Bethany Mesker has lived in her home in Ojai for 17 years.
“We haven’t flooded before, this is pretty intense with the amount of mud inside and outside the house - and having to clear everything," she told KCLU.
She’s one of a number of residents Democratic Congressman Salud Carbajal of Santa Barbara spoke on Monday, as he toured Ventura County to assess damage from the storm on January 9.
"It's absolutely devastating to see the damage and see what the residents have had to endure," he told KCLU.
"I am going to bat with the Federal Government and with the President to try to make sure they have all the assistance available to them and if not - I'll fight to make sure they become eligible."
Congressmen Carbajal has urged President Biden to approve California’s request for a major disaster declaration to unlock additional storm relief for Central Coast families and businesses impacted by recent storms and flooding.
Mesker wells up with tears as she explains the impact fo the flooding on her home and how hard it's been to have her mud-covered belongings scattered around her house.
She said that being told by someone in government that she has support has meant the world.
"You know, your whole life is on display, it's been very difficult," she said.
"It's good for them to recognize, because it's been a lot [to deal with]."
