Bad Weather Threatens HOA In Richmond, Slide Imminent

Worsening weather threatens HOA communities in Richmond, California, as residents rush to make a temporary fix. It remains to be seen whether their efforts will pay off.

Weather-Induced Evacuation

Several storms have already hit countless California neighborhoods over the past weeks. Communities are still cleaning up and checking the extent of damages brought on by recent inclement weather, with hopes that the oncoming storms won’t do any more harm.

One community, Point Richmond, was forced to evacuate 15 homes after someone spotted a crack in the hillside following a massive storm.

The person who noticed the crack immediately reported it, recognizing the dangers that would inevitably arise. About a week later, residents successfully covered the crack in the ground with several tarps. With some hope, the tarps will prove effective in protecting the break from the next storm.

According to homeowner Pat Prendiville, the tarp effort took a few days to accomplish. They were working against winds blowing 20 miles an hour, so securing the tarps was difficult.

The Next Steps

With 15 homes evacuated, the streets near the break remained empty. A few homeowners received permission to return to get more belongings. However, officials later gave out an order to prevent anyone from entering the area thoroughly.

Local authorities are taking action to ensure homeowners remain safe and the crack does not worsen. Prendiville relayed that the police have been staying on-site 24 hours a day.

City officials are also already working on a solution. They have installed instruments in the area to give more detailed information on what is happening beneath the ground. The data collected from this should let them know if the rain plays a role in further damage and how to proceed. Until then, the tarps and other temporary fixes will have to do.