Storm recovery efforts continue with assessments, repairs to damaged roads, bridges

County crews are making progress clearing and repairing roads and bridges blocked and destroyed in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary.

In the Oak Glen area, crews were able to remove mud and debris from area roads and open the business area on Aug. 18, less than one week after the storm hit. The bridge along Oak Glen at Birch Creek sustained heavy damage and plans for a replacement bridge is scheduled for mid-September with an expected completion by the end of October, weather permitting. Visitors can use Potato Canyon Road as a detour to reach the business district.

In the Wrightwood area, all roads are open as crews continue to work in the flood channels removing debris to ensure the channels are at full capacity for the upcoming winter season. Phelan Road at Sheep Creek Wash is closed for bridge repairs, which is expected to begin in October or November, weather permitting. Waters Drive in the Crestline area is currently under repair.

The hardest hit area is the Seven Oaks community where large sections of Seven Oaks Road, Radford Camp Road, and Glass Road were damaged along with several smaller bridge crossings. Public Works crews are assessing the damage and developing engineering plans for the repair effort.

Public Works coordinated with state agencies to tour damaged areas this week and is continuing the channel cleanout project in Oak Glen and Forest Falls, funded through the National Resource Conservation Service.

Damage assessment teams continue to survey structures impacted by the storm

County Fire continues to assess damage reported by residents in response to Tropical Storm Hilary. While access to some areas have been difficult due to the terrain, progress has been made by the teams with more than 50 percent of damage reports surveyed thus far.

The teams damage assessment to date confirms the following:

Total Parcels Assessed: 29
Total Structures on Parcels: 48
Destroyed: 12
Moderate Damage: 5
Minor Damage: 3
Superficial Damage: 28

County Fire has received a total of 56 reports of damage with 22 reports to follow up on. These figures are expected to change as reports continue to come in by residents. County Fire would like to thank the communities for their patience and ongoing cooperation. The information collected will be used to share with local, state and federal agencies to assist with potential disaster relief. To report damage sustained by Tropical Storm Hilary, residents are encouraged to report all structural damage online at sbcfire.co/hilarydamage.

Today is the last day of the Local Assistance Center in Yucaipa

opened a Local Assistance Center (LAC) on Thursday, Aug. 31, continuing through today, Friday, Sept. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Yucaipa Community Center.

The LAC provides local, state, and federal resources for residents impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary.

“Our focus is on helping residents and business owners get back on their feet, clean up, and rebuild,” said Third District Supervisor and Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe.

“My thanks go out to our county departments, the state, and our nonprofits for providing this great opportunity for residents to speak with staff and get connected to vital support services.”

The LAC is located at the Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road. For more information, visit storminfo.sbcounty.gov. Additional LAC locations may be added if needed.

Damage assessment teams continue to survey structures impacted by the storm

Today is the last day of the Local Assistance Center in Yucaipa

Additional County Update News – September 1, 2023