Acting Gov. Abel Maldonado is asking President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster in California because of the severe winter storms that have slammed the state in recent weeks.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Maldonado urged the president for the funds and help from federal agencies that come with a disaster declaration, citing flooding and severe mud and debris flows that have led to damages to public facilities and private property since the wave of storms began Dec. 18.
Maldonado says an effective response is beyond the ability of state and local governments, especially with the state's budget problems.
The letter says help is needed most in San Bernardino County, where 50 homes remain evacuated in Highland after being swamped by a pre-Christmas mudflow.
