We have come a long way—and rainy days can be a serious reminder of that. Ballona Creek often became raging waters. In “the olden days” the Machados lost their first adobe home, due to the floodwaters.
The creek was eventually reinforced and paved to eliminate that issue, along with moving property lines, another result of the creek’s meandering ways.
Can you remember the days when rain was great until you had to go out in your car? Streets flooded. If you were out driving and it rained, the street, particularly in the areas like Slauson, Sepulveda, and Jefferson flooded immediately.
Going through a big puddle could mean wet brakes and that was no picnic! Pumping the brakes to get them dry was a little tricky. This official photo from the 1960s shows the rain soaked streets at the south end of the city on a rainy day.
The roads in town are much better today, with minimal flooding, but there are still many concerns during heavy rains.
The recent storms and winds have taken a toll on our street trees as well. Billy Flick, told of the loss of a beautiful Chinese Elm this past week, with some comments about the efficiency of our city staff – police and public works, which is always nice to hear. Billy related, “To the City’s credit – the homeowner called in to the police department and within 15 minutes they had a crew on site – in less than 2 hours the tree was virtually removed and cleaned up like nothing ever happened. Culver City is a Great Place to Live and raise our families – Especially Berryman Ave!”
It is always nice to hear positive comments, and good to remember that even the rain cannot put a damper on Culver City residents.
