Large tree dangles over 405 Fwy, shutting down SB lanes
A San Clemente home sustained significant damage Monday when a tree fell during a storm, crashing through the roof and destroying a portion of the deck. The incident occurred as a powerful storm system impacted Southern California.
Homeowner Describes the Incident
Carolyn Jacinto, the homeowner, recounted hearing a loud boom around noon on Monday, initially mistaking it for an earthquake. The tree, located in a city spillway adjacent to her property, ultimately pierced through her garage roof and demolished part of her deck, which serves as the primary access point to her front door.
Spillway Upkeep Concerns
Jacinto, who has lived in the home for 22 years, expressed frustration, believing the damage stemmed from a lack of city maintenance in the spillway area. She stated that routine upkeep typically occurs annually in the spring, but was not completed last year. Jacinto shared documentation with ABC7 showing she contacted the city in July 2024 regarding her concerns, but no action was taken.
City Response
San Clemente City Manager Andy Hall stated that the damage was not a result of negligence. He emphasized that the city conducts regular tree maintenance but cannot address every location annually. Hall noted that city maintenance crews are particularly busy this time of year, balancing neighborhood work with coastal damage mitigation.
Jacinto reported receiving a response from the city on Tuesday, as cleanup efforts continued. She is preparing to file a claim with the city and expressed concern about potential additional rainfall this week, which could exacerbate the situation due to water drainage into the damaged area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the tree to fall?
The tree fell during a storm and could not withstand the conditions in the spillway next to the homeowner’s property.
What is a spillway?
A spillway is a structure used to provide controlled release of water from a dam or levee, in this case, channeling water from hillside neighborhoods to the ocean.
Did the city respond to the homeowner’s concerns before the incident?
No, the homeowner contacted the city in July 2024 regarding concerns about the spillway, but crews did not arrive to address the issue.
As Southern California braces for more potential storms, how can communities best prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with aging infrastructure and extreme weather events?