Team Rubicon volunteers help storm-battered neighborhoods in Ventura County

Volunteers from the nonprofit Team Rubicon deployed around Ventura County this week, helping residents in storm-battered neighborhoods remove mud and debris from their properties.

The Los Angeles-based organization provides immediate relief after disasters and sent teams to the county after a severe winter storm pummeled the region Jan. 9-10, filling streams and rivers and causing mud and debris flows. Three Ventura County homes were destroyed and dozens of others were damaged, county officials said.

The nonprofit worked with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to identify hard-hit areas, and site surveys started earlier this week. By Wednesday, four teams – roughly 30 volunteers – armed with shovels, wheelbarrows and saws had started clearing mud and debris at homes from Oak View to Santa Paula.

“We’re looking at providing access to the community and the homeowners that need to be able to get into their homes,” said Michelle Davies, Team Rubicon’s incident commander in Ventura County.

The organization's volunteers include military veterans, first responders and civilians. They set up an operating base at a Fillmore fire station and plan to be in the area for the next week or so.

For more information about resources or to report storm damage, go to vcemergency.com.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Volunteers help storm-battered Ventura County neighborhoods