Contra Costa team flies to the aid of snowed-in SoCal residents

When local pilot Mike Grimes heard about folks trapped by snow in the mountains of San Bernardino County, he knew he wanted to help.

Grimes is a member of the Contra Costa County chapter of the California Disaster Airlift Response Team (CalDART) based in Concord. The statewide volunteer organization coordinates efforts by professional pilots who use their skills – and oftentimes their own planes and fuel – to help when disaster strikes.

As officials in Southern California worked to clear snow and open roads, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department had to restrict access for volunteer groups wanting to help because of hazardous conditions on the winding mountain roads. CalDART was one of the few groups that the department allowed in. A dozen or so CalDART members hopped in their planes and headed to the area.

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