CLEARLAKE OAKS >> The route in and out of Spring Valley has been a concern for some time. Now, however, things may be improving, even as the county looks at new roads to the area.
At the most recent East Region Town Hall (ERTH) meeting, council member Monte Winters reported that potholes in the area have already started to be filled. In addition, a report on paving projects is expected.
“There are several things going on with roads, and the oldest thing is that our roads have been accepted into the county’s unincorporated pavement management plan,” Winters said.
The report was due at the end of 2017. It was to define how Spring Valley’s various unpaved roads fit into the overall county scheme. He added that he has not seen the report yet.
Even as they wait for clarification, residents, ERTH members and county officials continue to consider ideas. Law enforcement officers and firefighters have expressed concern that only one route leads in and out during emergencies. Winters said one idea they are looking at right now is a track off Long Valley Road that leads to High Valley Road. This is a different route from what has been previously discussed, from Long Valley Creek out to Old Long Valley Road.
“We have not pursued that yet but we are looking to do that,” Winters said. “To summarize all that, there are several ways out of here, you just can’t take a Prius on all of them. So what we are really looking to do is develop some so you can take a normal vehicle over to evacuate in case of an emergency.”
District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele said he has already put in a grant for realignment of the creek so it is possible to drive across and alleviate some of the issues.
“As far as going somewhere else and looking at other locations, what we could also do with the money if, in fact, we get it would be to go to the planning portion of it. Look at what other routes are available to us, which one is going to serve us the best, which is the least costly,” Steele said.
The supervisor is also working on acquiring Hazard Mitigation Funds for the projects. He has made inquiries and is waiting to see if the area qualifies.
For emergency situations now, such as fires, North Shore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos said it looks like sheltering in place is the best option, depending upon what a fire is doing and where it is at.
“If a fire is going to impact a community within 30 minutes, it’s not an evacuation it’s more of a rescue. If you have more than 30 minutes they are now considering that an evacuation,” Beristianos said.
“In that rescue situation, we are going to do what we can to save everyone we possibly can,” he continued.
The department is hampered by the uncertain routes in and out of the area, Beristianos explained. Officers and firefighters cannot just tell people to leave without first establishing and ensuring a safe route to evacuate.
If the recent fires came with a silver lining, he pointed out that it is fire crews have been able to identify routes for some communities and the fire department has become faster and better at finding them.
Winters meanwhile wished to thank the county for filling potholes.
