Sheriff Proclaims Emergency as Storm Damage Tops 14 Million Dollars

The series of brutal atmospheric rivers that began drenching Ventura County on Christmas Eve has officially triggered a local emergency. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff signed the emergency proclamation late last week after assessing the widespread destruction to critical infrastructure, residential neighborhoods, and recreational areas. Early estimates from the Office of Emergency Services suggest that repair costs will exceed 14 million dollars, a number that is expected to rise as inspectors reach more isolated areas.

Heavy Rainfall Batters Roadways and Lake Piru

The rainfall, which broke daily records in several parts of the county, has been particularly hard on the region's infrastructure. Significant damage has been reported at Lake Piru and the surrounding canyon roads, where saturated hillsides gave way, sending mud and debris across key transit routes. Public works crews have been working around the clock to clear rockslides, but many secondary roads remain closed or restricted to local traffic only.

The emergency proclamation is a vital legal step that allows the county to bypass certain bidding requirements for repairs and seek immediate state and federal aid. Sheriff Fryhoff noted that the saturation levels of the soil are the highest seen in years, making the terrain extremely volatile. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a special meeting on January 6 to formally ratify the proclamation and begin the process of requesting a major disaster declaration from the Governor's office.

Seeking Federal Aid for Recovery

The goal of this proclamation is to unlock funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with both public and individual recovery. Under previous disaster declarations, this funding has been used to repair bridges, levees, and public buildings that were undermined by floodwaters. Local officials are also hoping to secure "Individual Assistance" grants, which would help residents whose homes were damaged by mudflows or rising water.

As Ventura County braces for another potential wind event this weekend, the emergency status ensures that resources remain prepositioned in high risk zones. County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson emphasized that while the rain has stopped for now, the threat of falling trees and further land movement remains high due to the waterlogged ground. Residents are being encouraged to report any property damage through the county’s emergency website to help build the case for federal support.