The Community

The abundant rain and harsh weather have negatively impacted local communities and natural areas. Robbie Denny, produce farm market manager at Underwood Farms, finds that his farm and many others operate based on the weather. “When we have a rainy season and it’s raining pretty bad, we have to unfortunately close the animal center,” Denny said. Denny explained that families are less likely to visit the farm in response to bad weather. “It’s too muddy because people can’t go out into the field to pick their own [fruits and vegetables], which is a big thing for us,” Denny said. “They [visitors] would just come and buy their vegetables or fruits…so there are no customers coming into the farm to visit the animals or pick your own.”

Thankfully, the overall community was prepared for the floods, and for the most part, was able to adapt. Al Adam, Mayor Pro Tempore of Thousand Oaks, offered some insight on how the situation was handled by the local authorities. “I am pleased to say that local damage was minimal and much less than most of Ventura County,” Adam said. “Being prepared individually and as a community is very important so when rain and wind is in the forecast, Public Works crews prepare by clearing storm drains, debris basins, and conducting targeted brush clearance where flooding may occur,” While Adam used his position to make sure that the community as a whole was well prepared, he also noted that individual citizens do not always take the steps necessary to stay safe. “One area of particular concern when it rains are streets that get flooded or cluttered with fallen debris. It is very important for drivers to slow down when it rains, to navigate flooded areas or debris in the street,” Adam said.

Per Year (inches)

Transformation - The left image shows the Santa Monica Mountains in the Newbury Park area, in June of 2021. The image on the right shows the exact same location in early February of this year.

In approximately a year and a half, the color changed so dramatically. Going from gross to green! The drastic increase of vegetation shows the effects of copious amounts of rain after a lengthy dry spell.

Situations like this are becoming more common as weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. Kira

Ivarsdottir/Prowler

When it comes to extreme weather and most specifically rain, the people have to be prepared beforehand to minimize the effects. Eric Boldt, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Los Angeles, notes flood insurance is a good start. “Most people think if I live near a levee or a river that I might need this, but anybody could be flooded,” Boldt said. Unfortunately it’s a separate insurance than just regular home insurance, like earthquake insurance. Preparing flood kits, or making sure, in the event of an evacuation, all essentials or significant belongings are readily available to take in a hurry could be of a massive help for a minimal amount of preparation.

Greenery - The Newbury Park neighborhood of Dos Vientos has received lots of rain which was extremely beneficial. The recent rain has made all the mountains and grass green, which impacted their overall beauty.

In fact, in Jan. 2023, the city of Newbury Park received a whopping 0.32 inches of rain! Parker Bohl/Prowler

The financial impact is another impact that shouldn’t be overlooked. The cost of repairing the damage for such events could be heavy and quickly add up. “If we’re not prepared for more extreme weather events, then the cost to either property, things that we build, like our homes or whatever we buy can be damaged and we could see more property damage that drives up,” Boldt said.

When there is little to no rain, Robbie loves to overlook the beauty of the farm. “We’re the only place around here in Ventura County where the families come out, [and] visit the animals,” Robbie said. “It’s [the Farm] a safe place for the children to be because it’s fenced in, so they are able to visit the animals.”

1

Isabella Ashamalla/Senior

What English word is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet?

Weingarden: “Alphabet.”

Ashamalla: “Alphabet.”

A: Alphabet

1-1

It’s not all Greek to them!

2

Which states make up the famous U.S. “four corners”?

Weingarden: “Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.”

Ashamalla: “Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.”

A: Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado

2-2

Both state-ments are correct!

3

What is the sleep-like state that some animals spend winter in?

Weingarden: “Hibernation.”

Ashamalla: “Hibernation.”

A: Hibernation

3-3

They could answer this one in their sleep.

4

Who shot Mr. Burns in the famous “Simpsons” episode?

Weingarden: “His assistant.”

Ashamalla: “Krusty the Clown.”

A: Maggie Simpson

3-3

Ay Caramba!

5

Which movie did Martin Scorsese win his first Academy Award for?

Weingarden: “‘Taxi Driver’”

Ashamalla: “The movie.”

A: “The Departed”

3-3

They may be goodfellas, but bad guessers.