How High is the Water Mama? by Michael Cruz - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

How High is the Water Mama?

By Michael Cruz, Community Writer
February 26, 2016 at 10:16am. Views: 265

On Saturday Feb. 20 Steve Lech a weather system specialist who is a member of the Riverside County Historical Commission, co-authors the weekly Back in the Day column for the Press-Enterprise newspaper, and has written 10 books gave a lecture on The Santa Ana River: Flooding Episodes and Their Impacts at the San Bernardino County Museum. At the lecture's start, members of the community quickly found their seats, and reviewed the slide that was on the projector depicting an image of the catastrophic damage left by one of the floods. Lech began speaking on the topic of drought and flood cycles that are typically normal and unique to our region, and described that the current drought is nothing new. The surrounding area can go 8-10 months without rain and when rain does come, it comes down in “clumps.” Lech stated that because of our unique weather system, “We must be careful with our rain water, and what we do with it.” Because of this pattern, in 1862 California experienced the worst flood in recorded history. It caused massive physical damage and lasting economic turmoil. In 1862, the Santa Ana flooded and spilled over with a record 320,000 cubic feet of water rushing by per second; that’s nearly 10,000 tons of water. Lech commented, “Nothing can survive that.” The area of San Bernardino County, which was known then as Agua Mansa, had been completely wiped out. The lasting effects were catastrophic. 200,000 cattle had been destroyed which consisted of 25% of the total United Sates population, and the economic backbone at the time. As a result, California goes bankrupt, and a persistent drought lingered afterward. The drought then caused further problems with the cattle ranchers. The landowners who relied on the fertile land, where forced to sell including former Mexican Rancheros. The land became cheap to buy, and caused acres of land to become easily available for the oncoming railroad land boom. This was not the last of the floods. In 1938 another flood hit the area with about a third of the force of the 1862 flood. This did not make it any easier on the residents in the area. The Santa Ana River Flood of 1938 resulted in 115 deaths, setting the wheels in motion for the construction of the Prado Dam, which was built shortly after. Lastly was the 1969 flood, which caused the collapse of the Van Buren Bridge connecting Riverside and Jurupa Valley. This last flood, although not as powerful as the previous floods still resulted in $400,000,000 worth of damages. Erin Snyder who has lived in Riverside for more than 40 years, and witnessed the 1969 flood first hand said, “We build and put in what we think are controls but, until we get another flood like the one in 1862 we don’t know how well they work.” What is a naturally occurring phenomenon in the Inland Empire region won’t be a matter of if, but when. Lech said that these where only the three major floods he chose to highlight, and that flooding throughout the region is a normal occurrence. Droughts, floods, earthquakes, and a day in the life as a Californian, learn more at the San Bernardino County Museum.

Related Articles

JW North High School Athlete of the Week: Escess Coony
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 299

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Your Home-Grown, “Budget Watchdog,” Councilman Doug Wilson, Is Still On The Job!

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 334

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

As Corporate Restaurants Retreat, Timber Ridge Bets on Local Ownership, Hospitality and People
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 300

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 191

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Business Summit Brings Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders Together
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 310

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrates the Culture, History and Contributions That Help Shape the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 421

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

County Library readers make waves during 2026 Summer Reading Program
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 418

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Moreno Valley Expands Volunteer Opportunities for Residents Ready to Give Back
Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 326

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Moreno Valley Begins Fall Fire Hazard Inspections
Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 277

Pet of the Week: Lady
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 230

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Kaiser Permanente Helps Give New Life to Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service
Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 451

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Walmart and Sam's Club Help Strengthen Food Access Across the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 211

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->