On December 30, 2022, during heavy rain a culvert failed underneath a private encroachment onto the State roadway at Creekside Cabins. First responders arrived to inquire about the safety of residents on the property, locate a means of emergency access, and assess the needs of residents at the property. Mendocino County Social Services has subsequently established safety plans for residents, in addition to providing ongoing services, which include ensuring that residents have access to food, medical supplies (including oxygen) and emergency services.
On December 31, 2022, the Mendocino County Office of Emergency Services was notified by Caltrans that maintenance, repair, and replacement of the culvert was the responsibility of the private property owner. The owner/manager of the business was promptly contacted and informed of the need for both permanent repairs and temporary access and was referred to multiple contractors capable of performing this work. The owner selected a contractor, who met with CalTrans to arrange to start work. Responsible State authorities have authorized the owner’s contractor to perform repairs on an emergency basis.
Since that time, however, no repair work has begun on the property, and it appears that the owner does not intend to address the situation. The County has been informed that the property owner declined to engage their chosen contractor. The owner has not communicated any plan or intent to repair the encroachment and has made recent statements suggesting unwillingness to perform the work.
This matter has now been referred to Mendocino County Code Enforcement, the State licensing authority over the business (“HCD”), and CalTrans for appropriate enforcement action. Mendocino County Social Services continues to assess the needs of and provide assistance to the tenants on the property, but the County does not have legal authority to gift a private business with resources to meet the landlord’s obligations. The County is evaluating the need and ability to expedite enforcement and abatement action based on any immediate health and safety needs of the residents.
