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San Bernardino County is facing intense criticism after the county claimed it was not prepared for the massive winter storm that rocked its community in 2023.
Multiple families tell NBC4 that the storm caught everyone off guard and paralyzed the community for weeks.
“There were a lot of old people stuck there. They couldn’t get food, medicines or anything they needed, and there was a huge need,” said Valerie Heil, a resident of Crestline.
On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors faced backlash two years later after the release of a report from the Great Ju Court that found the county’s response was inadequate.
The report identified 11 areas of concern, including lack of winter equipment, lack of initial communication with staff, training, organizations, and the public.
The county insists they can’t do enough to prepare.
“Based on the geography of San Bernardino County, there’s a lot to deal with during victory, rain, snow, heat and earthquakes, and we can’t do enough to prepare,” said Joe Baka Jr., supervisor for District 5.
Michael Johnstone, vice president of Goodwin and Sons Market, recalls being inside his family’s grocery store when something unimaginable happened.
“This is the biggest storm I’ve ever experienced,” Johnston said. “The memorable part was when we lost our roof. It was a tough day for us, and many community members lost their homes and decks.”
As a result of the storm, the county says it has purchased 30 new machines, established a public relations system for emergency response, added training and embedded the fire department chief within the OES.
NBC4 contacted the county and the Department of Emergency Services for an interview, but there was no response.
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