In the wake of last winter's rains, the city of Guadalupe has strengthened its defenses against future storms.
“Fortunately, we did not suffer any damage compared to previous years,” said Jose Meraz, an emergency management technician with the city of Guadalupe.
Last month, Meraz says, the city received a package of new equipment from the state to help prevent flooding problems from future severe storms.
“We have big bags, and the super bags will be filled with sand in case the berm fails or to help divert water in the event of any flooding or such situations,” he explained.
On January 9, 2023, hours of sustained rain caused the Santa Maria River to overflow, sending water flowing through homes on Pioneer Street and flooding nearby agricultural fields.
Vince Lopez III told KSBY that his excavation crews spent months in Guadalupe assessing and repairing damage.
“We saw a lot of mud. There was a lot of mud and flooding happening out there,” he recalls.
Lopez says his company also tended to cause damage along the river itself, clearing debris and widening the channel in preparation for another storm.
“If there is a flood, it should be able to handle more water,” Lopez added.
Flooding from the Jan. 9 storm has left many Guadalupe families without a home, Meraz says, adding that extra supplies have been brought to the city in case it happens again.
“The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management was able to provide us with water and MRE meals. We have beds, we have blankets, we have personal hygiene,” Meraz said.
After dealing with the extensive damage Guadalupe saw last winter, Meraz says the city is well prepared to deal with the effects of the next round of rain.
“We have our public works and every department working together to make sure our infrastructure is working properly to prevent any future flooding,” he said.
Meraz says the city's new storm supplies were not needed during the storms in early February, but he added they will be ready to deploy if additional protection is needed for future storms.
