The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Difficult search goes on in California mudslides
MONTECITO » Crews dug away at masses of mud, boulders and debris with earth-moving machines and shovels Saturday in a California town ravaged by mudslides, hoping to find seven people still missing in a disaster that has already claimed at least 18 lives.
The army of searchers and recovery workers in Montecito swelled to more than 2,000 five days after a powerful storm swept in from the Pacific and dumped a deluge on mountain slopes above the coastal enclave that were burned bare by a huge wildfire in December.
The backbreaking work went on under the sunny skies that have made the stretch of Santa Barbara County coast about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles a haven for the wealthy, celebrities and tourists drawn to its scenery and casual vibe.
“We have to do whatever it takes,” said Capt. Tom Henzgen, leader of a team from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Long-range forecasts gave the crews about a week before the next chance of rain — and potential new mudslides — although the precipitation expected next Friday was expected to be disorganized and light. Another system was possible two days later.
Much of the community of about 9,000 remained under mandatory evacuation orders, even unscathed areas, as crews both removed debris and worked to restore water, sanitation, power and gas. All warnings and orders for neighboring Summerland and Carpinteria were lifted. Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken. Scott: Thomas J. (age 84) husband, father, grandfather, friend, attorney - left this life on January 11, 2018, after a battle with cancer that consumed his body, but not his mind or spirit. A first-generation American, Tom was born and raised in New York City by Thomas and Celia Scott. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother Mattie. He is survived by his wife Pat, his children: Michael (Sue), Patricia, Sheila (Bob), Thomas (Delores), Brian, Stephen (Jacqueline), Robert (Bernadette) and Edward (Kristin), grandchildren (Ian, Brittany, Liam, Victor, Brian, Nicole, Jordan, Taylor, Bailey, Ryan, Christopher, Evan and Ciaran), as well as sisters-inlaw, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Arrangements for a celebration of Thomas J. Scott’s life will be handled by Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home in Trooper, PA. Viewing will be held at the funeral home from 4-6 PM, Sunday, Jan. 14 - 101 N. Park Ave. (Rt. 363 Trooper), Norristown, PA. A second viewing will be held from 8:50 to 9:50 AM, Monday, Jan.15, followed by a mass of Christian burial at St. Helena Roman Catholic Church in Centre Square, PA. Burial will follow at St. John Neuman Cemetery in Chalfont, PA. In lieu of flowers, Tom and his family request that donations be made to Tom’s favorite charity Amigos de Jesus Orphanage ( https:// www.amigosdejesus.org/) or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made by visiting www.MeyersFH.com