Three consecutive days and several inches of winter rain has swollen the Santa Clara River considerably. During a reprieve at dusk Jessejo Magallon surveys the water line that has receded some but is still perilously close to his community. Magallon carries his thermos and wears two right-footed boots. Several more days of rain are expected. Flash-flood alerts have been broadcast but without television, the five river dwellers know only from experience what the possibilities are along the river in Santa Paula.
12-19-10 Santa Paula