Tonight, Congressmen Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) urged President Joe Biden to amend California’s federal emergency declaration to include San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
The lawmakers’ request comes in the wake of torrential rainfall and high surf that has triggered widespread flooding, damage, and ongoing evacuations up and down the two counties.
“Time is of the essence,” the lawmakers wrote. “Federal support is necessary to save lives, protect public health and safety, and defend property from damage in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.”
Their letter to President Biden echoes and supports a similar request made by California Governor Gavin Newsom tonight.
President Biden’s original emergency declaration approved on Monday evening included 17 California counties. Subsequent damage to the Central Coast has illustrated the need for the order to be expanded.
Five years ago today, the Central Coast lost 23 lives in the Montecito Debris Flow, a tragic outcome of a similar torrential storm in the aftermath of the historic Thomas Fire.
The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
