Frustrations, tragedy mount for California mudslide town
MONTECITO, Calif. (AP) — Frustrations and dark discoveries mounted for a California town ravaged by a deadly and destructive mudslide.
Most of the people of Montecito, a town usually known for its serenity and luxury, were under orders to stay out of town as gas and power were expected to be shut off Saturday for repairs.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown on Thursday expanded what was known as the public safety exclusion zone to incorporate most of the town. That meant even those who had stayed behind would have to leave and those who entered the zone would be subject to arrest.
"It is a little frustrating," said Sarah Ettman, whose home was undamaged and whose section of town still had gas and electricity.