About OSJ Road Firewise
Our Community
The OSJ Road Firewise community is located in Soquel, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains approximately two miles inland from the northern shores of Monterey Bay. Our boundaries include all Old San Jose Road and private road parcels including and between the Seventh-day Adventist Camp to just beyond Mountain Elementary School and across the valley between North Rodeo Gulch Firewise and Glen Haven Firewise.
Like many communities in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we face ongoing wildfire risk and have been shaped by events such as the Lockheed Fire (2009) and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire (2020).
Why Firewise?
OSJ Road Firewise brings neighbors together to improve wildfire preparedness, protect our homes, and build a safer, more connected community. Through home hardening, defensible space, emergency preparedness, education, and community projects, we work to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen our neighborhood’s resilience.
By reducing wildfire risk, we help demonstrate our community’s commitment to resilience and proactive risk reduction in an evolving insurance landscape.
What is Firewise USA®?
Firewise USA® is a national program of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that helps communities organize and take action to reduce wildfire risk. The program encourages neighbors to work together on education, planning, and risk-reduction projects that make homes and communities more resistant to wildfire.
Today, more than 2,500 communities across the United States participate in the Firewise USA® program.
Our Firewise Journey
OSJ Road Firewise was created through the efforts of local volunteers who recognized the importance of working together to address wildfire risk in our community.
Beginning in 2024, neighbors organized community outreach, education, planning efforts, and wildfire risk-reduction activities in order to meet Firewise USA® program requirements. On March 11, 2026, OSJ Road achieved national recognition as a Firewise USA® Community.
This recognition reflects the commitment of residents throughout our community who continue to invest their time, energy, and resources into creating a safer future for all. Visit our Resources page for our Certificate of Recognition from the NFPA.
Our Partners
OSJ Road Firewise is proud to work alongside organizations and neighboring communities that share our commitment to wildfire preparedness and community resilience.
Our partners include:
- Santa Cruz County FireSafe Council
- Firewise USA®
- Neighboring Firewise Communities
- Local Fire and Emergency Services
Together, we share resources, best practices, and local knowledge to help make our communities safer and more resilient.
Steering Committee
OSJ Road Firewise is led by an all-volunteer Steering Committee made up of residents from throughout the community.
The Steering Committee helps coordinate:
- Community outreach and communications
- Wildfire preparedness education
- Firewise USA® certification and renewal
- Community projects and work parties
- Emergency preparedness initiatives
- Fundraising and resource development
Last Monday of every Month, 5:30 - 6:30pm at the Adventist Camp - Join us, all are welcome!!
Ian Browde - Chairperson
Laura Everett - Secretary
Kimberly Periat - Treasurer
Jon Keeling - Webmaster
Jessica Lazar - Communications
Road Captains
Todd Gallemore - Seventh Day Adventist Camp
Laura Everett - Everett Family Farm
Ken Periat - Los Robles Rd.
Volunteer needed! - Rivervale Dr.
Chelsea Mele - Edison Way
Jessica Lazar - Coldbrook Ln.
Volunteer needed! - Leapfrog Ln.
Jon Keeling - Alfadal Ln.
Volunteer needed! - Graystone Way
Molly Heaster - Mountain School
Ian Browde - Old San Jose Rd.
Join the Effort
Wildfire preparedness is most effective when neighbors work together.
Whether you attend a work party, share information with neighbors, volunteer your time, participate in community projects, or support our efforts financially, every contribution helps strengthen the safety and resilience of our community.
Contact Us!
Use the form below to send a message to our steering committee.
Thank you for getting in touch!
One of our colleagues will get back to you shortly.
Have a great day!
