On August 24 at 3:20 a.m., our community awakened to the violent tremor of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake. Within 20 seconds, it became clear that the ramifications of this quake would extend into the weeks and months ahead. It is remarkable there weren’t more casualties and until last week, no one had succumbed to their injuries. I was sorry to hear about Napa resident Laurie Anne Thompson who passed away on September 5t from a head injury sustained during the earthquake. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family and all of Napa as they recover from the earthquake.
While the quake was centered in Napa County, the Sonoma Valley was impacted more than any other area in the county. While it will take time to fully assess the impact in the Valley, I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of National, State, County, and City staff and leadership during this time.
A frequent question has been what is the role of county government in a disaster? The short answer is we work together. This means we work with federal and state leadership as well as our departments. After the earthquake, we communicated closely with the offices of Congressman Mike Thompson, State Assemblyman Marc Levine and the City of Sonoma to share information and provide the highest level of coordinated service for our community.
In the pre-dawn hours immediately following the earthquake, several county departments had staff out inspecting critical Sonoma County infrastructure, and both the county’s and the Water Agency’s Emergency Operations Centers were opened to monitor impacts. Fire and Emergency Services provided mutual aid during this time. Chief Al Terrell and his staff handled the deployment of two strike teams, water tenders, and ambulances. Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), Transportation and Public Works (TPW) and Permit and Resource Management (PRMD) were also dispatched to Sonoma Valley and to assist in Napa County.
These teams, led by SCWA Director Grant Davis, TPW Director Susan Klassen and PRMD Director Tennis Wick, worked tirelessly for several weeks to ensure the safety of all county residents. Many county workers were on the roads by 4 a.m., inspecting water systems, bridges, and public structures to ensure the public’s safety.
In the week following the quake, all requests for inspections of private property were completed, and inspections will continue as soon as reports come in. It is clear that while public infrastructure fared well; however, a number of valley residents suffered property losses.
On Thursday, September 4, in order to ensure that Sonoma County residents and business owners would have access to all available assistance, the Board of Supervisors ratified a Local Emergency Proclamation at a special meeting. As a result of this Proclamation, Sonoma County was included in an Executive Order issued by Governor Brown, and incorporated into the Governor’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The Board of Supervisors also acted to make it easier for those impacted by the earthquake by waiving permit costs for earthquake damage repairs.
A Presidential Declaration triggers the release of Federal funds to help communities recover, and the Governor’s Executive Order provides additional financial assistance to local agencies, non-profit organizations and residents. The President made an initial Declaration on September 11 to help Napa and Solano counties with their damage to public infrastructure. Although Sonoma County was not included in this initial declaration, FEMA is continuing to work with Sonoma County to conduct damage surveys, and we will make every effort to get our region included in the Declaration. If your home or business has been damaged, even if you are not in need of an inspection, please report structural damages by calling 565.3856.
In the days following the quake, constituents reached out to my office requesting more information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. We hope this information will be helpful to you now, and in the future.
Before an Earthquake: Be prepared! The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical, and how well you, your family, and your home survive an earthquake often depends on how well you prepare in advance. Family and neighborhood plans are important tools to have in place, which include having preparations to allow your family and pets to be self-sufficient (able to live without running water, electricity, gas, and telephones) for at least three days following a major disaster. For more information, please visit www.ready.gov.
I heard the main source of information following the quake was through social media. Even though the power was out, cellular lines were working and cell phones and tablets became lifelines for information and communication. For this reason, consider investing in a simple rechargeable external battery for your mobile device as part of your emergency pack.
During an Earthquake: We have heard the advice many times to crawl under a table or desk, if you are indoors. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines. Still, it bears repeating because this advice can save your life.
After an Earthquake: In the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, you should check for gas and water leaks, and broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, and you can safely do so, turn off the utility at the source and immediately report gas leaks to your utility company. In Sonoma Valley, PG&E did a tremendous job restoring power quickly after the quake. No matter which utility company you chose (Sonoma Clean Power or PG&E) the delivery agency is PG&E: 800.743.5000.
It is important to check your home for cracks and damage. If you suspect that your home has sustained damage, contact the County or your city to request an inspection. If you live in unincorporated Sonoma County, the number to call is 565.1679. If you live in the City of Sonoma, call 938.3681. It is not too late to call for an inspection.
Livestock and pets: Julie Atwood of Atwood Ranch and Nancy King of Pets Lifeline deserve shout-outs for their efforts in organizing workshops on shelters and emergency preparedness for large and small animals in the past few months. Nancy told me she was ready to drive her truck over the hill, if needed. We need to think about preparing food, water and medicines for our animals and pets in an emergency.
While a number of Sonoma Valley residents lost personal property, we were extremely fortunate we didn’t suffer more severe impacts. The timing of the earthquake meant that winery workers were not trapped under barrels and families were not on the roads. It meant that water shook free and creeks are flowing for the moment. Ducks returned to Fryer Creek and wells rose. Still, as we return to normalcy here, we must remember our neighbors to the east may need our help. And that a family lost their mother and grandmother.
Our county lines are only lines; they are not barriers and when we are called to help, we will answer again as neighbors and friends.
Upcoming Community Forums:
Portrait of Sonoma: A Tale of Two Communities
Wednesday, September 24, 5-7 p.m at the Sonoma Valley Grange, 18627 Sonoma Highway.
Please join Supervisor Gorin, the Sonoma Valley Fund and community leaders from Sonoma County for a presentation of the recent “Portrait of Sonoma” report commissioned by the Department of Health Services.
Sonoma County Law Enforcement Task Force
Wednesday, September 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Grange, 18627 Sonoma Highway
Please join Supervisor Gorin and her Law Enforcement Task Force Appointees for an evening of discussion about the work of the Task Force. Translation services will be provided. Panelists: Maite Iturri, El Verano Principal & La Luz boardmember;
Brien Farrell, retired Elsie Allen High School teacher and former SR City Attorney;
Caroline Banuelos, chair of Task Force; and Bret Sackett, Sonoma Police Chief.
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