircraft, such as those used in wildland firefighting, during the wildfire seasons of 2017 and 2018.
In some cases, air tankers and helicopters were unable to drop water or fire retardant due to the threat of collision with smaller, unmanned systems in the area.
Over the Bay, however, the new agreement spells out specific altitudes of operation for drones and aircraft to improve operator safety.
“We’ve established that our search and rescue drones working in conjunction with our water rescue craft, or rescue boats, don’t need to fly above 150 feet,” Schapelhouman said in a news release Monday.
“This optimal drone flight height gives us the best birds eye screen view, pictures, video and most importantly strategic situational awareness capabilities that can enhance and better coordinate joint aviation operations where seconds count and minutes matter,” Schapelhouman said.
Questions about anti-collision lighting and other safety protocols are also addressed.
“Drones are a tremendous asset for searching the confined areas around bridges and power lines and, when combined with … helicopters, provide a more complete and effective maritime rescue package for the Bay Area public,” U.S. Coast Guard Commander Brian Potter said.
During a period of annexation in the post-World War II era, Menlo Park acquired a significant area of marshland, mud and tidal water where the Menlo Park Fire Protection District is now responsible for emergency response.
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Now with this new development, what will Fire Board Member Virginia Chang Kiraly do since both districts have cross responsibilities. How can she run for two elected positions? Here’s the breakdown;
San Mateo Harbor District:
The San Mateo County Harbor District is an autonomous district created to operate harbor facilities and waterways within the boundaries of San Mateo County.
Fire District:
During a period of annexation in the post-World War II era, Menlo Park acquired a significant area of marshland, mud and tidal water where the Menlo Park Fire Protection District is now responsible for emergency response.
Let’s see what happens in 2020.
Kiraly is clearly violating the law which prohibits an individual from holding two elected offices that have overlapping jurisdiction.
“Incompatible Offices. Gov. Code Section 1099 codifies the common law prohibition against the holding of “incompatible offices.” This doctrine restricts the ability of public officials to hold two different public offices simultaneously if the offices have overlapping and conflicting public duties. For this section to apply, each position must be a “public office.” (Gov. Code Section 1099(c).)
Pursuant to Section 1099, a person may not simultaneously hold two public offices if: either of the offices exercises a supervisory, auditing, or removal power over the other office or body, there is a significant clash of duties or loyalties between the offices, or there are public policy considerations that make it improper. The consequence of holding an incompatible office is that the person is “deemed to have forfeited the first office upon acceding to the second.” (Gov. Code Section 1099(b).) In addition, the California Constitution has provisions addressing the holding of two government positions.”
Sadly the San Mateo County Elections Officer and the San Mateo County District Attorney have chosen to look the other way on this clear transgression of the law.
“Sadly the San Mateo County Elections Officer and the San Mateo County District Attorney have chosen to look the other way on this clear transgression of the law.”
Shocking in the most corrupt county in California.