Rutherford Project and General Flood Control: Waterway Restoration and Management

Waterways and Drainage Areas in SDCE – Planning and Restoration

The Landscape Department has been tasked with evaluating and restoring the functionality of the waterways that flow through our valley. Twelve main drainage areas have been identified and mapped, with a restoration plan prioritizing these areas accordingly. In the past, there has been little monitoring or maintenance, leading to the accumulation of deadfall, overgrowth, and invasive non-native species, which have significantly hindered effective water flow. Careful restoration will be necessary to improve water movement while minimizing erosion and maintaining our natural environment.

Many of our waterways also serve as part of our horse trail system, with multiple trails intersecting these water flow areas. Keeping these routes clear not only improves drainage efficiency but also prevents trail sections from becoming clogged or boggy, ensuring better usability for equestrians and hikers.

In extreme weather conditions, excessive rainfall combined with poor drainage can lead to creek overflows and localized flooding. Effective management of these waterways will enhance their ability to move water efficiently, reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.

Impact of the 2015 Flood and Infrastructure Enhancements

In July 2015, a severe thunderstorm produced four inches of rain within 45 minutes, causing extensive flooding in nearly all drainage areas. Much of the water was swept down from the surrounding hills, overwhelming our storm drain systems, which were not designed for such an intense event. This was classified as a 100-year flood. Since then, the County Roads Department has worked diligently to maintain street drainage, while our Landscape Department continues to provide complementary maintenance efforts.

Additionally, the Landscape Department oversaw a maintenance project north of Rutherford Road, where ten silt retention basins were installed following the 2015 flood. A civil engineer evaluated these basins and provided maintenance recommendations. A contract was awarded to Accurate Underground and Grading, a Class A Engineering contractor, to implement these recommendations. The completed work has significantly improved the ability of these basins to accommodate rainwater runoff from the hills above.

Restoration of Native Ecosystems and Long-Term Benefits

This year, efforts are underway to remove non-native species, including palms, peppers, pines, and eucalyptus trees, which have self-seeded in our creeks and drainage areas. Over the past 50 years, these species have displaced native oaks and sycamores, depriving them of essential moisture. This water stress has made our oaks particularly vulnerable to the Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB), contributing to widespread oak mortality over the last decade.

The work undertaken by your HOA and Landscape Department will have a lasting positive impact on native species conservation, flood control, and fire mitigation. Many invasive species are highly flammable, making their removal a crucial step in fire prevention efforts.

We appreciate your patience and support as we implement this long-term restoration plan. While this process will take years to complete, it is an essential step in improving fire safety, flood control, and the health of our native chaparral ecosystem.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.