THOUSAND OAKS : 125 Apply for City Quake-Relief Funds

More than 125 Thousand Oaks residents have applied for earthquake-relief funds, but city officials said they should have enough money to cover all legitimate requests.

Residents must submit applications by Thursday to get a chunk of the city’s quake-recovery pot, which includes $501,000 in federal funds plus local redevelopment money. Before receiving city funds, applicants must prove that they have exhausted all other sources, including state and federal loans and private insurance.

City grants of up to $30,000 per household can be used to pay for quake-related repairs, such as patching cracked plaster, replacing fallen roof tiles or rebuilding masonry walls. The money cannot, however, cover the cost of replacing broken household goods.

“Some people call up thinking they’re going to get their crystal and china replaced. But our program is for the necessities, whatever’s necessary to make the home livable,” said Dan Severn, a city official taking applications.

While Severn could not estimate the total of funding requested, he said he believes that the city’s coffers will cover all needs. Mayor Elois Zeanah, who has spoken with victims, agreed.

Any money left over would be used to survey city dams for earthquake damage, buy emergency supplies and train the Disaster Assistance Response Team, officials said.