After months of preparation and more than $300,000 expenditures in the aftermath of the Santa Anita II fires that diverted a wall of mud from homes, the fire-ravaged hillside seemed to be holding despite the rain storms.
The city's efforts to save homes beneath the fire-ravaged hillsides from a flood of mud and debris have been praised, but mud and debris are still flowing onto Highland Vista, Monte Place, Vista and Santa Anita Avenues.
Heavy rains triggered a mudslide along Santa Anita Canyon Road, blocking access to the Angeles National Forest and prompting city officials Thursday to declare a local emergency. Recent storm-related problems caused an estimated $1 million in damage to private and public property.
Public Services Director Pat Malloy met with the Highland Homeowners Association to update the residents on the work that has been done after the fire that denuded the hillsides above their homes.
This month's heavy rainstorms triggered as many as 18 mudslides. The first major slide deposited 6000 cubic yards of mud on a section of road in Arcadia. The road to Chantry Flat is closed until further notice.