If you were jolted awake by thunder and lightning early Friday, April 10, you weren’t alone. Around 3 a.m., lightning struck a towering redwood tree near the Monsignor Fahey Parish Center, the church office for Star of the Valley Catholic Church.
“Pieces of the shattered tree penetrated the roof in several places, causing rain water damage to ceilings, walls and floors,” said Msgr. James E. Pulskamp, Pastor at Star of the Valley. “Fortunately, the church was not impacted, so Masses and other services are continuing as scheduled.”
However, Star of the Valley canceled their upcoming Bingo dates. They expect to resume their Bingo events by September.
According to the Press Democrat, debris from the fallen tree also damaged the adjacent property, affecting nearby businesses including Sonoma County Ambulance Services and Sequoia Senior Solutions.
Insurance companies are currently working with the church, the affected businesses, and a construction company to address the damage, said Peter Hardy, Men’s Club Social Director for the church. A temporary patch has been installed on the roof, he said, but crews are still working to mitigate interior and water damage.
Another tree was hit by lightning near the West Rec Center, also on Friday, but no damage to any buildings in that area was reported.