Gov. Gavin Newsom declared state of emergencies to support relief efforts for the recent atmospheric river events that have greatly impacted communities throughout the state.

The San Bernardino Mountains were especially impacted, heavy snowfall blocked roads and left residents stranded.

State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, R-Yucaipa, who represents the region, sat down with “Inside the Issues” host Alex Cohen to discuss the extreme weather events.

“I’m not sure that everybody was prepared for the unprecedented amount of snow that was delivered during those first storms,” Ochoa Bogh said.

She noted that she started hearing from her constituents at the end of February about how they were having trouble with transportation due to the increased snowfall.

The state senator’s office worked quickly after hearing from officials on the ground to get additional resources.

“We knew we were going to have to ask for help from the state and ask for the state of emergency in order for additional crews to come in, additional equipment to come in,” Ochoa Bogh said.

Within 48 hours of the senator asking for help, Newsom declared a state of emergency and the following more additional crews were in the area working with the local officials.

Ochoa Bogh explained that the biggest contribution to the fast response was her constituents knowing how to communicate to her office about the difficulties they were facing due to the heavy snowfall.

“Unless our constituents let us know what they’re going through and what the issues are, we’re not going to be aware," she said. "Had they not called our office on Sunday night, we would not have been aware that there was an issue."

Something to do going forward for Ochoa Bogh is looking at what could have been done better for the emergency response.

“As with any emergency that any area, region, goes through, it’s always good to be reflective and ask the questions. ‘How did we do? Where could we have done a little better?’” she said.

Ochoa Bogh noted that handling emergencies requires collaborative effort on the part of local, state and federal agencies. She is proud of the way all three levels of government came together to help people in her district.

“I think everybody has a little responsibility to help our communities,” she said.

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