California rain storm leaves tremendous cleanup efforts in its wake

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

Studio City picking up pieces after mudslides Homeowners across Los Angeles are picking up the pieces after nearly 600 mudslides hit the city during the horrific California storms.LOS ANGELES – The dramatic storm that battered Southern California this week may be over, but the clean-up has only just begun. Especially in Studio City, where flooding and mudslides forced many residents to evacuate. “We’re really busy with this weather,” said Samuel Montejo, a contractor. “The rain stopped. I’m getting a lot of calls for this, cleaning up the mud and all that stuff.” One of the areas hit the hardest during the storm is off Lockridge Road near Fryman. At least two homes in that area were heavily damaged. “It was like a river of rocks and mud coming down the street,” said Scott Toro. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mudslides close section of Mulholland Drive in Studio City Toro is one of 16 people who live along Lockridge Road, and were forced to evacuate Sunday night. On Thursday, he and his neighbors were thankful for the sunshine during their mud cleanup. “It sounded like a plane crash, a helicopter crash,” said Toro. “Our cars and the tree probably saved our house, because it stopped three feet shy from the door.” SkyFOX video Thursday captured the neighborhood covered in mud, pools filled with brown muck, and busted cars left where they were tossed. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: California storm: Relentless atmospheric river continues to slam SoCal “It’s been slow,” said Toro. “We’re glad that we’re going to have several sunny days now to help dry things out.” Contractors and volunteers were in the neighborhood Thursday helping homeowners get back on their feet. One group, Gideon Rescue Co., even flew in from out of state to help. Many people with damaged property are now contacting insurance companies. However, some aren’t very optimistic they’ll receive financial help. “Our homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood insurance or debris removal,” said Toro. “So, we’re going to have to pay somebody to get it out.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local state of emergency on Monday, as rain continued to batter the city. LA City officials reported over 400 mudslides and several water rescues due to the storm.

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.