On January 10, 2005, La Conchita, California
experienced a landslide and debris flow, the second in less than ten years
(the first was in the spring of 1995.) 10 people were killed in this tragic
event and homes lost in the 156-home community. Suffering the loss of their
family members were Jimmie Wallets and his daughter Jasmine.
Each time I drive by La Conchita on Highway
101 north of Ventura and south of Santa Barbara, my heart goes out to the
families who suffered loss of life and property in a disastrous landslide
after a mountain soaked with rain gave way and tumbled onto the homes below
in this once peaceful village where neighbors shared barbecues and
celebrated the holidays on their patios and in the streets of lovely La
Conchita.
When you stand on the sloped, paved roads
of La Conchita, you can see Highway 101 below but what stands out most is
the huge expanse of Pacific Ocean stretching into what seems like infinity.
Beautiful blue skies and rich, golden sunsets are the trademark of a seaside
village filled with hard-working folks who invested in the California dream
by purchasing property not far from major cities where jobs are available.
Trouble is, the hill above this community is not stable and geologic maps
and reports from years back show that it's slid more than once.
In the recent landslide, families lost
loved ones who were buried in dirt and could not be rescued in time.
As you drive by this area of Highway 101, you'll usually notice crosses
perched on the hills, marking the spots where lives were lost. The beauty of
this stretch of road has captures the soul of many who pass by. When
you drive by, remember those who loved the California coast—the moms, kids
and folks who never had time to escape nature's fury. Look for the crosses
to remember those who suffer today and miss their family members who
happened to be in the "safe comfort" of their homes when tragedy so quickly
struck.
