Open letter from Monterey County Administrative Officer Sonia M. De La Rosa

 

Dear Residents and Businesses,

In the last 3 weeks, we have braved winter storms that have flooded our communities,

downed trees, seriously damaged farmland, and devastated homes, resulting in the

displacement of our families and friends as well as considerable economic damage.

Countless organizations including law enforcement, county governments, city and state

partners, and the National Guard have assisted our Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

spearheaded by our Department of Emergency Management. The EOC’s foundation is

operated by steadfast and dedicated county employees serving as disaster emergency

workers.

Our objective was to safeguard residents through the series of unpredictable storms and river

flows. To do so, we utilized information from our partners at the National Weather Service,

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, the Water Resources Agency and other experts

to remain ahead of the storms’ impacts and take proactive measures to reinforce key areas to

mitigate damages.

In the coming weeks, we will work to assess, identify, and quantify the damages to seek

State and Federal emergency assistance for our community. We will also work to ensure

those impacted by the storms are able to access information and resources as they work to

recover. If you are interested in supporting recovery efforts, please consider donating to a

local organization such as the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the local America

Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together in this recovery phase.

Please take good care,

Sonia M. De La Rosa

County Administrative Officer

County of Monterey