Disaster Relief Items Pour Into Flood-Stricken Cities

An odd caravan trundled up Interstate 99 to Northern California last weekend: two trucks laden with flood relief items and an assortment of vehicles carrying a Los Angeles County sheriff’s official and Malibu city staff members.

Hundreds of items--an estimated $30,000 worth--donated by Malibu area residents piled up at City Hall and fire stations after Malibu launched a recovery aid project for Northern California flood victims. Last Saturday, the donated goods were presented to the cities of Modesto and Tracy, where the trucks were greeted with cheers from disaster victims and appreciation from city officials.

“It was wonderful for us,” said Modesto spokeswoman Connie Casinetto. “There has truly been a great outpouring of support.”

Wheelbarrows, bedding, clothes and other items donated by people from Malibu and Ventura and Los Angeles counties were turned over to each city for distribution.

“I was elated by the number of things we collected,” said Sarah Maurice, Malibu spokeswoman. “Being disaster victims many times over, person after person [in Malibu] was so happy to reciprocate to the people in Northern California.”

Maurice said she hoped Malibu would continue spearheading relief efforts.

“Volunteerism is a very important aspect to a community way of life,” she said. “We just need to never forget when we need help, people are always there. We need to remember to always give back.”

Casinetto said more than 2,000 residents of waterlogged Modesto were evacuated during the rains, including many low-income families whose lives were devastated by the rushing waters.

In Tracy, where many homes are still under water, residents were thrilled to get items that would help in the cleanup effort, relief coordinators said.

“At a real bad time and real depressing time, it has lifted everyone’s spirits, “ said Betty Souza, a Tracy resident organizing relief projects.