La Concha ti, a small coastal community in Ventura County, California, is once again on alert as forecasters predict a strong El Niño winter. The town’s history of devastating landslides – most notably in March 1995 and January 2005 – has taught residents that early evacuation can save lives.
Survivors Stress the Need to Leave Early
Russ Brazelton, who survived both the 1995 and 2005 slides, says he will not gamble with his family’s safety. “I literally have run from the last two landslides. I lost my father‑in‑law and everyone who died in the last one. I have not recovered, mostly, from all that,” he explained. Brazelton now watches the streets for water turning from clear to mud, a sign that runoff is building and it may be time to evacuate.
Residents Stock Up on Essentials
Long‑time resident Pedro Zaragoza has taken a practical approach. “I’ve got pretty much everything in my car – medical supplies, clothes, food – just in case something happens,” he said. Many households have placed warning signs on vulnerable properties, and some homes with visible damage are currently for sale, though the market remains uncertain during an El Niño winter.
County Officials Emphasize Preparedness
Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere, representing the First District that includes La Concha ti, acknowledges the community’s unique risk. “We know the tragic history here,” LaVere said. He urges residents to develop evacuation plans, stay alert during storms, and follow any county evacuation orders without hesitation.
Public Works Director Gregg Stakaluse added that the county’s infrastructure teams are reviewing drainage and road stability each year. “We prepare every year and do that well. This year we are looking for ways to make our infrastructure more resilient,” he noted.
Emergency Services Director Patrick Maynard echoed the message, urging residents not to wait for official orders if conditions become unsafe. “If there’s been rain and the situation appears unsafe, don’t wait for us to tell you to leave. We want residents to be empowered to monitor the hillside and evacuate when needed,” he said.
Red‑Tagged Properties Remain Uninhabitable
Some sections of La Concha ti are fenced off and marked “red‑tagged,” meaning they are unsafe for habitation. LaVere clarified that while the county does not have a duty to remove structures, it does prohibit anyone from living in those units.
How to Stay Informed
County officials encourage all residents to sign up for Ventura County alerts at readyventuracounty.gov. The alerts provide real‑time updates on weather, runoff, and evacuation orders.
Local media will feature a special El Niño weather segment on Thursday, offering further guidance for La Concha ti and surrounding neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
While the community cherishes its ocean views and close‑knit spirit, the looming El Niño season reminds everyone that vigilance and preparation are essential. As Brazellton put it, “It’s a nice place to live, but it’s getting a little more nerve‑wracking with melting oceans and stronger storms. It’s serious, and we must be ready.”
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
