According to the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District, the county has had 3.8 inches of rain since 9/1, which is more than 101 percent of its average annual rainfall. The recent storm system temporarily closed several sections of Mountain Drive last week due to flooding and debris flow.
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Though early reports of last week’s 1,400-gallon oil spill indicated no animals had been captured and cleaned, reports from California Oiled Wildlife Care Network has since stated that its agents have recovered three live birds. The three were taken to a San Pedro center where they are being cared for and monitored until they are strong enough to be tested for internal damage. (/oil1218)
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Rains earlier this week have raised the amount of coliform and enterococcus bacterias found at a majority of popular beach spots. The following beaches are under bacteria warnings: Arroyo Burro, Butterfly, Carpinteria State Beach, East Beach at Mission Creek, East Beach at Sycamore Creek, Goleta, Hammonds, Haskell’s, Hope Ranch, Leadbetter, Refugio, Rincon Beach at Rincon Point, and Summerland. Only Carpinteria City Beach, El Capitan State Beach, and Sands Beach at Coal Oil Point west were found safe for swimmers.
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The National Weather Service is looking for “weather spotters” to work in conjunction with the Los Angeles/Oxnard forecast office. Those interested need only pass an online test in order to become a certified spotter, who can then give tips to the office about meteorological phenomenon in the area. Visit wrh.noaa.gov/lox for more information. (/noaa1218)