As most of you know, a mudslide occurred in the town of La Conchita at about 1:15 pm on January 10, 2005. The mudslide took 10 lives, destroyed
15 houses, and damaged another dozen, at least. It had rained over 4 inches early in the morning of January 10. We experienced lightning and
thunder and torrential downpour for about 1 1/2 hours.
When La Conchita residents woke up for work and school on that Monday morning, many were pleased that the 101 freeway was closed in both
directions, trapping us in town - No work, no school... a 3 day weekend! Residents were walking and biking down the freeway, wandering around
on the train tracks, cleaning the streets of muddy runoff, planning BBQs with friends, and taking photos and videos of the very strange scenery
around us.
Only some were concerned with the lurking hill behind us, reminded of the 1995 slide that took houses but no lives.
At 1:15 pm, a roar echoed through town followed by grinding, crunching, and sloshing noises. The whole event lasted no more than about 20
seconds. In that time, we lost our friends, family members, and neighbors. Our perfect little community was changed forever.
Over the past week, I have been asked countless times, "Why do people live in La Conchita?" and "Why are people moving back?" It is easy to
pose these questions if you have never visited La Conchita (or LC to us locals). Besides the hill, LC is paradise. Not only is it scenic, with
a virtually private beach, it is a place where everyone
waves at each other as they pass by on foot, bicycle, or in a car. Doors are not locked. We take care of each other's children and pets.
Dinner parties and BBQs are held in various houses every weekend and anyone from LC is invited. LC is the only place I know of that holds a
town-wide rummage sale every April/May and beach party every July/August. "LC Chics" hold monthly parties to eat and drink and get to know
each other better. There is no community better than LC. Visit the LC Slideshow page for photos of LC. If you have any to add, please
email me.
