UPDATED: Governor declares state of emergency due to SGV windstorm

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Saturday in response to a recent windstorm that caused as much as $75 million worth of damage, primarily in the San Gabriel Valley.
On the heels of a tour of eight of the most badly damaged San Gabriel Valley cities last week, State Rep. Anthony Portantino, D-Pasadena, said Brown has decided to declare a state of emergency, allowing city governments to be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the cost of the damage through state and federal agencies.
Additionally, the proclamation allows state agencies to assist in the recovery, according to the proclamation.
“I’m very pleased that they took the time to come see for themselves, and I commend the governor for doing the right thing,” Portantino said. “This was a devastating incident for the cities of the San Gabriel Valley, and it is completely appropriate to have a declaration declared.”
Portantino had requested a visit from state officials to consider declaring a state of emergency.
With the state’s declaration, “We can dig out of this mess and get on with our lives,” he said.
According to a written statement issued by Brown’s office, the emergency proclamation affects, “Los Angeles County and the City of Rancho Cucamonga following severe winds that began on Nov. 30 and caused major damage and extensive interruption of utilities and other critical services.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich said he was also gld to hear the governor had issued the proclamation.
“We welcome the state’s declaration as it enhances the county’s effort to help our residents recover from the damage associated with this windstorm,” Antonovich said.
Some cities may be hard-pressed to come up with the resources needed to make repairs.
In Sierra Madre, for instance, the city’s general fund amounts to about $4 million. The city sustained an estimated $7 million in damages in the storm.
Portantino said local cities and the county should be applauded for providing important information to the state reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

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