Emergency Response Actions from Impacts of December 2025 and January 2026 Storms
Summary
SCH Number
2026010621
Public Agency
Santa Barbara County Flood Control District
Document Title
Emergency Response Actions from Impacts of December 2025 and January 2026 Storms
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/21/2026
Document Description
Severe storms and rain events in early December 2025 and January 2026 resulted in flooding, sedimentation, and debris impacts throughout Santa Barbara County. As a result of the damages and the need to repair and restore drainage facilities, the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District has engaged in emergency response and will continue to implement measures to mitigate the emergency and prevent or mitigate subsequent emergencies during the remaining winter rainy season. The response activities may include, but are not limited to: debris removal, sediment management, channel dredging, creek and channel restoration, beach sediment disposal operations, vegetation management, and other flood control facility repairs and maintenance.
There is not an insignificant chance of additional storms this winter rainy season, and immediate action is required to remove debris from the flood control system in order to create additional capacity in the event of additional storms.
Contact Information
Name
Andrew Raaf
Agency Name
Santa Barbara County Flood Control District
Job Title
Environmental Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Various sites County-wide
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15269(c)
Reasons for Exemption
Specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency that does not have a low probability of occurrence. Flood control infrastructure and drainage facilities were impacted by severe weather and must be maintained and repaired to restore flood protection performance. The pending winter and early spring months are likely to bring more periods of intense rainfall.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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