by Taylor Kimble
In the wake of the fire, PG&E quickly cut down trees to ensure the safety of workers and power lines. A PG&E Spokesperson stated that General Order 95, Rule 35 and Public Resources Code Section 4293 require PG&E to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches between the lines and vegetation. Additionally, PG&E can legally remove “hazard” trees—trees that are diseased, dying, dead, or structurally unsound—that pose an immediate danger to any PG&E electric facility. “Trees that are in compliance and that are healthy,” said PG&E Spokesperson, “will remain within the CZU Fire footprint.” However, the massive number of felled trees strewn across the barren ground horrified and concerned the returning county residents. People reported that PG&E had entered their private properties without notice and removed an unnecessary amount of and seemingly healthy trees without their knowledge. Enraged property owners and public figures such as Nancy Macy acted against PG&E’s violations of various state and county regulations. On October 29, 2020, Nancy—Chair of the Environmental Committee for the SLV Valley Women’s Club—proposed to the Board of Supervisors that they obtain an injunction to stop PG&E’s unregulated tree removal. Contractors cut down acres of trees, leaving the bodies of firs, redwoods, oaks, and madrones for property owners to dispose of themselves. These piles of trees have now become a financial burden to the property owners. Nancy voices that “we need to realize what an enormous travesty this is. People came home to burned properties and felled trees.” In response to the disposal of felled trees, a PG&E Spokesperson stated that customers should reach out to their County department for support. Furthermore, elderly customers experiencing any hardship in tree disposal should make a request for financial help (see below). Although the Board cannot obtain an injunction at this time, Richard Sampson—Division Chief Forester CAL FIRE San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit—submitted two violation notices to PG&E stating that they lacked the proper permits for timber operations and various other violations in Santa Cruz County. Mark Stone (Assemblymember) and Bruce McPherson (Supervisor) also submitted a statement to PG&E in support of Richard’s actions. As of November 11, 2020, PG&E has still refused to obtain the correct permits. If you have been affected by PG&E since the CZU Fire, please contact Richard Sampson and be able to provide your name, address, APN, and your experience with PG&E. Contact Nancy Macy or visit the Valley Women’s Club website for more information. And keep in mind… we are a lot like our beautiful trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our wounds from the fire are still raw and exposed, but our inner strength will keep this community strongly rooted and connected. Stay informed! Hug a tree! Nancy Macy ~ P: (831) 345-1555 W: www.valleywomensclub.org Richard Sampson ~ P: (831) 335-6740 PG&E ~ P: 1 (800) 743-5000
The CZU Lightning Fire burned through the Santa Cruz Mountains, causing both human and animal inhabitants to flee their beloved homes and forest. Friends, families, and fellow community patrons scattered to neighboring cities and states where they frantically scrolled through social media for updates on the fire. Over the past few months, residents of the San Lorenzo Valley trickled back to the mountains, returning to piles of ash, scorched trees, and the air thick with the scarring smell of fire. While people grieved for the devastated homes and charred forest, they also celebrated the surviving homes and quick regrowth of vegetation. With wounds barely healed, mountain members now face a new and unexpected danger.
