Storm cleanup continues in North Shore as residents question county response
NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly a week after Tropical Storm Rachel brought flooding, mud and debris to North Shore, residents are still cleaning up damage to their properties, with some raising concerns about the county’s response and the resources available to help them recover.
For resident Lizet Soto, the storm was a frightening experience.
“It was really scary. It started in the middle of the night. We were hoping for the best but we could hear it was pretty strong,” Soto said.
As residents work to clean up, Soto said she believes the county’s response came too late.
“It honestly has been very disheartening because we did not see the support from the county immediately. It took several days for them to come out here,” Soto said.
She said she contacted Riverside County multiple times with no answer. Soto also says she spoke with a county worker who told her there were no funds available to help repair the damage.
Soto said the destruction could create additional challenges for families across the community.
“A lot of these families are working communities, they work in agriculture, so for them it’s going to be very difficult all the damage that happened to their properties,” she said.
A few doors away, Agustine Ramirez Olvera is also dealing with the aftermath. Floodwater rushed through his property, leaving thick mud and damaged ground behind.
Ramirez Olvera has not been able to begin cleaning up because of work commitments and a lack of resources to handle the repairs on his own.
In a press release, Riverside County said it is working with organizations including TODEC, the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon to help residents remove mud and debris from their properties.
County officials reported that 14 homes had water or mud inside following the storm. The county described the damage as generally minor and said most of the affected homes could remain occupied after cleanup.
Several vehicles were also surrounded by mud and debris. Most affected roads reopened by Sunday, although county crews continued clearing debris and making road repairs.
For residents like Soto, however, questions remain about what assistance will ultimately be available to help families rebuild.
“Taking it day by day. Waiting to see what the county does ultimately provide before we can start to rebuild,” Soto said.
News Channel 3 reached out to Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez for comment but did not receive a response.
The county is encouraging residents to report storm-related damage and request information about available resources by calling 2-1-1.
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