Edhat Staff
(Photo: Carla Tomson / Twitter)
Thousands of people gathered in the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens on Sunday evening to mourn the loss of 20 victims killed during Tuesday’s devastating mudslides in Montecito.
Speakers gave thanks and praise to the thousands of rescue workers and volunteers who are still searching through the debris for the still four missing people. Authorities state 73 homes have been destroyed with over 160 homes damaged after heavy rains on the Thomas Fire burn scar caused a disastrous mudflow. Highway 101 remains closed indefinitely while officials take precaution in cleaning up the debris.
With many hugs and raised candles, mourners remembered the victims who were killed and those who are still missing with a moment of silence.
“My heart aches with the pain and destruction caused by the disaster in Montecito. Our community has been through so much over the past two months with the upheaval and damage of the Thomas Fire and now the unbearable pain that comes with the loss of life,” said First District Supervisor Das Williams, who represents Montecito. “We are blessed with a loving and supportive community that comes together in times of peril and that community is so desperately needed at a time like this.”
Several other elected officials were in attendance including Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo, and Assemblymember Monique Limón. Leaders of local faith-based organizations including Pastor Ian Noyes of Montecito Covenant Church and Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaffer of Montecito Community Shul, were on hand to provide comfort and support. Representatives from non-profits CALM and Hospice were also in attendance.
Learn more about the 20 victims on edhat.com
Photo: CHP
