SAFE LIVING IN SONOMA
Kenwood Press Preparedness ArticlesVisit Home & Ranch Readiness Summit
One of the many organizations collaborating to assess and fill needs of the whole community.
This was such fun -- and music to our ears! Love engaging kids with preparedness!
HALTERProject participates in several Community Outreach events every month.
The Sonoma County Library-Listos “Ready!” Workshops are a super way to connect with people throughout Sonoma County.
Returned for our 3rd year, this time, sponsored “All HazardsDisaster Safety” class plus an intro to the Loops Rescue System”.
Pt. Reyes National Seashore Historic Barn Education Center - A fabulous location for great training with wonderful people.
Fun to greet our friends, families, and First Responders at this annual event.
HALTER Project “Base Camp” at SAREX 2019, hosted by Marin County SAR.
The student mix at our SAREX “Mounted Track” trainings was impressive.
Honored to have an “anchor” corner at Sonoma Ready Day. 5,000 attendees!
BODEGA BAY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT “Big Event Parade”. Sonoma Smarty is always ready to help out our fire departments!
Rollout of our Neighborhood Safety Shed Project at Kenwood’s annual July 4th Community Festival.
HALTER Project Home & Ranch Readiness Pavilion had a prime spot in the Jr. Livestock area.
HALTER Project participated in this fun and informative workshop with Chris Godley, SoCo Emergency Manager; Capt. Joe Morrison, SVFRA; Supervisor Susan Gorin, and several hundred of our getting prepared neighbors.
Involving nearly 2 dozen horse and property owners, we toured every “horse home” (plus other critters living with them) to evaluate defensibility and safety, Evac routes, rig access, etc. Every neighborhood and equine community org should do this!
Habla Espanol ? HALTER Project, Si!
We connected with more than 300 Sonoma Valley residents at Altamira Middle School. Our Preparedness handouts were ALL gone in 2 hours!
This was the 13th ATR-T training sponsored by HALTER Project in the North Bay since 2014. A full class of 21 committed firefighters, Marin SAR ACOs, and horse owners gave up a gorgeous spring weekend and worked hard to becomeCertified Animal Rescue Technicians. Instructors: Gary Johnson & Rodd Kneeland, ResQFast, and, leaders of our Sonoma Valley Animal Emergency ResponseTeam, and local firefighters!
Celebrating its 3rd year, we love being part of this super neighborhood safety fair
Back by popular demand, a capacity crowd of nearly 40 local residents packed the Petaluma Riding & Driving Clubhouse for this terrific training.
Another fun & fascinating crowd in a cool venue: a Community Farm in San Jose. One of the most rewarding outreach events ever!
Sponsored by HALTER Project, Sonoma Valley Fire Rescue hosted this large class at its Glen Ellen Station. Students from many jurisdictions!
Super crowd gathered in a cozy yurt to learn from UCCE staff. We all trekked out for blustery afternoon tour of urban farms. Goats? In Berkeley???
A multi-tasking day: While we attended the Napa CART CERT Update Training, our
'Preparedness for Small Farms' presentation hit the road “virtually” -- students at this workshop viewed our course in a special video and slide program prepared especially for UCCE.
A great collaboration with Sonoma County Farm Bureau!
72 committed North Bay residents attended pilot course - the first of its kind in Sonoma County. Sponsored by HALTER Project. Instructor, Captain Gary Johnson, ResQFast.
So proud to be invited to participate in this terrific project: Bolinas horse (& livestock) owners, in collaboration with Bolinas Volunteer Fire Department and local CERTs, ALL working together to develop personal and ranch preparedness plans, evac routes, and evac and shelter-in-place measures for all types of disasters.
Great tabletop exercises and opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers.
Great info & experience sharing with agencies and CARTs from multiple counties.
A heavy winter rainstorm made the perfect backdrop for a cozy night of relaxed preparedness planning - right before everyone had to leave quickly before the roads flooded..
Volunteers, first responders and vets came together to practice basic drags, assists, rolls, lifts, and extrications.
Assisted with relief fund coordination and coordinating support to UCD VERT. Helped establish Pet Rescue & Reunification, (PRR), Field Rescue - Feeding Stations - Reunification Program in Paradise & Magalia. This effort continues into its 7th month. Thanks to very dedicated volunteers, cats are being rescued and reunited every week with joyful owners.
We shared preparedness tips and information with more than 1,000 North Bay women as a participant in the fabulous “Woman in Conversation Experience” at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.
HALTER Project is excited to collaborate with UCCE staff and their advisors in several counties to present emergency and disaster planning to commercial and backyard livestock owners and producers.
Honored to participate in a lively and moving discussion with several local farmers and Santa Rosa Fire Chief, Tony Gossner, moderated by KSRO Radio host, Clark Wolf.
Fire season started early in California, followed by an unprecedented series of major storms in other parts of the county. HALTER Project is proud to be a point of contact and assistance liaison to many organizations and agencies around the state and the country,
HALTER Project helped roll out major messaging programs to promote safety on the trail, in the barn, on the road, and at home for equestrians. Partnering with the Marin Horse Council, Marin SAR, and Marin Humane, we spent five great days helping people learn how to create ready kits, improve barn safety, and how to become a volunteer to help animals in emergencies and disasters.
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine presented the 2018 El Blanco Award to Tom and Julie Atwood, and the DMARLOU Foundation in memory of Dorothy & Martell Kaliski. This award recognizes significant contributions that animal owners and other benefactors have made to clinical veterinary medicine.
32 students attended the first-ever class in Sonoma County specifically for Volunteers interested in learning what it takes to become an Animal Disaster Service Worker.
The 2-day course was taught by John Maretti, from the Animal Rescue Training Company, and Ryan Soulsby, Director of Operations for Butte County Animal Services. Firefighters from Sonoma Valley Fire Rescue Authority, (SVFRA), taught the Fireline Safety module. An “update” presentation was made by Brian Whipple of Sonoma County Animal Services. Julie Atwood, of The HALTER Project, taught training modules on media communication, and an overview of volunteer animal disaster response roles & responsibilities and training options in Northern California and answered questions during a lunchtime ADSW “Q&A” session.
Awarded to individuals in recognition of their volunteerism and commitment to community, and, participation as a member of the dedicated EMS providers and professionals who worked well together during, and after, the Northern California Wildfires in October 2017.
22 Sonoma Valley & Graton firefighters, 3 Marin SAR members, officers from Marin Humane & Yolo County Animal Services, 8 certified volunteers, Volunteers, 5 Vets, and 3 UCD Students from the Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT) plus 4 Instructors from the Large Animal Rescue Company, came together to practice Technical Rescue skills amidst the charred forest left by the Nuns Fire. The group was divided into 3 teams, each responding to 6 scenarios ranging from a cast horse to a trailer accident and an “over the edge” Rescue. Great teamwork, and team-building.
Over the past several years, members of Sonoma Valley Fire, Kenwood Fire, Graton Fire and Sebastopol Fire Departments have been getting certified in large animal technical rescue. Along with these certified courses, the fire agencies have been attending workshops, seminars, conferences and additional trainings to further their knowledge in this service area. The Sonoma Valley Animal Emergency Response Teams' new HALTER-sponsored trailer arrived in January, and they are now available 24/7 to assist agencies throughout the County of Sonoma under existing mutual aid agreements.
SVFRA is sending every firefighter and medic in the agency- including Volunteers- through this course. Quite a few are already certified Animal Rescue Technicians. It’s immensely rewarding to see the interest, dedication and courage of our first responders! Most are more comfortable entering a burning building than approaching a horse. But now, ALL will be safer in every incident involving animals of all species!
** Note: this class supports the CaSFMT “Animal Awareness” Training, is free, and is available to any local or regional agency. Contact us to get connected with qualified training resources in your area.
HALTER was a presenter at this prestigious semi-annual international conference hosted by UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in partnership with the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA).
ATR-Awareness: 34 students certified. ATR-Technician: 28 students certified, including: firefighters, veterinarians, livestock managers, Search & Rescue members, NVDAG members, community volunteers.
Joining the North Valley Animal Disaster Group's Animal Evacuation and Shelter Teams.
Joining in the fun.
Napa County Animal Services promotes microchipping for your horses in addition to any tags or visuals for added security.
With the Daredevil Darlings Trick Riders, at the Russian River Rodeo. We love RRR for it's hometown pride and commitment to care for animals.
Smarty never misses the Glen Ellen Fire Department Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast!
The third HALTER Ranch Readiness Day was held April 30th at Saralee and Richard’s Barn, Sonoma County Fairgrounds & Event Center. World-class speakers, exciting demonstrations, heartwarming & inspiring stories. RIDE TV was there, filming a 60-minute episode for Ride on the Road.
Supporting Windsor Fire Department's annual Chili Cookoff with Rocket's Chili (named after our local Windsor Search Dog Superhero!
On April 1, Smarty and Sparky teamed up at Graton Volunteer Fire Department's “No Fooling – Get Prepared” Disaster Fair.
HALTER works to reach the whole community by supporting youth agriculture education.
A fantastic 2-day BULL (Bull: Best Useful Livestock Lessons) training with terrific group of Washoe County Animal Control Officers, taught by Code 3 Associates of Longmont, CO, assisted by Tayla (seated).
Getting comfy in Nomex
The HALTER Project is a proud sponsor of MARIN HUMANE. Making Lives Happy: a cuddly kitten & puppy photo op with Captain Cindy Machado at the Gala.
We were invited to join Drs. John Madigan & Eric Green (DVMs), and Jim Green of BARTA, for 4 days of networking and sharing experiences to enhance the growing program of integrated animal emergency response in Colorado.
The first 3 of 5 RESQUIP Equine Training Mannequins arrived and deploys to Marin Search & Rescue/Marin Humane, Sonoma Valley-Glen Ellen ATR Group, and Graton Volunteer Fire/SCAS. Assembly crew included: Julie Atwood; Atwood Ranch Horse Manager, Jim Spencer; CAL FIRE & Glen Ellen Animal Rescue Technician, Everett Kemp; Graton Fire Fighter, Lee Walker Jr.; Marin County SAR, Robert Eichstaedt.
Wonderful and diverse group of riders graciously hosted by Belos Cavalos in Kenwood CA. Instructor, Trish Andrade, DVM, UCD-IAWTI, demonstrates a basic skill for sliding or rolling a cast horse.
Photo shoot with equine photography superstar Tara Arrowood
result in establishment of Emergency Shelter for Large Animals during floods. Thank you, Fairgrounds administration and staff!
"The Role of Equestrian Organizations in Emergency & Disaster Preparedness"
Training with experienced and new ACOs, firefighters, and volunteers was a wonderful experience in the beautiful Gold Country.
HALTER presented with a 2016 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award in the Awareness to Action category at a White House ceremony in Washington DC. HALTER also received an Honorable Mention in the Community Preparedness Champions Award Category.
First responders from Bodega Bay, Fort Ross, Graton, Monte Rio, Mountain, Petaluma, and Timber Cove, joined by Tere Crocker DVM, trained in Animal Technical Rescue Operational skills in Monte Rio.
HALTER sponsored the fun and exciting BATTLE Cup and donated a complete Equine Rescue Kit to the very successful auction.
First responders from Marin Search and Rescue, Marin Humane Society officers, and Petaluma area horse owners trained in Animal Technical Rescue Operational Skills in Glen Ellen.
The second HALTER Ranch Readiness Day was held June 26th at the SRJC Shone Farm Agricultural Teaching Facility. More than 200 participants engaged in a busy day of presentations, demonstrations, conversation, and information exchange.
KFPD Explorers invited HALTER to share the fun in hosting an ATR information booth and equipment display at the delicious pancake breakfast. KFPD received donations towards building their equipment cache!
Sonoma County’s first Animal Technical Rescue trailer establishes a portable equipment cache to backup animal services, firefighters and veterinarians collaborating providing safe, skilled, humane large animal technical rescue in the North Bay area.
HALTER and Sonoma Smarty honored Moms with a display and fundraising at this fun event annual. Our local ATR team are also fabulous pancake flippers!
Made a presentation and new friends at the charming & historic Novato Horsemen’s Clubhouse.
In attendance were 17 CAL fire and emergency responders trained in operational and technical skills at the Atwood Ranch in Red Bluff. We were honored with a visit by Joe Gear, Assist. Chief Special Operations, OES Fire & Rescue.
Taught 34 local firefighters and volunteers basics of handling horses and livestock in an emergency.
HALTER delivers “Emergency Preparedness” Outreach presentations to local clubs from April to July.
HALTER becomes a high level sponsors and donated a complete LAR emergency kit purchased at auction by Marin County Mounted Assistance Unit.
HALTER AND IAWTI hosted a VIP reception for Jim Green at the Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen. Sonoma Valley Supervisor Susan Gorin welcomed Jim Green to Sonoma Valley.
Demonstrated the use of rescue back board and straps. With the help of Dr. Amber Johnson, of Artaurus Vet Clinic and horse developer Callie Krickeberg. Made a great connection with Camilla Gray-Nelson owner of Dairy del Canine and noted author of Lipstick and the Leash.
HALTER creates "Safe Horse & Stock Handling for Beginners" teaching materials to facilitate education of first and frontline responders and Disaster Service Worker volunteers.
To date, HALTER has sponsored 3 trainings, 2 community meetings, and more than 52 scholarships to First and Frontline Responders.
HALTER is facilitating establishment of LAR equipment funds for local fire departments, county Animal Services, and Grange chapters.
HALTER sponsors FSTEP-LAR Operational Trainings in Sonoma Valley. Classroom module is hosted by Kenwood Fire Department. Equipment and Field Exercise Training is held the Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen.
HALTER collaborates with local groups to facilitate "Neighborhood Rural Readiness Meetings", providing equipment lists and resources, education information, and general guidance to community stakeholders.
HALTER produces educational display & materials for Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Days event for 6,000 local elementary school children.
FirstHALTER sponsors FSTEP-LAR Operational Trainings in Sonoma Valley. Classroom module is hosted by Glen Ellen Fire Department. Equipment and Field Exercise Training is held the Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen.
First HALTER newsletter is published, encouraging neighbor-to-neighbor communication and collaboration with government and nongovernment agencies. The newsletter is sent to over 1,600 readers.
HALTER creates a fun "Holiday Gift List" featuring an array of emergency preparedness items for large animal owners. The HALTER “Holiday Gift Guide" is featured in 3 regional magazines and Sonoma-Marin Farm Bureau November-December newspaper.
HALTER works with portrait photograph, Melania Mahoney, to publish “A Year of Recovery” 2016 calendar recounting the stories of families and animals the helped by the Middletown Animal Hospital. Proceeds directly benefit to MAH, in providing continuing no-and low-cost treatment and services.
HALTER presents examples of Ranch Emergency Kits, Go-Bags and Large Animal identification kits to Petaluma Grange members.
Ranch Readiness Day becomes HALTER HONOR the HEROES, on November 15.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors honors HALTER with a Gold Resolution for “Commitment to helping first responders and community members acquire skills and resources for Large Animal Emergency Response.”
HALTER provides scholarships to First Responders attending two trainings in Northern California.
Sponsored by HALTER, more than 3 dozen Sonoma County first responders attend trainings, Several become the first responders in many years to obtain State Fire Training certification in Large Animal Rescue.
Glen Ellen Volunteer Fire Department deploys and successfully rescues a down horse on Sonoma Mountain.
HALTER brings “Sonoma Smarty”, a life-sized model wearing the Large Animal Lift, to the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Open House.
HALTER facilitates communication and donation support for Middletown Animal Hospital (MAH), other vets, and qualified volunteers.
Wildfires blaze through Northern California, displacing thousands of people and devastating many homes, business, families and animals in Lake County’s rural communities. HALTER responds!
HALTER establishes fund to provide critical care support to Middletown Animal Hospital, collects and coordinates supply donations for Lake County residents and animals.
HALTER establishes a GoFundMe, raising more than $225,000 to assist in providing financial support for Middletown Animal Hospital.
HALTER brings equine rescue display to the Sonoma Horse Park Season Finale Horse Show, introducing Large Animal Rescue equipment and resource to a large audience.
In response to requests, HALTER website grows to include resources links for relief donations, volunteer coordinatio and lost animal reunification.
HALTER sponsors Open Jumper class at Giant Steps Charity Classic, and awards the winner a trailer tote packed with emergency supplies and a new halter.
HALTER’s float in the Sonoma 4th of July Parade wins “Best Animal Entry” prize.
HALTER travels to multiple locations throughout Sonoma County to display rescue equipment and share emergency preparedness resources at horse shows, feed stores, fire department open houses, neighborhood meetings and Customer Appreciations Days.
HALTER establishes a grant to the University of California, Davis Center for Equine Health to support sustainability of a Large Animal Emergency training curriculum and development of future educators
HALTER provides ongoing support to the Western Institute for Food and Safety (WIFSS), and International Animal Welfare Training Institute (IAWTI).
Throughout 2014 and into early 2015, HALTER participates in seminars, trainings, and research with leaders in the field of emergency and disaster planning and preparedness.
City of Sonoma proclaims May 4, 2014 Sonoma Valley “Ranch Readiness Day”.
HALTER produces the first Ranch Readiness Day Emergency Preparedness Fair, connecting rural residents with government agencies, service organizations and businesses, and community organizations.
HALTER engages in meetings with educators at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine who introduce HALTER to the equipment and skills developed as a result of numerous emergencies, both large and small.
