As we put together this newsletter, which will be scheduled in advance to go out first thing in the morning on Mon., Jan. 9, we don’t yet know how that day will unfold. But we do know, based on National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, that the waters of the San Lorenzo River could reach the flood stage, especially near Felton. That looming threat has focused our attention on emergency preparation, and in that spirit we just posted a guide to message systems, apps and digital maps that will provide important information in the event of an emergency situation.
We also spent a lot of time looking for advice on contending with floods. Here are 10 things to remember.
- If you haven’t already, sign up for CodeRED alerts and manage your account to ensure you’re receiving notifications on local public safety situations.
- Check current flood advisory information from the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience.
- Useful number for information on flooding and local shelters: The county’s Rainstorm Call Center can be reached at (831) 454-2285.
- If you live near rivers or creeks, California Local’s Santa Cruz Weather overview page has links to water levels at specific points on the San Lorenzo and Pajaro rivers and Soquel, Corralitos and Salsipuedes creeks.
- Heed evacuation notifications—check Zonehaven to see the zones where you live and work.
- Keep your car filled with gas or fully charged, and carry an emergency pack that includes a blanket, water, food, a flashlight and batteries. Make sure your cell phone and any battery packs are fully charged.
- If you are asked to leave your property, elevate valuable or potentially toxic items—including electronics, important paperwork, pesticides and chemicals—on high shelves. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Don’t touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- If you must drive, check California Local’s Santa Cruz Traffic and Transportation page. Or you can download the Caltrans QuickMap app QuickMap.dot.ca.gov
- Do not walk through moving water—just six inches of water can sweep an adult off his/her feet.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flood, debris flow, or into flooded areas.
Emily Hoeven's Last CalMatters Column
Here at California Local we partnered with the news organization CalMatters last year, and hardly a week goes by that we don't share a piece of their work with our readers. Much, if not most, of that work has been by Emily Hoeven, who authored an excellent daily newsletter, “WhatMatters.” Last Thursday Emily reported that Friday’s missive would be her last. It was a cogent report about Gov. Gavin Newsom's inaguration-day “March for Democracy,” which happened to take place on Jan. 6, and was intended as a rebuke of the insurrectionists and their enablers. The newsletter also contained a nice goodbye note. (She is headed to the Chron.)
A Fond Farewell
Since March of 202, Emily Hoeven has written and compiled a daily newsletter for CalMatters. This is from her last.
• Capitola City Council Ratifies Emergency Declaration
The move will allow the city to seek financial assistance from state and federal agencies as it recovers from storm activity that crippled many regions.
(01/06/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Santa Cruz Reopens Wharf, Assesses Damage to West Cliff Drive
The city of Santa Cruz announced that the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is open to the public but a large portion of West Cliff Drive will remain closed.
(01/05/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Landslide Fears Mount With More Storms Set to Hit Santa Cruz County Into Next Week
A couple more storms are heading for Santa Cruz, and they’re expected to bring a substantial amount of rain. That raises further concerns for slides.
(01/05/2023) → Read the full Lookout Local report
• Massive Flooding Strikes the Rio Del Mar Flats
‘It’s the flats and it’s famous for flooding,” said one longtime Rio Del Mar resident who had been evacuated after massive waves hit the morning of Jan. 5.
(01/04/2023) → Read the full Lookout Local report
• Santa Cruz County Storms Arrive on Anniversary of Love Creek Disaster
As Santa Cruz County has faced a series of pineapple express-heightened winter storms, this week marks the 41st anniversary of one of the area's most deadly natural disasters.
(01/04/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Bay Area Fire Hazard Map: See How It Has Changed Since 2007
The interactive map has a slider bar allowing the comparison of the previous assessment of susceptibility to wildfire with the proposed changes.
(01/02/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
