County offers gravel bags to prevent erosion, assists over 100 people at LAC
To help residents protect against erosion, the county is offering free gravel and gravel bags at the dead end of Gunn Stage Road in San Diego Country Estates, where sand and sandbags are also available.
Gravel bags are designed to collect sediment but let water flow through, acting like a strainer to prevent erosion. Sandbags, meanwhile, block and divert water and sediment.
The public can pick up sand, gravel and bags 24 hours a day.
Free sandbags are also available to the public 24 hours a day at Ramona Fire Station 82, 3410 Dye Road.
The county reports that more than 100 residents have visited the Local Assistance Center (LAC) in the Ramona Library Community Room since it opened Tuesday morning. The temporary center will be open through this Saturday. The center’s hours are: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The library is at 1275 Main St.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob visited the LAC on Tuesday and toured sites that had been flooded.
Among issues that flood victims have talked about at the assistance center are basic needs such as food and clothing, concerns about damaged septic systems, and how to get flood insurance, said Michele Clock with the county Office of Emergency Services.
Some also questioned whether permits are required for grading and moving dirt — for the majority permits won’t be required, but the county is advising permits will be needed to replace door frames and windows, said Clock.
At least five people had vehicles that were completely ruined by the flood. So that they will not continued to be billed for registration, they need to let the Department of Motor Vehicles know. Appointments with the DMV can be scheduled at the assistance center.
The LAC received some complaints about drainage ditches not being cleared and questions regarding who will clear them before the next rain, said Clock. A few renters complained about landlords not being helpful with damaged homes, she added.
Some people had an interest in straw waddles, also known as fiber rolls, which are tubes of straw placed on hillsides to prevent erosion. The county’s Department of Public Works offers a guide on erosion control at the assistance center.
What to do with household hazardous waste was another question many flood victims asked. Household hazardous waste includes small appliances, solvents, paints, and automotive lubricants. The items can be disposed of at the County of San Diego Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 324 Maple St. in Ramona. The facility is open bi-weekly on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 1, 15, 29 and Sept. 12 and 26. If containers are damaged, residents are asked to repackage into secondary leak-proof containers such as plastic buckets or totes prior to transporting. Walk-ins will be accepted during the months of August and September. For more information, call 877-713-2784.
For more recovery information, visit sdcountyrecovery.com.