Summary of last week’s article: the CZU August Complex Lighting Fire approaches Boulder Creek, and Boulder Creek Fire Protection District Chief Mark Bingham calls for an evacuation order, protecting thousands of lives.  We continue the story in Boulder Creek Fire Chief Mark Bingham’s words: “As everyone in the Valley has learned by now, there are evacuation zones that are mapped out, and residents can find their location on those maps. When I figured out we needed an immediate evacuation, I selected the routes based on the impending danger, population and road access. We evacuated some people along Hwy 236 down, towards the east, and then south on Highway 9; the other Hwy 236 residents were evacuated towards the coast, residents who live on Highway 9 north of Bear Creek Road, we sent out towards Santa Clara; residents on Bear Creek Road were diverted out towards Highway 17, and the last group, which includes the business district and residents down to Brookdale, were sent south on Highway 9 towards Santa Cruz. By sending everyone in different directions, and evacuating residents from top to bottom—all on the same night—we kept residents moving safely without plugging up routes. The maps are already built and the zones are already there, but the implementation is up to each District Chief based on conditions and hazards. I determined the routes and the timing, working with law enforcement to implement that plan based on the predicted fire behavior. I remember being outside the station and seeing our flag blowing towards the east, and I just knew that fire was headed right for us. The 236 corridor was especially dangerous—between the wind and the terrain, that fire was going to get pushed right down the mountain. “By Tuesday night, I started calling all fire personnel to come into the station. I told them we were going to be impacted by a fire, and I didn’t know when it was going to hit the district, nor how big it was going to be, but I had made the decision to evacuate all residents. We have an internal system that we use for notification of personnel; both the Netcom dispatch center and the Felton Command Center were made aware of our evacuation order. Immediately, my phone started ringing off the hook. There’s a rotating zone coordinator for Santa Cruz County that is notified when there’s a big incident, and that person is responsible for contacting dispatchers to advise movement of personnel in the county to make sure that all areas are still covered. Our local government did an amazing job of getting ready, working with the zone coordinator and calling in the operations area coordinator (which happens to be the local Unit Chief with CalFire). The operations area coordinator then deferred his position to his backup, which was the Scotts Valley Fire Chief—that was a great decision because then they could split responsibilities between managing CalFire assets and overseeing local governance of the incident. “I made sure that all of our volunteers that were evacuating the town were on notice, and they received notification at the same time all the residents did, which was via reverse 9-1-1 calls. At that point, the danger was imminent—it was just a straight evacuation order, and that included the families of our personnel. There were no favors given to anyone. Our volunteers helped remove their families from the area, and then returned to the station, ready to engage. I gave a brief plan of action, and an estimated timeline of when I thought the incident might impact the district, and then got in touch with CalFire in Felton to determine our next move. While I was meeting with our volunteers, the operations area coordinator was contacting other local jurisdictions like Watsonville, Aptos and Santa Cruz to let them know of the impending need for support in our valley—“it’s all built in”-county mutual aid through local government. “I also placed a call to a friend, who’s a local retired Boulder Creek firefighter [NOTE: he chose to remain anonymous for this story], and I asked him to come to the station and be my scribe. I needed someone to take notes and document all the things I was saying and doing during the course of this incident, and he agreed to assist me. I was relieved that he was there to write down what had already happened, what was happening next, and every move I made along the way. I knew it all needed to be recorded, and he’s been with me since the 17th of August, capturing everything. We went down to the CalFire Command Center together to find out what resources we had on the way, what was known about the fire, hoping to hear that help was on the way. What I found out was they were already stretched thin and had very limited resources available. They have responsibility over all of Santa Cruz County, and they were spread into San Mateo County for this fire, which is also within their jurisdiction. At this point, there were fires in Santa Clara County as well, and everyone was calling for resources and support. CalFire had sent some help into our area, and I was glad for that, but it was not the level of assistance we required. 7,500 acres is a big fire for Santa Cruz County—the wind direction combined with a six-mile spot was confirmation that it was going to impact us, and I needed more. “I inquired about air support and was told that none was available that evening, and they weren’t sure if any would be available the next day (Tuesday, August 18). I left them to figure out their plan, and returned to Boulder Creek; my friend and I headed to the top of the ridge to try and scout it out ourselves and determine how close it was, and before we even got to the edge of our district on the eastern side, you could see the glow on the mountain along Upper China Grade Road, and see the direction the smoke was headed—straight down 236. The embers were coming right down that gully, and from there it was off to the races; we spread out everywhere we could to try and put out spot fires and control the spread. There were sheriff’s officers who were stationed along our roads and were calling all clear for residences, so we started pinning private road gates and logging gates open for access; that helped with what happened next, which was we started to get local government help from other Santa Cruz County agencies to assist with structure protection. “It was all a blur after that—the fire came over the mountain and overran us several times. We would get into one neighborhood, and save ten homes but lose two, and then in another neighborhood we’d lose six and save one. We started to pull back down to town to regroup; we were becoming exhausted and we needed to resupply our engines with water. We basically fought it all the way down the 236 drainage and down West Park, and the ridge coming off of Braemoor Drive down to the back of town. We pulled back to town and had an impromptu operational briefing where I gave instructions as to what we would do if we had to hold the town. Part of our plan to hold the town was to leave some resources along Central Avenue, and run patrol along the Highway 9 corridor in town, including a few blocks in each direction and lower 236. We would engage engines up towards the fire from there, and do what we could to fend it off. As the fire front was coming, it was moving in different directions and blowing in very fast; it would move through one neighborhood, and we’d have to remove ourselves due to heat and the extreme nature of it, and then we’d dive right back in after it had passed through. We were putting out fires behind houses and on houses and then chasing it to the next home where we’d battle it again, and we were just…I don’t know how many hours straight we went. We would fight fire all day, and then every evening it would come back in hard, and push down the mountain, just like clockwork. All day it would blow West toward town and between 6pm and 8pm, the wind would carry it southwest down the 236 drainage area, and we’d watch the sparks and embers blow off and start a spot fire. And then another spot fire. And another one. And then it would continue to travel down the ridge towards town. That happened four nights in a row where it would threaten, threaten, threaten, and then it would die down at the last minute. It was crazy. The only thing that gave me the calm and clarity to create a plan and work the fire was that we were going to hold town, no matter what. We had a Plan A, and a contingency plan, and an emergency plan. It was a fight. “It got within a block of town up West Park. It was just a block behind Scopazzi’s and it burned down to the church on Highway 9, including the town graveyard. It burned south for a while along 9, and then went back up the mountain. As the days went on, we started to get more resources from CalFire and out-of-area strike teams, but it was a few days into the incident. I was able to find a trail that connected behind Paone Drive, and all the way around the cemetery behind the elementary school, and got tied in with two hand crews from CalFire. We formed the plan and assisted them in a firing operation and held the school with a couple of engines as it was just ripping behind the school.  In firing operations, crews progress so as to maintain a safety zone close at hand allowing the fuels inside the control line to be consumed before going ahead. (Wikipedia)  “It was one of those cliché moment where we said, “Come hell or high water, we’re holding town and we’re holding our school.” We tried to hold the water treatment plant, but we couldn’t—the fire ran us out of there. We had two engines up there trying to hold infrastructure because we know that power and water are what keep people here. If you don’t have a town, people aren’t going to rebuild; if you lose homes, that’s terrible, but if you lose your whole town, people are pretty unlikely to build back, and if you lose your school, it’s hard to get folks to come back and start over. While all of this was going on, we still had crews out in neighborhoods, knocking down flames on houses and holding lines. It was a matter of how many resources we could send out, and how many we needed to hold back. We were on West Park, fighting the fire and trying to slow its progression—it was right above the library. We were getting closed off on the south end, because it was coming out onto 9, and we were prepared to ride it out in the center of town, while it burned over us. None of our volunteers once said they needed to go back to check on their own homes. Not once. We all knew that we were going to do what we could to save town, and not worry about ours. We were prepared for the fight.” Next week, the final installment: Town is spared, but the battle continues as losses mount. 

Beginning August 29th, resources were made available for fire evacuees at the Kaiser Permanente Arena at 140 Front Street.  From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, community members can receive a meal and help from many organizations, including the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), American Red Cross, and CAL FIRE.  According to Fifth District Supervisor, Bruce McPherson, almost 4,000 individuals have already been helped. Shannon Stabler, the Public & Community Relations Coordinator for the Arena, reports that the Recovery Resource Center will remain open “for at least 30 days, when we will reevaluate and see if the Center is still needed. So far, it’s been a great success, with such an outpour of support from so many organizations.”

Fans of American Ninja Warrior will recognize Kevin Bull, 36, and David Campbell, 42, as among the hit NBC obstacle course TV show’s top competitors. 

All over the news you see stories about how houses and whole areas have been saved by tough locals fighting for their neighbors. Not to be denied, animals received the same treatment during evacuations and still do today. Our local Santa Cruz County Horseman’s Association (SCCHA) members have done an amazing job on multiple levels.

As we near our 8th month of social distancing, community members are getting more creative and motivated to diminish their feelings of isolation.  The Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA) has been concerned for the mental health of its members since the pandemic started, but particularly as it drags on.  To combat this separation, the SVSLA has begun weekly Zoom workshops, many featuring community speakers, to check in with their seniors.  Vice President George Haas and President Dave Hodgin have spruced up their Monday afternoon with presentations from Ross Eric Gibson, noted Santa Cruz historian, Danny Reber, Executive Director, SV Chamber of Commerce, Greg Pepping, Executive Director of the Coastal Watershed Council, and Eden Israel, “Sing Along with Eden.”

The big fire of September 1904 came down from Ben Lomond mountain and crossed the county road, sweeping through the Newell Creek forest and Quail Hollow.  On the banks of what was then known as Lumbago Creek, George Fetherston had erected a fine house, where he and his wife Florence were raising two young children—William and Florence.             The San Francisco Chronicle told the rest of the story. “Trackmen on the Narrow Gauge say that for two miles on the Zayante the fire has crossed the track and the train passed between flames that are licking up the forests, farms, and fences….George Featherstone on Lumbago creek lost his home and a quantity of wood, worth $1000.”            The Fetherstons relocated to Felton where they prospered.  The elder Florence took charge of a boarding house; and George went into the liquor business.  In 1914 the couple bought and renovated the old Creamer hotel.  It soon became a favorite destination for movie companies on location in the San Lorenzo Valley.  Famous stars raved about Mrs. Fetherston’s pies and, in all likelihood, enjoyed her husband’s extensive stock of whiskey and wine.  The early years of Prohibition were very good ones for the Fetherstons.  Already the owner of most of Felton’s small downtown, George purchased 700 acres at its undeveloped south end and divided it into suburban lots and, in 1924 he purchased all the stock of the local water company.            Meanwhile, George and his son, William, were active participants in local fire fights.  In 1923, after accumulating years of experience with county fire crews, the elder Fetherson served as one of the three commissioners of the newly-formed San Lorenzo Valley Fire District.  In September of that year, a dangerous blaze sprang up half a mile from Felton.  As reported by the Santa Cruz News: “Deputy Fire Warden Geo. Fetherston upon being notified of the fire lost no time in organizing a force of men who went to the scene of the fire.  With no wind blowing the flames were kept from spreading by back firing.”             William Fetherston followed in his father’s footsteps.  He was among the crew leaders in 1930 when a blaze near China Grade threatened Big Basin.  The local volunteers had a new ally in that fight—rangers from the California Department of Forestry, who appeared on the scene with a new fire truck.  The state’s agents had been on the scene since 1926 but had been hampered by a lack of equipment and facilities.  What tools the local ranger had on hand were stored in George Fetherston’s barn in Felton.             As luck would have it, better equipment was available.   After a raid on a still, the county sheriff had confiscated a 1929 Chevrolet pick up, which he turned over to local fire fighters, who converted it into a pumper truck.  The new machine was tested when a brush fire swept through fields near the town of Swanton. Thirty men under the direction of Deputy Warden William Fetherston controlled the blaze before dawn, “assisted materially” by their new Chevrolet truck.”            A new state ranger took charge of the Santa Cruz County district in June 1934.  Charles Wilcher brought word that the Forestry Department intended to build a permanent fire suppression station in the area if it could obtain two acres of suitable land. According to the Santa Cruz News: “ Local leaders saw the advantages of having it in Felton and offered land.  George Fetherston had two choice acres near the road and reduced the price to $2000.  His only stipulation was that a local fire department be formed to raise the money.  He didn’t care how long it took.”            In December 1935, the Felton Fire Department was formally organized.  Although William Fetherston presided over the meeting, Edward Fox, a former San Francisco fireman served as the group’s first president.  The group spent the next two years raising money to pay off their $2000 mortgage.  Meanwhile, the new home of the Fire Suppression Unit took shape.  “The ranger headquarters,” observed the Sentinel, “consists of a private dwelling for the state ranger, barracks that will house twenty men and a large garage that houses the equipment of the station.”  Most of the necessary labor was provided New Deal agencies—especially the WPA and CCC.             In January 1938, the Felton Fire Department mobilized for action.  The Santa Cruz papers were pleased to learn that “Bill Fetherston, long recognized as one of the most aggressive and expert fire prevention authorities in the Santa Cruz mountain area, was last night elected chief.”            Chief Fetherston was authorized to select a dozen volunteers, who would learn to operate the Department of Forestry equipment.  Frequent drills and exercises were planned.  The goal of the local organization was to provide better protection for the town and its residents, including the new homes and summer resorts being built at a rapid pace in the neighborhood.            The Department of Forestry was equipped to fight brush, grass, and forest fires.  Fetherston and a committee spent several months deciding what the type of paraphernalia they should buy to enable the use of the state truck to fight structural blazes.                         In January 1938, the Felton Fire Department mobilized for action.  The Santa Cruz papers were pleased to learn that “Bill Fetherston, long recognized as one of the most aggressive and expert fire prevention authorities in the Santa Cruz mountain area, was last night elected chief.”            Chief Fetherston was authorized to select a dozen volunteers, who would learn to operate the Department of Forestry equipment.  Frequent drills and exercises were planned.  The goal of the local organization was to provide better protection for the town and its residents, including the new homes and summer resorts being built at a rapid pace in the neighborhood.  The Department of Forestry was equipped to fight brush, grass, and forest fires.  Fetherston and a committee spent several months deciding what the type of paraphernalia they should buy to enable the use of the state truck to fight house and commercial fires.  Their most prominent purchase was a three-section ladder, which, firemen agreed, “could be used both for structural fires and for decoration the Christmas tree the Firemen and Felton Community club put up annually.             Fetherston’s crew faced a dramatic challenge in May 1946, when the two-story wooden building housing Costella’s Lounge burst into flames one morning.  Called to duty by the department’s siren, the Felton volunteers raced to the scene.  Although the Costella building and two small adjacent structures were lost, the fire fighters rescued Mrs. Costella from the upper floor, then managed to contain the blaze, saving Roy’s Market and the Belardi building on the corner.            Their attention caught, Felton voters overwhelmingly approved the formation of the Felton Fire district in the next election.  Each property owner in the district would be assessed 43 cents per $100 assessed value.  Assured of funding, the fire department could now purchase a $10,000 fire engine, install fire hydrants and, at a future date, to construct their own fire house “in a central place in Felton.”

While staying at a friend’s house during the evacuation I was able to stroll through her garden. She’s also a landscape designer and her garden is as beautiful as you’d imagine. She’s addicted to plants and keeps adding to her megs collection on a regular basis. Among the blooming perennials I came across were some of my person favorites. All three are wonderful low water, wildlife and pollinator friendly plants. The first plant that caught my eye was an epilobium ‘Everett’s Choice’. The name Epilobium is considered current but this group of sub-shrubs used to be called Zauschneria and are so different from the other epilobiums like Fireweed that many California native plant enthusiasts and even the experts often still refer to them as Zauschneria. This low-growing vigorous ground-hugging shrub remains under 6 inches tall by up to 4 to 5 feet wide with fuzzy gray-green leaves that are covered with long whitish hairs. Vivid red-orange tubular flowers are produced in profusion in the late summer into fall. It does best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Quite drought tolerant but remains a fuller and more attractive plant with an occasional summer watering. It likes well-drained soil best but will do OK in heavier soils if not over watered. California fuchsia are deer resistant and attractive to hummingbirds.  The second plant that caught my eye is also a hummingbird magnet. Kniphofia, also called Red Hot Poker blooms spring into summer with torch-like clusters that open from the bottom up. The selection at my friend’s garden was probably Echo Mango. Whether the cultivar blooms with red, yellow, orange or mango colored flowers this perennial grows to about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide in full sun. It is evergreen and requires little summer water. Deer don’t like this plant either so that’s a plus and it’s hardy to below 15 degrees. Many of you already grow sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’. A succulent perennial to 1-2 feet tall it has wide cabbage-like rosettes of pale blue-green leaves and rich, dark pink flowers that put on a spectacular show above foliage in summer and fall. Plant in sun in a dry well-drained soil and water however much or little you want. The foliage dies back in the winter but is root hardy to below -30 degrees. This group of sedum was given the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Beautiful in the rock garden, perennial garden or spotted into a natural meadow setting it attracts bees and butterflies and is deer resistant. The seed heads can be left for winter interest as well as a food source for birds but stems should be removed prior to the new buds opening in February.  Any one of these plants would be a lovely addition to your garden if you don’t already grow them.   

I got off the ferry at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island with my sister back in 2014. It was the day before 9/11 and we were visiting a family friend who used to live across the street from us. The next morning, we walked to the downtown area and found ourselves immersed in a memorial parade commemorating the 3rd anniversary of that terrible day - 9/11/2001.  We certainly didn’t expect to see a full-on memorial parade complete with marching band, bagpiper, banners, American flags and finally taps being played mournfully by a lone bugler. We had tears in our eyes. A couple weeks ago I came across the digital photos and videos I captured of that moving day. I don’t have them now as the original CD was burned in the fire. I will always have that day’s experience captured in my mind, though. Later that day my sister and I visited Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Seemed fitting to walk among soothing lavender fields. Spread over 25 acres with lake and Olympic Mountain views it is lovely. The fragrance from the oil of the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness, reduce stress and anxiety - a good thing on a sad day.  For years when my sister was still here, we visited many islands in Puget sound touring destination nurseries and public gardens. Roche Harbor is a picturesque sheltered harbor on the northwest side of San Juan Island and this was our next stop on 9/11. This harbor is world all its own. Exploring the historic Hotel de Haro we walked among the blooming perennial beds. It was drizzling by then making the colors of the flowers pop even brighter. So many beautiful perennials - roses, anemone, heliotrope, tibouchina intertwined with coleus and lime sweet potato vine. Lovely. Even the Roche Harbor Lime and Cement Co. which dates back to the 1880’s and is now a tourist destination is landscaped beautifully. All in all, that day on September 11, 2004 will always be etched in my memory. It was a day to remember.    

Not all heroes wear capes—some wear heavy coats and boots and carry heavy fire hoses. Others wear combat gear and carry shovels and axes and some even drive ambulances, sheriffs vehicles and police cars. These are the heroes of the San Lorenzo Valley who have been working tirelessly to save our homes, our garages, our state parks and our university. They have watered our plants, fended off looters and protected the community we call home. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes..