Creek Claims 40 Feet Of Yard; Homeowners Worry Their Property, Home May Not Survive Another Storm

PLEASANTON, CA — A growing Pleasanton creek has eroded 40 feet of their yard in less than four weeks, and now one Pleasanton homeowner is worried about what will happen when the next storm passes through. The Arroyo de Laguna Creek, which was once small enough for children to play in, grew so massive during the unrelenting winter storms in January and February that the rushing water has gobbled vegetation, mature Redwood trees and claimed massive chunks of backyards from several homes in the 7000 block of Foothill Road. The homes are still habitable for now, but the residents are fearful of the future of their homes as they look over their new backyard cliffs that drop into the swollen creek.

“We are worried this could potentially take our home and our neighbor's home,” longtime resident David Raun told Patch.

Nine property owners in the area along the creek have an easement running along the backside of their properties to the creek. The easement is granted to Zone 7.

The creek, which used to be about 50 yards wide, has steadily grown to about 200 yards resulting in an “S curve” shape that appears to drive the water toward the properties. In the 20 years he has lived in the residence, Raun says he has not seen any improvements by Zone 7 or other agencies to help prevent what is happening to the properties today and believes the upstream development has contributed to the problem.

“The volume of water over the years have increased with all the additional concrete and storm drains that flow through our backyard,” Raun told Patch.

Raun said officials in Pleasanton and with Zone 7 have been responsive since residents started calling for help on February 24. According to Raun, Zone 7 has secured emergency funding, and surveyors have been in the area.

"The city has been devoting considerable time and effort to help residents whose homes have been impacted by bank erosion along the Arroyo de la Laguna," a city of Pleasanton spokeswoman said via email. "Staff has been in contact with state and federal agencies to facilitate a resolution and will continue to monitor the situation closely."

Zone 7 officials say they have been working with the Natural Resources Conservation Services and the city to find possible solutions.

"The initial cost estimate for the emergency construction at this site is in excess of $1 million, but this work would have to be removed and, should a long-term solution be required by the regulatory agencies, the estimate could go up to an estimated $5 million," Zone 7 officials said in a summary of the issues surrounding the creek erosion.

Zone 7 officials say the easement access was granted so the agency could “construct, maintain, operate, inspect, and repair flood control facilities and appurtenances.”

A Zone 7 board meeting is scheduled this week to discuss the matter.

Photos courtesy D. Raun