Board of Supervisors Meeting - January 6, 2026

Resolution to Ratify Local Emergency Proclamation regarding December 2025 Rain Events

• Staff estimated $14 million in damage and sought state assistance after federal aid was deemed unlikely.
• Public Works identified 43 locations requiring cleanup with temporary repairs scheduled for Reeves Road within one week.
• Inquiries addressed flood protection responsibilities on private property and regulatory hurdles for creek maintenance.
• The Board approved the resolution to ratify the local emergency proclamation regarding the December 2025 rain events.

Ventura County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting – January 6, 2026

Opening Proceedings

• The meeting was called to order. Roll call confirmed the presence of Supervisors LaVere, Garrell, Long, Lopez, and Chair Parvin, as well as Sheriff Fryhoff. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Agenda Item 4: Resolution to Ratify Local Emergency Proclamation regarding December 2025 Rain Events

Discussion

• The Board received presentations from the CEO’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services (OES), and Public Works regarding severe and sustained rains starting December 24, 2025, and associated recovery efforts.
• Emergency Declaration and Funding: OES Director Patrick Maynard stated that the Sheriff’s Proclamation of a local emergency was signed on January 2, 2026. State law requires the Board to ratify the proclamation within seven days. The proclamation is in effect for 60 days. Estimates for county damage were approximately $14 million. Staff noted that while the County met local thresholds for FEMA assistance, statewide damage thresholds were not met, making federal aid unlikely. The County is seeking state assistance through the California Disaster Assistance Act, which typically covers 75% of eligible expenses.
• Infrastructure Damage: Public Works Director Greg Strakoulos reported 16.3 inches of rainfall in the Ventura area, the second wettest October through January period on record. Total Public Works cleanup and repair estimates stood at $13.8 million across 43 identified locations. Specific emergency actions taken included temporary repairs to Old Telegraph Road, slope protection at Reeves Road, a temporary pipeline following a sewer main break in Waterworks District 1, and temporary stabilization using gabion baskets at Barlow Canyon.
• Private Property and Environmental Concerns: Water Resources staff discussed challenges regarding flood protection on privately owned riverbanks. It was noted that private property owners are responsible for maintenance on their own land, subject to permitting processes designed to prevent environmental damage.
• Supervisor Inquiries: Supervisors inquired about the timeline for emergency declarations to ensure all damage is included in funding claims. Questions were raised regarding land erosion along Santa Paula Creek, long-term repair timelines for closed roads, and regulatory hurdles affecting creek and river maintenance. Staff indicated that temporary repairs for Reeves Road were scheduled to begin within one week, with a projected duration of two to three weeks. Barlow Canyon repairs were targeted for completion before the next winter season, subject to right-of-way and design work.

Action

• Supervisor Parvin moved to approve staff recommendations to ratify the proclamation. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Garrell.

Outcome

• The resolution passed unanimously.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.