Cleanup continues across Citrus Heights in wake of major storms

By Mike Hazlip—
Damage from January’s storms can still be seen around Citrus Heights, as tree services are backlogged with requests.

Debris from a fallen tree that crushed the garage of a home on Twin Oaks Avenue near Holly Drive was visible in the driveway on Wednesday. No one appeared to be home, and an orange notice could be seen posted to the door of the home.

The home appears to be one of the most heavily damaged properties in Citrus Heights after a series of storms struck California in the first weeks of 2023. The Black Angus restaurant along Greenback Lane was also damaged when a tree fell on Jan. 10, and downed trees were reported throughout the city as crews worked to remove debris and clear roadways.

Derrick McDade of TreePros Inc., told The Sentinel in a phone call Thursday that his company has been in what he called “rescue mode” by removing trees from vehicles and homes. Another tree service said Thursday they were booked three weeks out and were only able to prioritize the most severe situations.

McDade, who’s company serves the greater Sacramento area, recalled one tree that damaged a home in Citrus Heights, calling the house a “total loss.”

“You’re trying to get to so many people, that you don’t have a lot of time to do all the details,” McDade said.

Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney gave the City Council a report in last Thursday’s council meeting, saying the city’s General Services Department fielded more than 400 service requests during the two weeks of storms. The call volume was about three times higher than normal.

Calls included more than 100 downed or damaged trees affecting the public right of way, 74 calls regarding street flooding/clogged drains, another 30 calls regarding downed lines, and 78 calls about debris in the roadway.

On Jan. 14 President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for several counties in California, including Sacramento County. According to a subsequent FEMA news release, assistance to those affected “can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”