Mudslides leave DV homeowners worried about their safety at home
After heavy rains flooded the hills in the Dos Vientos area in December of last year, several mudslides swept into houses, resulting in damaged houses and displaced families.
The 2013 Springs fire destroyed plants that kept loose soil in place, increasing the risk of mudslides. Since the mudslides, the city has approved $113,000 of temporary measures to prevent further damage. The city is providing a quarter of those funds, while the rest is funded by the National Resources Conservation Service, a federal agency that works with private landowners to maintain natural resources. Sandbags were placed against hills to temporarily protect houses.
Many homeowners believe temporary measures are not enough, with some even deeming them “unsafe”. After a fire and several mudslides, the Dos Vientos community asked for permanent measures to help them feel safe in their homes. At a Dec. 16 Thousand Oaks City Council meeting, one family mentioned the emotional damage to their children, one of whom added to her Christmas list a wish for no more mudslides. Some individuals have even been moved to sue the city over the physical and emotional damage caused by the local emergency. As of now, the city has not implemented any long-term measures.
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