At a special meeting Monday, Aug. 28, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified the Proclamation of Local Emergency issued when Hurricane Hilary’s tropical storm remnants passed over the county Aug. 18 and 19.

The proclamation issued Aug. 21 expired Aug. 28 and had to be ratified by the board to continue in effect.

In anticipation of the potential danger, the county began issuing warnings and other notices as soon as the National Weather Service issued flood warnings. Mudslides and debris flows, especially in burned areas, were one of several potential catastrophes that could have happened because of the precipitation volume in a short period.

Staff recommendation to the board stated, “The storm system driven by Hurricane Hilary caused major flooding, mudflows, road closures and damage to critical infrastructures across the County of Riverside and may continue to cause damage that will create great economic burden on effected communities.” Emergency Services Agency Director Bruce Barton explained the need for ratification. As of Monday, the total cost to the county, private individuals and local cities, has been $126 million, according to Barton. “The largest in Riverside County history.” He added that he is hoping and trying to get FEMA approval for reimbursement of private property loss, as well as public.

One person spoke against extending the declaration. She argued that the emergency had passed. “In the U.S., only one person had died,” she stated and added, “Will the declaration emergency help save lives now or help in a faster response?” Voting 5-0, the supervisors did ratify its extension for 60 days.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for several Southern California counties including Riverside Aug. 19 as result of the extreme weather-related events due to the hurricane.