Television news crews were also on hand due to the initial landslide that stranded over 100 motorists on Highway 101 early Monday, and were able to train their cameras on the disaster after the earth broke loose above La Conchita.Located between Ventura and Santa Barbara, La Conchita last experienced a mudslide a decade ago that destroyed nine houses, but did not result in any injuries due to the warning signs that a portion of the bluff was about to give way. Monday’s slide came without any warning…the strength of the flow toppled some houses on top of others.Ventura Freeway/Highway 101 remains closed and is not expected to open until Saturday.Ventura County emergency personnel – including court bailiffs and jail guards dispatched by Sheriff Bob Brooks – joined the search for victims or, with any luck at all, survivors. Over 20 people have died throughout California due to the record-breaking five-day storm.
Death toll at La Conchita now 10, VC declared a disaster area
January 14, 2005
Santa Paula News
The confirmed death toll from the devastating mudslide that struck seaside community La Conchita on Monday has now reached 10, after the bodies of a woman and her three daughters were pulled from the slide early Wednesday.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe confirmed death toll from the devastating mudslide that struck seaside community La Conchita on Monday has now reached 10, after the bodies of a woman and her three daughters were pulled from the slide early Wednesday.Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger toured the site on Wednesday accompanied by Rep. Elton Gallegly and other elected officials including Assemblymember Pedro Nava, who on Monday had called for a state of emergency to be declared. Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper, the La Conchita incident commander, updated the governor and other elected officials who toured the site Wednesday by air and on foot.About 20 people known to visit or to stay at La Conchita – located below a high bluff facing the Pacific Ocean – remain unaccounted for.Highway 101 had been buried in a landslide hours before a cliff above La Conchita unexpectedly tore loose, obliterating 13 homes, severely damaging over a dozen, and leaving others with restricted access due to damage. According to a non-resident witness, more could have been killed if it had not been for the earlier landslide just north of La Conchita that drew curious beach community residents.
