Santa Cruz County flood maps show vulnerabilities

Oct. 29--SANTA CRUZ -- Prolonged rain predicted from an El Niño winter could prompt flooding and potential evacuations in the San Lorenzo Valley and other areas of Santa Cruz County, county leaders said this week.

Flood maps released by the county as part of its draft Local Hazards Mitigation Plan this month show areas in Felton and Paradise Park that have flooded in the past, as well as areas vulnerable to a 100-year flood along the Pajaro River in Watsonville and Soquel Creek in Soquel and Capitola.

John Presleigh, the Santa Cruz County director of Public Works, said Wednesday that recent work on Soquel Creek and Salsipuedes Creek on the east edge of Watsonville should stave off floods. County workers recently removed vegetation along Soquel Creek to try to prevent floods, and construction work has been done on Salispuedes Creek in Watsonville to withstand a flood such as the one there in 1995, Presleigh said.

"We feel pretty comfortable with those areas, but knock on wood," Presleigh said.

"It's been designated a significant El Niño year, so we're going to take every precaution we can. We've coordinated with utility companies and other agencies."

In the 163-page Local Hazards draft plan, county planning department leaders and a 35-member Emergency Management Council helped outline flood-prone areas and describe flood prevention projects. The council included leaders from fire departments, county public works, city leaders, Caltrans and other groups.

The documents highlights severe floods in Santa Cruz County's history, such as the four days of intense rain in December 1955 that created a logjam on the San Lorenzo River. Floods displaced nearly 400 people and killed seven. Another flood from El Niño rain in 1982 inundated homes along Covered Bridge Road in Felton and in Paradise Park in Santa Cruz.

"Although dozens of houses in the flood-prone areas of the county have been elevated above the 100-year flood or wave run-up elevation over the past decade, areas previously inundated by flooding will continue to do so in the future, with potentially substantial impacts to property, lives and infrastructure," according to the plan.

"No major flood control projects have been constructed in the Aptos Creek, Soquel Creek, or the Santa Cruz County portion of the San Lorenzo River basins. A multiple-purpose reservoir on Soquel Creek, approximately 5 miles upstream from Monterey Bay, was found to be economically justified, but has not been implemented. A major flood control project, which includes levees and channel improvements, was constructed on the San Lorenzo River," according to the plan.

Presleigh said county workers constantly monitor levels of the San Lorenzo River during storms and have ordered evacuations by automated calls and news releases. Residents can register cellphones for emergency notices on the Santa Cruz Regional 911 Center website.

Areas along Aptos Creek are mainly the responsibility of homeowners, Presleigh said.

Karen Hibble, co-executive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, said she has been reminding Aptos residents and business owners to have emergency kits, sandbags and evacuation plans ready.

"We're trying to get people prepared now," Hibble said.

A chamber event to help residents prepare will take place 5-6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos.

Earlier in October, federal leaders also advised California residents to consider flood insurance even if they don't live in flood-prone areas.

"If you're in a low lying area, I would recommend you get it," Presleigh said of flood insurance.

Information from FEMA on preparing for floods is online at www.FloodSmart.gov.

Disaster preparedness event

What: The Aptos Chamber of Commerce and PG&E Co. will host an event to help residents and business owners prepare for winter storms. It will include representatives from Aptos-La Selva Fire, Santa Cruz County Public Works, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, PG&E and companies that provide tree trimming, gutter cleaning and other home services.

When: 5-6:30 p.m., Nov. 10.

Where: Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos.

Cost: Free

Information: www.AptosChamber.com.

Tips for homeowners

Clear: Rain gutters and homes' roofs should be clear of leaves and other debris.

Rake: Remove leaves and debris between rain gutters and the street.

Power: Keep flashlights, batteries, water, medicine and first aid handy in case of a power outage.

Storm drains: Keep an eye on street storm drains near homes and clear them if needed. City workers will unclog drains during storms, but neighbors also can clear them to help prevent floods.

Source: Santa Cruz Fire

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