Frost still lingered when we arrived at the neighborhood of Drew Lake in Watsonville, on the morning of April 5th. Flood damaged debris was piled in driveways, and along the roadside. Twenty or more people were hauling carpet, furniture, appliances, paintings, clothing, and personal belonging to an already full dumpster. Mud was underfoot. Ramon Gomez, Chief of Staff to 4th District Supervisor Filipe Hernandez directed volunteers from Watsonville Wetlands Watch, community members and teams from Watsonville Works on how to best assist homeowners.

Eddy Rocha whose home was particularly impacted stood in his living room where sheet rock had been removed due to rising water. The air was musty, and light penetrated through the open walls. Most of his belongings were not salvageable. "One cannot get depressed," he said, putting a positive spin on the situation. "We are ok. We are healthy, and it is just a house. You just have to move on." Then he paused and said: "Thank you for your help, it really means a lot."