SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) issues the following statement regarding the State of Emergency Declaration from Brown Governor for the County of Santa Barbara due to the effects of the Alamo and Whittier Fires.?
I commend Santa Barbara and other local officials for their brave and responsive actions to fight these devastating fires, which have burned thousands of acres, damaged homes and infrastructure as well as agriculture, and caused the evacuation of many residents. On just the Whittier fire alone there are 1,924 firefighters and other personnel from around the state with 145 fire engines, 39 fire crews, 18 bulldozers, and 16 helicopters. It cannot be underestimated how valuable the coordinated efforts among Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Sheriffs, Santa Barbara County and City Fire Departments, the Goleta Water District, the state and federal agencies, including CHP, CalFire, and Caltrans, and utility companies, both Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric, have been for our entire community. I am thankful to our brave first responders and other firefighters who have traveled from throughout the state to put their lives on the line to help control this fire and protect the people who live here. I also want to thank the American Red Cross and the Humane Society for their efforts towards helping evacuees and their animals.
As I surveyed the impact the Whittier Fire has already caused, including the terrifying scene where so many children had to shelter in place and the remains of the outdoor education center, I was reminded of the immense pride we all share for our community. For my part, I will continue to work closely with state and local officials, my legislative colleagues, and the Administration to make certain the State of California fulfills its commitment to Santa Barbara in a timely and efficient manner.
The full text and explanation of the Emergency Proclamation can be found here.
For? the latest information on evacuations and status updates see the County of Santa Barbara website.
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— Monique Limón represents the 37th Assembly District which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Carpinteria, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Buellton, Solvang, Summerland, Isla Vista, Montecito and parts of Oxnard. She currently serves as an Assembly Assistant Majority Whip.?