A Times investigation found that Santa Barbara County officials had failed to maintain the flood control system and build bigger debris basins that could have lessened the mudslide’s destruction. That slide followed a wildfire that had scorched the mountains above the seaside community just weeks before. They pointed to the January 2018 debris flow in Montecito that killed 23 people and destroyed 130 homes. The county Board of Supervisors issued an emergency declaration to more easily seek disaster aid for the affected communities.īut some residents thought the county should have done more - and still should as winter approaches with more storms. Rowe, in a statement, said she “will be working hand in hand with residents” to secure state and federal funding. No system can really handle all of that.”Ĭounty officials maintained that, by law, they could not fund efforts to build or maintain their property. “The hillsides are now very active, bringing in mud…. “Before the fire, this whole system worked fine,” Biggs said. The restaurant, which was closed that day, was buried in at least six feet of mud. A tree hurtled into the main dining area. K-rail barriers were overwhelmed, and the debris crashed into Oak Glen Steakhouse & Saloon. About 3 p.m., the rain came down more intensely than anticipated, right on the burn scar on the ridge between the two communities, unleashing a flow of mud, rock and boulders. 12, the county’s alert system and the National Weather Service sent out notifications to residents, Biggs said. The county is responsible for maintaining a portion of the creek where it flows through a channel constructed in 1965, built to catch and direct runoff, said Brendon Biggs, the county public works director. In Oak Glen, Birch Creek intersects the community. “I’m asking for help to recover from a disaster not of my making.” “It’s not like I’m asking the county to come and dig a pool for me,” said Brenda Ebrahim, who believes the county should create a catastrophic fund to help residents. They are frustrated that San Bernardino County officials have told them the county is limited in how it can use public dollars to safeguard private land and residents. For fresh mountain air and acres of wooded land, they face wildfires, floods and debris flows.īut some residents in the unincorporated communities of Oak Glen and Forest Falls feel especially vulnerable now. In the mountains, residents recognize the risks and rewards they trade for living in remote areas. “They knew this was a problem,” said Grant, who grew frustrated when the county said it could do little to help residents in fortifying their homes. The seed of the disastrous mudslide - which overwhelmed a county-run flood channel and buried some areas in 12 feet of mud - was planted two years ago when the El Dorado fire scorched 22,680 acres on Yucaipa Ridge, producing a burn scar that left the mountain bare and prone to rapid erosion.
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