SLVUSD cancels school, child care over evacuations

BEN LOMOND >> The San Lorenzo Valley School District canceled school on Tuesday and Wednesday due to evacuation orders surrounding concerns over a possible debris flow event in the San Lorenzo Valley.

The announcement was made in a letter to parents, students and the San Lorenzo Valley community on Monday. More than 4,800 people are under evacuation orders due to debris flow risk, according to County Spokesman Jason Hoppin. Officials went door to door to more than 2,800 homes to personally warn evacuees.

The debris flow evacuation is just another item on the list of disasters the San Lorenzo Valley community has had to endure in the last six months. The CZU Lightning Complex fire displaced 911 households as a result of the destruction.

While many families have returned to a long-term living situation, a small number are still renting space from the county fairgrounds or local hotels, Hoppin said.

“Living in the San Lorenzo Valley is not for the faint of heart,” said SLVUSD Superintendent Laurie Bruton in the letter. “We certainly have been through numerous tests of our patience, tenacity, and endurance this school year. Keep your family safe and we will be back in class online as soon as possible.”

The district continued its food service pick up on Tuesday, for families in need. Pick up was available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bus service for food pick still ran, as well, and families were provided with food for the whole week.

However, YMCA child care at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary and Camp Campbell were canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

While debris flow events and evacuations might not affect everyone within the SLVUSD, incoming weather can impair their ability to access online facilities. The Santa Cruz Mountains are projected to experience gale-force winds that can reach upward of 60 mph, according to PG&E, and the National Weather Service expects 8-12 inches of rainfall during the storm.

High winds could knock out power and topple trees that can block roads. Meanwhile, rain can cause roads to flood and debris could possibly block roads as a result of heavy rainfall, too. People who stay in their homes should be prepared to go several days without access to power, grocery stores and gas stations, according to Hoppin.

“We’ll get through this, but it will require strength of character and perseverance on everyone’s part,” Bruton said in the conclusion of her letter.