Lopez Family in Montecito Mudslide
Donation protected
Along East Valley Road in Montecito, the Lopez family has continuously lived on a beautiful property for many generations. On the property are several very old and humble, well-kept dwellings where Marcus, his siblings, Larry and Alma, and his oldest son, Marcus, live. There are still many other old dwellings like this near this part of Montecito, which used to be called Indian Town. Before that it was the Chumash village of Šalawa—from which the Lopez family descends—way before the rich and famous “discovered” and walled in the beauty and sunlit peace of this land.
We are all now painfully aware that on January 9th the rains that we are always hoping for crashed on to the fire-denuded slopes behind Montecito and swept away almost everything in the paths of vast rivers of relentless mud. Larry’s house and work trucks were swept away, Alma’s house was knocked off its foundation, and as much as 2½ feet of mud covered most of the rest of the property, causing damage everywhere. Early estimates include $5000 for cleanup and demolition, $7500 to replace one ruined bathroom in a still-sound house, and unknown costs to replace two houses.
There is no insurance. Because these houses are old, the family could not find a company willing to insure their property, which has at least one building of historical significance. Certainly, the property as a whole is significant to the history of Montecito. It should be restored and protected for these reasons alone.
The Lopez family should also be restored and protected. This family of educators and activists is a vital part of our local Chumash community, of our community as a whole, and much more. They have given much to the generations in Santa Barbara throughout their generations. Now we have the privilege and the responsibility to literally and financially dig them from out of the mud. Please be generous. Then come back and be generous again. You will be blessed!
(This page created by Roberta Cordero of Santa Barbara CA, fellow Chumash and close friend of the Lopez family. Please send me private FB message if you have any problems donating! Thanks.)
We are all now painfully aware that on January 9th the rains that we are always hoping for crashed on to the fire-denuded slopes behind Montecito and swept away almost everything in the paths of vast rivers of relentless mud. Larry’s house and work trucks were swept away, Alma’s house was knocked off its foundation, and as much as 2½ feet of mud covered most of the rest of the property, causing damage everywhere. Early estimates include $5000 for cleanup and demolition, $7500 to replace one ruined bathroom in a still-sound house, and unknown costs to replace two houses.
There is no insurance. Because these houses are old, the family could not find a company willing to insure their property, which has at least one building of historical significance. Certainly, the property as a whole is significant to the history of Montecito. It should be restored and protected for these reasons alone.
The Lopez family should also be restored and protected. This family of educators and activists is a vital part of our local Chumash community, of our community as a whole, and much more. They have given much to the generations in Santa Barbara throughout their generations. Now we have the privilege and the responsibility to literally and financially dig them from out of the mud. Please be generous. Then come back and be generous again. You will be blessed!
(This page created by Roberta Cordero of Santa Barbara CA, fellow Chumash and close friend of the Lopez family. Please send me private FB message if you have any problems donating! Thanks.)
Organizer and beneficiary
Roberta Cordero
Organizer
Goleta, CA
Marcus V. O. Lopez
Beneficiary
