Nearly 200k Sandbags Made Available in Contra Costa County

As the Bay Area continues to be on storm watch through next week, public works crews across Contra Costa County have been working to fill sandbag stations, clear roadways, work mud slides and limit flooding.

In reaching out to cities across the county, nearly  200K sandbags have been provided throughout Contra Costa County over the past  few days–at current count Thursday afternoon, without all cities reporting, the number stands at an estimated 192k sandbags.

Here is a rundown:

• Antioch – 3,000 sandbags
• Brentwood – 5,000 sandbags
• Clayton – 2,500 sandbags
• Concord – 15,000 sandbags
• Danville – 20,000 sandbags
• Hercules – no data provided
• Lafayette – 6,000 sandbags
• Martinez – 7,000 sandbags
• Oakley – 4,000 sandbags
• Orinda – 8,000 sandbags
• Pinole – 1,500 sandbags
• Pittsburg – 6,500 sandbags
• Pleasant Hill – 13,750 sandbags
• Richmond – no data provided
• San Ramon – 15,000 sandbags
• San Pablo – no data provided
• Walnut Creek – 45,000 sandbags
• Contra Costa County Public Works (6 locations) – 40,000 sandbags

For sandbag locations: Click here

Contra Costa County Fire

According to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, they are reporting dispatchers recived an uptick of 20% more 9-1-1 calls when compared to last year.  The rescue boat crew was on patrol due to high water danger and its Crew 12 responded to multiple down trees across roadways and assisted with efforts to contain rain.

• Contra Costa Animal Services: 925-335-8300
• EBMUD: 866-403-2683
• PG&E: 1-800-743-5000

Local Updates

Concord Update

The City of Concord has launched a storm response page. To report flooding or downed trees blocking city streets, please contact Police Dispatch at (925) 671-3333 or 911.  Concord’s city offices and facilities will resume full operation during normal business hours on Thursday, Jan. 5.  — more information

Danville Update

There is a road closure on Front Street, north of Diablo Road, caused by erosion of the creekside embankment. Town traffic crews have closed the northbound side of Front Street from Diablo Road to Rose Street. A full road closure of Front Street is expected early Friday morning to begin repairs. The embankment will be stabilized and a tree will need to be proactively removed to help avoid further damage to the road. Please use Rose Street as a detour route. — more info

The Town of Danville has proclaimed a local emergency due to severe storms expected this week, following flooding and mudslides after the December 31 storm. — see story

Photo by City of Lafayette

Lafayette Update

Lafayette has proclaimed a Local State of Emergency due to severe storms expected this week, following flooding and mudslides just days ago during the storm on December 31. — see story

Martinez Update

The City has already provided over 7,000 sandbags to the community this storm season. Empty sandbags are available in two locations – and sand in four others. Home Depot and Ace Hardware are alternatives.  — more info

Oakley Update

Photo by City of Oakley

The City of Oakley continues to monitor flooding and have announced the following:

• Bridgehead Road at the railroad overpass is still closed
• Additional potholes have developed on Cypress Road between Sellers Avenue and Bethel Island Road. Crews will conduct grinding and asphalt patching when the storm passes. Until those repairs have been made, please use caution while driving.

Pittsburg Update

Another storm is expected to hit this weekend. Prepare your home with up to 8 pre-filled sandbags* available for Pittsburg residents. Sandbags can be picked up at 357 E 12th Street on Friday, January 6th and Monday, January 9th from 7:30a-3:30p, but limit may decrease due to supply. Public Works staff gets you in and out quickly and assistance is available to those in need. Pittsburg says they are one of the few cities in our area that offers pre-filled sandbags to residents.

Pleasant Hill Update

The Pleasant Hill Police reporting all roads are open in Pleasant Hill except for the northbound lane of Pleasant Hill Road between Oak Park Blvd and Cumberland Dr for a tree that is leaning in to the roadway on some cable lines. PG&E has been notified and will be responding.

San Pablo

San Ramon Update

Photo by city of San Ramon

San Ramon Public Works has been checking hot spot areas in San Ramon to minimize obstructions that block creek banks and creek underpasses/culverts. San Ramon residents, here are some important phone numbers. To report clogged storm drains, downed trees or flooding, please call City of San Ramon Public Works at 925-973-2800 during business hours (M–F, 8:30am–5pm); after hours, contact non-emergency dispatch at 925-973-2779.

Walnut Creek Public Works crews have been working steadily since the beginning of the storm surge on New Year’s Eve, and those efforts paid off with relatively few major incidents at City facilities, in our parks and open space, and on our streets.

Unfortunately, there have been some homes on private property impacted with flooding due to the magnitude of the storm. While Public Works responded to more than two dozen storm-related incidents on Wednesday, nearly all of them were resolved by the end of the evening. Efforts include:

• Public Works provided more than 45,000 sand bags and 650 yards of sand to the public
• The Maintenance Division Operations Center was operational all day Thursday and fully staffed to help respond to calls for service
• Staff worked staggered shifts in order to provide coverage well into the evening
• Walnut Creek Police staffed additional dispatchers on stand-bye in anticipation of increased call volume
• City Staff coordinated with the County, the Flood Control District, PG&E, CERT, Red Cross, the Fire Department and others as needed

The concern now turns to impacts the saturated ground will have with trees potentially falling.  Public Works continues to monitor the situation and respond to calls for service.  — more info