Public Works protects fire-affected communities from flooding by William Cortez - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Public Works protects fire-affected communities from flooding

By William Cortez, Community Writer
October 23, 2024 at 04:01pm. Views: 758

As winter approaches, San Bernardino County Public Works is intensifying efforts to protect communities impacted by the recent Bridge and Line fires. These fires have left areas vulnerable to flooding, prompting the department to proactively implement risk mitigation measures.

The Flood Control District (FCD), part of San Bernardino County Public Works, has been consistently coordinating with CalFire, the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team and the California Watershed Emergency Response Teams (WERTs) to establish a plan for preparing for future floods and debris flows in the affected areas of our county. Public Works Operations crews have been clearing debris, vegetation and sediment from basins, channels and storm drains to prevent blockages that could lead to flooding, especially in fire-affected regions. Flood control teams are on standby 24/7, ready to respond as storms approach. Pre-staged equipment has been strategically placed across the county for quick mobilization.

To enhance flood risk monitoring, the FCD has installed 26 additional flood control cameras, bringing the total to 86. These cameras provide real-time surveillance of flood-prone areas, allowing for immediate detection of rising water levels and potential hazards. A comprehensive dashboard provides real-time data from these cameras and rain gauges, enabling personnel to track rainfall and flood conditions. This internal system is crucial for maintaining situational awareness before and during storms. Additionally, the Flood Area Safety Taskforce (FAST) is regularly organized to evaluate conditions and determine if action is necessary. FAST calls involve key county emergency responders and weather experts who provide real-time updates and coordinate responses as storms approach.

“This is not just about being prepared—it’s about protecting the people we serve,” said San Bernardino County Public Works Director Noel Castillo. The department’s coordinated efforts and increased readiness ensure county teams can respond effectively to any challenges posed by winter storms.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves. For more information on flood preparedness, visit prepare.sbcounty.gov.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: BBOP Center

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 523

BBOP Information Session The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, has launched Pathways to Prosperity, its Employment Training Pathway Program (ETPP), a comprehensive workforce initiative designed to connect residents facing barriers to employment with the skills, credentials, hands-on experience and employer relationships needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino's California Theatre from 1930

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 384

Nearly a century after opening its doors, the downtown landmark remains an important connection between the city's entertainment history and its cultural future. In downtown San Bernardino, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts stands as a reminder of a time when attending a movie or live performance was one of the most anticipated social occasions in a growing Southern California city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 377

With winter approaching, emergency officials are coordinating flood prevention, roadway maintenance and public alerts to help residents prepare for dangerous weather. A heavy rainstorm can change the landscape of San Bernardino in a matter of hours. Streets that ordinarily carry commuters and school buses can become difficult to navigate, drainage channels can fill rapidly, and neighborhoods near foothills may face increased risks from flooding and debris.

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 393

During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 260

November 11 screening of acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light” invites students and community members to experience international cinema and discussion. Films can transport audiences to places they have never visited, introduce them to unfamiliar experiences and encourage them to consider how people in different parts of the world navigate relationships, work and personal challenges.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 305

November 21 event at Olive Avenue Market will introduce residents to drought-tolerant landscaping, city rebates and the benefits of native plants. A beautiful garden does not have to depend on a large lawn or plants that require frequent watering.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 261

Cosme Córdova and Eduvina pose in front of the Division 9 Gallery booth, where visitors had the opportunity to purchase commemorative souvenirs and keepsakes celebrating Riverside's Día de los Muertos Festival.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 224

Competitive gaming is becoming another avenue for students to develop teamwork, communication and technical skills, and Moreno Valley Unified School District is preparing an event focused specifically on female participants.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 159

The Asian American Pacific Islander Student Association will host an evening of friendly competition at the Drayson Center. The cheers of a crowd are not limited to basketball courts, football fields or traditional athletic competitions. Increasingly, students gather around video game screens to compete, encourage friends and enjoy a shared experience.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 197

The Roadrunners defeat Peninsula High School to capture the CIF Southern Section Division 5 title, giving Loma Linda a championship moment worth celebrating. Under the stadium lights in Huntington Beach, a group of young athletes representing Loma Linda Academy delivered a performance that will become part of their school's athletic history.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 211

The Loma Linda Branch Library on November 15 Tails and Stories program gives families an opportunity to combine reading practice with the companionship of therapy dogs. For a child learning to read, a difficult word can sometimes feel like an enormous obstacle. The letters may be familiar, but putting them together takes concentration.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:15am. Views: 174

The Grand Terrace school's scheduled observance connects a historic moment in American education with lessons about courage, inclusion and the importance of treating others with dignity. A walk to school is an ordinary part of childhood for many families. Students carry backpacks, greet classmates and make their way toward classrooms where another day of learning awaits.

--> -->