SENATOR LIMÓN JOINED GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO AID IN RECOVERY EFFORTS IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

(SANTA BARBARA) Today, Senator Monique Limón joined Governor Gavin Newsom, elected officials, National Guard Troops, and local organizations to survey damage from last weekend’s atmospheric rivers, and joined efforts to prepare for upcoming storms. The Governor also announced that he has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden, making necessary resources available to our local governments as the state prepares for recovery efforts. 

“I am grateful that the Governor has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden,” said Senator Limon. “Almost 5 years ago to the day of the Montecito Debris flow, our County experienced yet another historic storm, bringing flooding and causing immense damage to homes and critical infrastructure. As our communities face yet another weekend of projected rainfall and potential flooding, these funds will help keep our communities safe and recover from any damage they should experience.” 

“We expect about 1 to 3 inches of rain, mild to heavy throughout the state. What makes this storm series so unique is that it is not isolated,” said Governor Newsom at a press conference in Santa Barbara County. “That is why we have requested the Major Disaster Declaration from the Biden Administration. The President could not be more responsive.”

On Thursday January 12th, Senator Limón and Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D- Santa Barbara), sent a joint letter to Governor Newsom asking that he submit a formal request for a Major Disaster Declaration. According to initial damage estimates, many of the critical debris basins that protect the community are completely full with more than 550,000 cubic yards of material.

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Monique Limón represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Port Hueneme. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, and Chair of the Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector.

Contact: Christina Montoya: christina.montoya@sen.ca.gov