California Conservation Corps Trains For Disaster Relief In Stockton

Despite a dry October, wet weather leading to flooding is always a concern in the Delta as winter approaches.

This week 200 California Conservation Corps members from across the state were in Stockton training to protect people and property.

On Tuesday a long line of corps members, both men and women, passed sandbags along the levee near Van Buskirk Park in South Stockton. It's the first line of defense in protecting fragile levees from erosion and water topping over.

It’s no easy job, but 1,500 corps members from Ukiah down to San Diego stand ready to jump in.

“The motto is hard work, low pay, and miserable conditions and more," said Edward Ramirez, 19,  stationed in Placer County. "So, the miserable conditions from working in the rain, you’re freezing, your hands are shivering, you’re still working it and at the moment it is horrible. You’re questioning why are you doing it. But at the end of the day, you know what ... it’s cool.”

But the CCC offers these young men and women a chance to finish high school, up to $8,000 in scholarship opportunities, and room and board while earning a paycheck.

Dana Howard with the CCC says the corps also helps the community in a number of other ways, including making nature trails and responding to disasters.

“We had prediction after prediction California could very well be in for really serious changes in the weather that could result in flooding," Howard said. "So right now we’re trying to make sure the CCC is ready to respond.”