COUNTYWIDE : Governor Asked to Declare Emergency
Two area legislators are urging Gov. Pete Wilson to declare a state of emergency for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties because of widespread crop damage caused by last month’s record cold temperatures.
In a letter to Wilson, Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) and State Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara) cite the loss of both crops and jobs as reason for a state of emergency.
“In Ventura County, damage is estimated at $100 million, and in Santa Barbara, it’s estimated at $35 million,” the letter says. Additionally, “two of Ventura County’s largest fruit packers have cut back their work forces” by putting 125 workers on notice and reducing the hours of 100 more.
O’Connell said Wilson’s approval of the declaration would provide state financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans and possible grants for growers whose crops were damaged or destroyed by the freeze.
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