WHAT: Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is available to talk with media during a visit to the Corps' emergency debris removal activities in Santa Barbara County. Semonite will be joined by FEMA Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Jim Cho, Cal OES Deputy Division Supervisor Pastor Guevara, Santa Barbara County Public Works Director Scott McGolpin, and Santa Barbara County Water Resources Deputy Director Tom Fayram.
Following a brief statement, the general will take questions from members of the media.
As the USACE commanding general, Semonite is responsible for more than 32,000 Civilian employees and 700 Military personnel who provide project management, construction support and engineering expertise in more than 110 countries around the world.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District is working in partnership with local, state and federal agencies in response to the devastating California wildfires and the resulting floods in Santa Barbara County. On Jan. 10, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a verbal debris removal and clearance mission assignment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division for Santa Barbara County. The Los Angeles District is executing the mission.
WHEN: 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18
WHERE: USACE Emergency Command and Control Vehicle, Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California
WHY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District is removing debris from channels and basins to restore capacity and reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses. This effort is in partnership with local, state and federal agencies in response to the devastating California wildfires and the resulting floods in Santa Barbara County.
FOR THE MEDIA: The availability is by invitation only and will be held at a field location. Media wishing to cover the event must contact the Public Affairs Office at 213-452-3920/3925 by Jan. 18 at noon. Media should provide contact information, to include email addresses, in case of any changes to the schedule. Please provide the number of news team members and indicate any special needs requests.
Release no. 18-008