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Monrovia Remains 'Mudslide Danger Zone'

MONROVIA (CBSLA.com) — Mandatory evacuations remained in place Friday for several streets in Monrovia where the downpour has turned into sporadic flash flooding.

Areas under orders include: Heather Heights north of Scenic Drive; Highland Place north of Hillcrest Boulevard; Scenic Drive, Lotone; Avocado Place; and Hillcrest Boulevard.

Residents in the 600 block of Hillcrest Boulevard and 900 block of Crescent Drive were also told to evacuate. In total, 60 homes were affected.

On Friday, authorities went door-to-door alerting residents that they were in a mudslide danger zone.

"They just came down the street and said to mandatorily evacuate. They're thinking it's gonna get worse. It might get worse and so, I'm concerned," said Chuck Currey.

Already, hillsides gave way overnight on Highland Place, where firefighters were working to empty about eight-feet of mud from a swimming pool and hot tub.

"It's kind of scary, you know? You don't want what you've seen on television to happen to you or your homes," said Byron Greer, another resident.

Other residents, like longtime Monrovia resident Cheryl Fry, says she's not leaving.

"I just don't think there's anything to worry about," she said.

KCAL9's Brittney Hopper spoke to some residents worried about their homes and property.

Joe Trenetalange's home is directly in the danger zone. Last April the Madison fire came within 20 feet of his house.

You can still see the charred hill from his backyard. With the recent rain and more rain expected, there's a risk of a mudslide careening right into his home.

"It's our home, so to see that possibility ...  is kind of nerve wracking," said Trenetalange.

Joe and his wife have lived in the home for 28 years -- he took matters into his own hands and built a barricade..

"I've got a four foot retaining wall that's braced to prevent any of the mud from flowing," he said.

Earlier in the day and just down the street, mud took over this neighborhood.

Jeff Lucas put sandbags all over the place.

"You have to play it safe. Better be safe than sorry," Lucas said.

 

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