Thanks for all your hard work on this Dave!!!! It's greatly appreciated -
On Saturday, June 27, 2020, 10:56:02 AM PDT, Dave Decker
<davemobile8@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
OK. I updated our calendars with cancellations of the July events, which will
give us more time to re-evaluate. I think we, at least, have a good dialog on
the topic.
Thanks,
Dave D
On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 10:10 AM Michael Chasin <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
I agree that we should wait in light of recent trends.
On Jun 27, 2020, at 10:04 AM, Melany Biendara <bieme@xxxxxxx> wrote:
While I was cautiously optimistic earlier, I too, agree that we should err on
the side of caution and wait.
In chatting on this topic with Brian, he suggested that a possible temporary
solution for volunteers who are approached to come out to places around the
county with scopes: they could do so, but not as an SDAA event (ie: no mention
of SDAA in any communications/media, not published by SDAA). Obviously a) we
could not count these as part of our outreach efforts and b) this would not
apply to the Lipp. I'm sure there are pros and cons to this approach, but
throwing it out there for us to think about until we meet next month. On
Saturday, June 27, 2020, 09:44:17 AM PDT, Dave Decker <davemobile8@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hiro, and all,
Thankyou for your sage comments. In response, we intend to enforce themask,
distancing, and surface and hand sanitizing protocols for allmembers and
participants. This first event is intended to figure outif that is possible and
“how” to do so.
TheSDAA has a responsibility to our members and to those who will attendour
events. I believe that our operational responsibility is tocooperate with
guidelines developed by official health organizations.We admit that the
COVID-19 virus is not yet well understood, and anypublic guideline will
unfortunately, fall short of perfection. But,that is what we have.
Eachof our members will make the call regarding their own safety, and Irespect
those decisions, as long as we maintain the minimum requirementsin our plan.
Many members will choose not to participate in ourprograms, but others will.
Guests,also, should understand that the SDAA will require them to cooperatewith
the standard guidelines. The best we can do as an organization,is to apply
those CDC etc., guidelines to all of our operationalprocedures. The proposed
reopening plan is an attempt to apply theguidelines to public astronomy,
outdoor, outreach events. We willdiscover some successes and some failures, and
will then modify ourplans as needed.
Also,I really appreciate all comments on this interactive, dynamicprocess. I do
not believe comments are “negative” or “positive”,since we do not know what the
social context will look like manymonths down the road. We will accept the
Board’s decision to review, modifyor delay this proposed plan. But, I would
prefer that we have “aplan” to offer to our members, rather than the members
operatingwithout Board direction. Either way, we need to initiate the dialog.
DaveD
On Fri, Jun 26, 2020 at 10:10 PM Hiroyuki Hakozaki <hiroyuki@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hi Dave, I understand the difficulty of getting gloves. I think the proposal is
written well and looks good to me.
I want organizers and telescope operators to strongly ask face mask wearing
and hand sanitizer usage.They should refuse attendees who aren't following
protocol.
In my opinion, these public events aren't safe at this moment even with these
rulesand if I'm responsible, I won't agree to do it. If everyone is very
careful and follows the rule diligently,it can be done. But I saw many people
not following rules. And it won't be easy to force them to do so.
But I also understand people want to start the event. Since our star party is
supported by volunteers,we can not stop them from doing it and your guide line
looks appropriate.
Sorry to be negative about it. Since it is a very difficult call, I want to
share my opinion.Recent increasing positive cases also worry me about these
public events.
Hiro.
On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 4:06 PM Dave Decker <davemobile8@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Board Members,Attached is our third version of the plan to re-open some
outreach events. Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
The plan implements these concepts:
-Use of 70% alcohol for sanitizing equipment-Use of personal masks by guests,
members / hosts
-Deployment of social distancing where possible-Cueing participants to control
distancing
-Notification to public participants of our COVID-19 expectations-Use of
lighting or markers where feasible-Implementation of self-check questions for
host-members-Sanitation of equipment / furniture before and after event
-Recognition of host agency COVID-19 protocols
All suggestions have been reviewed by Ed Rumsey, Dennis Ammann, and myself.
Some ideas, although they may have merit, are probably not applicable to us per
public health and CDC guidelines, or arenot feasible for SDAA Outreach due to a
clear lack of personnel and / or supply resources. Some PPE equipment and
supplies are not currently available or subject to very high prices and lengthy
shipping estimates.
This proposal is intended to continue the dialogue concerning the outreach
program in general. I honestly do not know where that will lead later this
year. But, currently, we have been invited to KQ Ranch this Saturday, and the
TDS Public Night is on-calendar for July 11. These present an opportunity to
discuss options.
At this point I am inclined to ask for a straw vote regarding these two events.
We currently do not have options with other public venues. Again, I thank the
Board members for participation in this decision, whether we go forward this
weekend or later this Summer.
Dave D
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