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Mudslide-Area Residents Show Emotional Gratitude For City's Protective, Restoration Efforts

AZUSA (CBSLA.com) — Residents in danger areas, grateful for efforts from police and firefighters to protect them throughout the weekend's storm, gathered at City Hall to show their appreciation.

At the City Council meeting, Azusa residents, many of whom had homes in specific danger of mudslides throughout the rainfall, had the opportunity to thank those who gave forth the effort to provide safety and security throughout the weekend.

"Let there be no question; these men saved my home," resident Samantha Heinlein said at the podium. "But I want to be sure that I say 'Thank you', and I hope that the residents, the community members, and all the officials know just how much we've appreciated the help that you've offered us."

Recently, the hillsides were badly burned with fire, creating a considerable mud forecast for any heavy rainstorms.

A number of homes had a substantial amount of mud in their yards and on their properties, but if not for precautionary measures taken by the county, including the installation of K-walls, circumstances could have been much worse.

"The recent fire and rain has shown, once again, how our leadership cares," Dennis Sanderson said. "I have been amazed and proud of how our city reacts to emergencies, and how it helps the residents in need. So thank you so much for being a part of our lives."

Sanderson hung a banner from his house to also thank the crews who were taking part in removing the mud from the neighborhood. The banner read: "Thank You From Ridge Point".

His neighbor, Ed Heinlein, meanwhile, couldn't praise the efforts of the work crews or the reaction of the city enough.

"Five dump trucks and three loaders, and the mayor calling out the armory guys, and bringing in skip-loaders from some friends," Heinlein said. "It's a miracle. Anything you need or want, they are taking care of us."

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