Windstorm: 1,347 Tons of Debris, $6.3m Cost

The cost of the windstorm that blew through Sierra Madre at the beginning of December is just starting to come into focus. City Manager Elaine Aguilar briefed the City Council on the initial numbers at Tuesday night’s City Council Meeting.

There was $6.3 million in damage in Sierra Madre, though Aguilar says the number is expected to rise in the coming weeks.

Broken down, that’s $4.8 million in damage to private residential property, including homes and cars.

The remaining $1.5 million of that is the city’s direct share. Broken down, the city estimates that to be:

• $700,000 cost in debris removal
• $500,000 damage to city buildings and equipment
• $200,000 in maintenance on hazardous trees and branches
• $50,000 toll on government facilities
• $50,000 in public utilities (like streets, curbs and sidewalks)

Additionally, the city estimates a $20,000 loss in revenue for local businesses.

Residents and business owners are urged to report any damage or costs incurred as a direct result of the windstorm, as this will help the city receive State and Federal Aid. You can call 2-1-1 or visit www.211la.org.

Cal EMA (California Emergency Management Agency) and FEMA recently toured Sierra Madre, and both organizations believed the town would qualify for relief money based on the amount of damage the town suffered. The city has already begun the process of applying for funding assistance. 

How much debris was there?

About 1,347 tons of debris was created as a result of the windstorm.

As of December 9, the city had collected 337 tons of debris, which is estimated to be 25% of the total amount created by the storm, according to Aguilar. Of that, 217 tons has been removed to landfills, and 120 tons is still waiting in the city maintenance yard.