As a long-term resident of Clearlake Rivieras, I am painfully aware that my neighborhood is featured in a list of the California cities with the worst wildfire evacuations.

Using the latest research, grant funding, and increasing the number of community Firewise communities, we must scrupulously work to better prepare ourselves from further disasters.

At the same time, we must significantly increase county revenues to fund thoughtful expansion and increased services.

For these reasons, I am a strong supporter of Jessica Pyska for District 5 supervisor.

Since she lost her family home in the Valley fire in 2015, Jessica has become a leader for her community in disaster resilience and economic recovery.

She also works closely with the Board of Supervisors and county staff on many issues that are high priority items to improve the county’s economy. These include the Middle Creek Restoration Project to bring healthy conditions back to Clear Lake, the Tourist Improvement District, and significantly increasing the amount of grant funding from federal, state and private sources.

I have confidence that she will bring her experience, energy and knowledge of the latest techniques to improve District 5 residents’ safety and economic prosperity.

Just this year, she has brought a $200,000 economic development grant to Cobb and is currently working on a microloan program of $150,000 for local businesses countywide.

She is a proponent of Lake County updating its woefully out-of-date area plans to ensure that future expansion is done thoughtfully and residents have input in planning their community while preserving the things they like most about it.

I hope you will join me in voting for Jessica Pyska for District 5 supervisor on March 3, 2020.

Her energy, experience and vision will serve Lake County well.

Val Meyer Nixon lives in Kelseyville, California.