Commercial roof caves in during storm

CARPINTERIA, Calif. -A roof caved in on a popular business at the Casitas Plaza Shopping Center during the latest storm.

It happened at Goodwill between CVS and Albertsons. No other businesses were damaged.

The City of Carpinteria posted a limited entry sign at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.

"I am really sad that the ceiling collapsed here at the Goodwill, I shop here often, actually, "said Carpinteria resident Leslie Westbrook, "But I am glad that it happened in the middle of the night when nobody was hurt. It also makes you concerned about the rest the building a little bit as well.

Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties could no be reached in time to comment for this report, but crews put up a sign that says "Closed Temporarily; We will be back soon!"

Shopper Yvonne Parsons said she was shocked by the sign and boarded up entrance.

Little Caesars franchise operator Abhishek Bhandari noticed leaks in his roof during the rain. He said other small businesses did, too.

"I am a little scared about my building, too, I think the land owner should take care of that a look at the roof," said Bhandari.

Former roofing maintenance worker James Clement happened to be passing by and said whether it's a commercial property or a home all roofs and gutters need to be checked and cleared regularly especially during winter weather.

The owner of NEMA Roofing Solutions of Santa Barbara said there are easy ways to check for problems

"What you want to do is you want to check, maybe stand out in the street make sure you don't have any shingles or tiles that have been misplaced," said Adam Gringruz.

Check in your attic, too.

"See if any stains, water stains are there make sure everything is okay, "added Gringruz, "If you are having problems doing this you are more than welcome to give us a call."

Many roofing companies offer free inspections including NEMA. (nemaroofing.com)