Guadalupe repairs 20 homes damaged by river levee breach during rainstorm

GUADALUPE, Calif. - A Guadalupe farmer has opened up apartment complex units to house displaced families whose homes are considered "unlivable" after waist-high waters flooded neighborhoods near the Santa Maria River levee in Guadalupe.

“We definitely got an opportunity to see what our strengths, what our weaknesses are so we can put together our plan for preparing for the future," said Guadalupe Police Chief, Michael Cash.

Santa Barbara County Fire airlifted a 79-year-old man to safety during the flooding in Guadalupe.

No injuries or deaths have been reported, according to Guadalupe Police.

“The riverbed rose six to eight feet. It started getting really rough yesterday and it started widening," said Marsha Tili, who lives near the Santa Maria River levee in Guadalupe.

20 homes were damaged in what Guadalupe Police called, "waist-high waters".

Local organizations, churches, and restaurants are proving meals, clothing, furniture, toiletries, and other necessities for displaced families.

“Our community has come together and helped with food and and lodging and clothing and just emotional support," said Chief Cash.