Heavy rainstorms were thought to be at blame for a fallen tree that damaged an Emeryville Marina structure. A Monterey Pine toppled about 3 a.m. early Sunday morning damaging the roof of a shower and laundry structure used by Emeryville liveaboards, slipholders and visitors.
Crew members from East Bay Tree Service worked feverishly to cut limbs from the trunk and remove the fallen tree before the ongoing storm resumed. The heavily saturated clay and sod the tree was supported by gave way after persistent storms over the past couple weeks.
“This is happening all over. Especially on Grizzly Peak” according to East Bay Tree Service owner Victor Ghavamzade. Ghavamzade noted that his team was short-staffed and only responding to emergencies such as this. The cost of the emergency service to Emeryville Marina Management is estimated to be around $2,500.
Nobody was reported to have been in the structure at the time of the incident but those familiar with it know it to be often occupied by homeless. The facility is open around the clock and in constant use by the roughly 400 slip holders entitled to use it. Had the tree toppled in the opposite direction, it would have fallen on the footpath frequented by Marina residents and park visitors. A tarp was temporarily placed over the damaged roof to prevent flooding. No cost estimate has been provided for repairing the damage.
