MUDDY STUDY:

Fourteen months after the fatal La Conchita mudslide, Governor
Schwarzenegger announced funding for a study designed to protect
the small seaside community from future disasters. Last Thursday’s
announcement was music to the ears of disgruntled residents who
have waited over a year for the governor to come through on his
promise to “help rebuild” their community. The $667,000 study calls
for a coalition of representatives from La Conchita, Ventura
County, and state and federal governments to explore safe, feasible
ways to rebuild the community and prevent future slides. Funding
will be provided by the Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and
the state’s Disaster Assistance program.