The 13th Month of 2020

Weathering the Storm

2020 Continued…

by Taylor Kimble

In August of 2020, a blazing inferno tore through the San Lorenzo Valley, initiating a wave of evacuations. After several months of displacement, eager residents returned to an unwelcomed alteration of their mountain homes. A sigh of relief (and a rush of guilt) came to those met with surviving houses, but a loss of breath came to others met with ashes. Despite the loss felt throughout these mountains, the SLV community stood united, strong, and hopeful. Together we supported one another and remained mindful of the various degrees of grief each person felt. Strength helped us re-root the rattled foundation and build a new path. Hope spread throughout the valley faster than the CZU Lightning Fire could burn.

After the fire settled and made its mark in history, our community regained some remnants of normality and confidence as the trees and residents took precious time to heal and prepare for the winter. What seemed like a light rainy season, however, took a sharp turn towards the unexpected. Last week a raging wind ripped branches from their trees and knocked down power lines, slammed trees into the roads, and swept miscellaneous items to other parts of neighborhoods. Thousands of Santa Cruz Mountains residents were left without power, internet, and phone service for nearly a week.Those without service were cut-off from emergency communications and media outlets, unable to monitor the chaos occurring around them. Water companies were unable to pump water to their customers, leaving homes without water.

Fires broke out across the mountains once again, triggering fear and reopening our barely healed wounds. As if the wind’s anarchy wasn’t frightening enough, all roads out of the mountains were closed due to fallen trees, power lines, and fires. Trapped had never been so accurately defined.

Fires in January stunned and frightened everyone throughout the mountains, but our community displayed its resilience once again. Geared up and ready to fight, SLV prepares for the looming storm. Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued due to the heavy rain and high winds threatening our mountains with mudslides, debris flow, power outages, and roadblocks— especially to those neighborhoods around the CZU burn scars. Though many people chose to leave the mountains before the storm, some have remained to weather through it. If you choose to stay, please make sure you are prepared: nonperishable food, PLENTY of water, batteries, flashlights, ability to communicate with neighbors, toiletries, medicines, pet supplies, and warm clothes. The Santa Cruz Mountains residents are survivors. We survived Mother Nature’s obstacles of 2020, and we will continue to do so in 2021 as long as we stay united, strong, and hopeful.

Buckle-up and hold on tight! SLV STRONG