Are storms tip of the iceberg?





Just another El Niño story, you say?

True, it remains to be seen whether last weekend’s showers are really the beginning of bigger storms to come. Maybe not, but either way, the City of Agoura Hills is taking no chances.

In a better-safe-than-sorry move, Ramiro Adeva, director of public works, outlined steps that every homeowner should take before the deluge begins.

Speaking at a Dec. 9 City Council meeting, Adeva explained how the city is preparing for the upcoming storms.

Drainage is critical to the city and homeowners, he said, especially since the three local creeks—Lindero, Medea and Palo Comado—could rage during a prolonged rainy season and pose a variety of risks.

The city is sending out information on safety measures to homeowners associations, owners of hillside properties and golf courses, developers and contractors. For instance, residents who own boats on Lake Lindero should secure their vessels to avoid having them swept away during a storm.

The city and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District removed debris from catch basins and public culverts along major streets to avoid flooding and instructed homeowners and HOAs to do the same on private roads.

The city is also working with the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and the Los Angeles County Fire Department to get the word out to homeowners about preparation.

The council approved Adeva’s request to increase the public works department’s emergency preparedness budget by $150,000. He said the city has spent $75,000 so far.

Rain gutters, sandbags

Sandbags will be available at various fire stations for Los Angeles County residents, including Fire Station 89 at 29575 Canwood St. in Agoura Hills, (818) 597-2272, and at Fire Station 65 at 4206 N. Cornell Road, (818) 889-0610.

While sand and sandbags are free, residents and businesses must bring equipment and tools to fill their own bags. There is a 25-bag limit per person and business.

Adeva said homeowners should inspect their roofs, prune trees, clean rain gutters and discuss an emergency plan with family members, including a plan to evacuate.

Insurance policies should be reviewed for adequate coverage, he said, especially for properties in a flood zone.

Emergency kits should be assembled at homes in case of the loss of electricity, gas and other services. Families should also know where they should go in case of an evacuation.

The city will use the notification service Connect-CTY to provide residents with necessary updates. To register for the Connect-CTY system, visit www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us, link to the El Niño page and then Connect- CTY Registration.

Adeva said residents should know the city’s hotline number, (818) 597-7356, and sign up for SeeClickFix, a phone app that allows residents to report storm-related issues.

“The public can help with extra eyes,” he said.

Mayor Harry Schwarz said he was concerned about mudslides around the Morrison Ranch homes and flash flooding in Old Agoura.

“Roads will be impassable,” Schwarz said.

Adeva said an emergency plan has been established with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in case of flash flooding.

The public works director said the sheriff’s department “fully anticipates what can happen in these storms. . . . They’re prepared, definitely.”

Councilmember Linda Northrup said the city’s Community Emergency Response Team is also ready to help.

“I don’t know whether the El Niño will be a godsend or not,” Councilmember Bill Koehler said. “ We’re going from a scorched earth to treading water. Part of the responsibility belongs to community members themselves. Emergency information is out there.”



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