Storm dumps rain on Santa Paula

Chief Skeels said three of the screening rooms of the seven complex theater were flooded when the east side of the building experienced water buildup from plugged outside drains. “There are emergency exits in the screening rooms, and where they open up to the sidewalks and the grade below the drains were plugged, backing up into the rooms. That required some wet, dirty activity to get them unplugged and get the water out.”One house on the 800 block of Railroad Avenue required fire department response when a portion of the kitchen ceiling threatened to collapse from water leaking into the structure. Firefighters cut a small hole in the ceiling to release the water.The wind storm of recent weeks also complicated matters by clogging gutters and downspouts. Even the fire department’s Station 1 and Station2 had leakage problems, said Chief Skeels.He cautioned that “It would be very prudent if people with a history of flooding stocked up on sand and sandbags for when the need arises. . .the city does keep a supply for flood rising at the levy, but people should stock up if they know they’re likely to have the need.”Chief Skeels said the bags cost about 40 to 50 cents each and there are “at least two suppliers in town, Rain for Rent and Mayberry Masonry, that carry them. . .so we would encourage people with a history of flooding, or those whose houses are sitting low relative to the grade,” obtain sandbags and sand. “When rainy season approaches, go out and buy some sandbags so instantly you can be proactive when the rain is coming.”