The County of Mendocino has received numerous questions and concerns about the conditions at Creekside Cabins and will attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) below:

Question:         Why can’t the temporary bridge be in place longer?

Answer:           The temporary bridge must be able to cross the sinkhole, which has grown in size due to the erosion caused by the storm and the delay of the property owner to schedule a timely repair. Unfortunately, this extends the bridge into the adjacent Hwy 101, which requires one-way controlled traffic and would create a safety hazard for motorists if left unattended.

Question:         Why can’t the County give the residents more time, why now?

Answer:           Due to the health and safety conditions at the site, the County needed to close the area. Environmental concerns, such as illegal dumping and illicit discharge into the nearby creek can not be allowed to continue. Additionally, the unfortunate timing of the appearance of the sinkhole is dangerously close to the salmonid spawning season, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has advised the County of the mitigation and monitoring measures. These measures make activity in an active watercourse impractical.

Question:         Many of the vehicles and trailers are not registered, will law enforcement be waiting to issue citations to evacuees?

Answer:           The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has advised our partner law enforcement agencies of the emergency evacuation and subsequent concerns.

Question:         Whose responsibility is it to fix the culvert/driveway?

Answer:           The private property owner is responsible for restoring vehicle access to the site, whether that is via Caltrans encroachment permit or an alternative route. If access is restored, responsibility for any clean up or mitigation will need to be managed between the property owner and Caltrans.