Monterey County study identifies causes of chronic Bolsa Knolls flooding
By Michael Rosales
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BOLSA KNOLLS, Calif. (KSBW) — Monterey County supervisors are evaluating solutions to chronic flooding in the Bolsa Knolls area, located north of Salinas, after a county-led study identified key issues affecting the Santa Rita Creek.
The study found that sediment and vegetation are blocking water flow, the culvert system is undersized, and erosion on private property is contributing to the problem.
“As you can see, there was flooding in 2025, flooding in 2022, flooding in 2017, and even further back to the first picture in the left-hand corner, floods back in 2014,” said Randell Ishii, County of Monterey Public Works director.
To address the flooding, the County of Monterey Public Works proposed four improvements: replacing and expanding culvert infrastructure, removing sediment and clearing vegetation to prevent blockages, and building upstream basins to hold water and catch sediment.
“They’re looking at, you know, the cost and the benefits of the proposed alternatives. And, obviously, keeping in mind trying to protect the public in both of those areas from flooding,” said Michael Trapani, a hydrologist.
Ishii noted the complexity of the issue, stating, “This is a multi-jurisdiction issue. There is not one single entity that is responsible for creek maintenance, much less flood prevention in that community or along the entire Santa Rita Creek.”
While the county maintains certain sections of the creek, some of the most problematic areas are located on private property.
“Those parts of the creek that are in county jurisdiction, the county of Monterey’s jurisdiction, and that we have maintenance control over, those are maintained on a regular ongoing basis throughout the year,” said Nick Pasculi, a county representative.
Ishii added, “The creek becomes very narrow. There is lots of private property that’s being developed all the way up to and sometimes in the creek itself.”
Even on private property, erosion affecting the creek could prompt enforcement under county codes.
“The county would have the potential to enforce, you know, code enforcement action against that property owner to minimize and mitigate the amount of sediment coming from their property,” Trapani said.
Each proposed solution comes with a project plan and estimated cost, which the county will evaluate at a future Board of Supervisors meeting to decide whether to move forward.
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