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APRIL, NINETEEN THIRTY-EIGHT 5
of this canyon to such an extent that
it is now necessary to enter the resort
from the opposite side of the moun-
tain. Many homes were washed
away and the contour of the can-
yon is so changed that owners are
unable to locate their lots. Gravel
refining machinery weighing hun-
dreds of tons was washed away like
driftwood. The force of a current
of water unleashed on the steep slope
of a mountain side is unbelievable.
In Riverside County most of the
destruction occurred i~ the West
Riverside area along U. S. Highway
60, just west of the Santa Ana
River bridge. This river forms the
west boundary line of the city of
Riverside. For a distance of about
one-half mile the highway, which
serves as the west approach to the
bridge, is about seven feet lower
than the bridge's deck. The east ap-
proach is on highe.r ground, wind-
ing down to the river around his-
torical Mt. Rubidoux. On the south
side of this highway was the Rivet-
side Airport, while on the other side
was a number of auto courts, camp
SCENES IN ANAHEIM and VICINITY
Upper right: This house floated for sev-
eral blocks with two persons on the roof.
Right: At Broadway and Los Angeles
streets.
grounds, gasoline stations, vegetable
stands and restaurants. At about 5
p. m. on March 2 the river had
swollen out of its banks and the
overflow was sweeping across this
low half-mile stretch of highway.
Motorists Trapped
A number of automobiles had
been trapped between Riverside and
a highway washout near Mira
Loma and Sergeant Hastings was
on duty with all available officers
assisting the stranded automobiles
across the half-mile stretch of water
to safety on the higher ground of
Riverside. At this time the water
was about one foot deep and there
appeared no immediate danger in
driving across this inundated sec-
tion, inasmuch as the State High-
:::- way crew was on hand assisting
· officers in the removal of vehicles
which occasionally became stalled
by shorted motors or by debris
lodging under their wheels. With-
out warning the waters started ris-
ing rapidly, due, it was later learned,
( Oontin~ed on Page 3 6)
Upper left: On 101 Highway near Ana-
heim. Three children were drowped leaving
thi.s house.
' •· Left: Flood area in Anaheim.
(Pictures by· Betzold Studio, Anahei"(ll)