(Photo – Hilda Solis Office)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has officially ratified a local emergency proclamation following the severe winter storms that hit in late December. The proclamation, issued by Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, enables the County to seek reimbursement for storm-related damages and accelerate recovery efforts.
By News Desk
Chair Solis emphasized the importance of vigilance in the wake of the storms, stating, “The severe weather we’ve experienced over the past week is a clear reminder that we must remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect our communities. This proclamation highlights our commitment to respond quickly, support those affected, and ensure a swift and effective recovery for everyone impacted by these storms.”
In preparation for the storms, Chair Solis held a Dec. 23 press briefing to inform residents about evacuations, sandbag distribution, flood watches, and potential mudslides. On Dec. 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County, which triggered the mobilization of additional state resources.
The County’s Office of Emergency Management, in collaboration with law enforcement, issued targeted warnings for areas at risk of debris flows. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department carried out door-to-door outreach to vulnerable homes and provided storm warnings to unhoused individuals, offering services for interim housing.
Sheriff’s and Fire Department resources, including Search and Rescue teams and swiftwater rescue swimmers, were deployed in advance, while Incident Management Teams remained on high alert. Throughout the storm, the County’s Department Operations Centers worked closely with the Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions and coordinate response efforts.
Chair Solis extended her gratitude to County employees for their tireless work during the storm, saying, “Their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe has been essential.”
The storms caused widespread damage across Los Angeles County, including debris flows, power outages, water rescues, and a rare tornado in Boyle Heights. Crews from the Public Works Department are actively clearing debris, assessing damaged roadways, and monitoring vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, the County’s Office of Emergency Management continues to work with state officials to explore federal disaster assistance.
With additional storms and Santa Ana winds expected this week, County officials are urging residents to remain alert, avoid flooded roads, prepare for high winds, and consider using public transit, such as Metro, for holiday travel.
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