2. La Conchita is a small costal community located within Ventura County next to the edge of 600- foot costal cliffs (Goldberg, 2006). La Conchita has been the site of many record landslides in the state of California (Goldberg, 2006). The most recent landslide occurred in 2005, the slide claimed ten lives, and approximately 36 homes were damaged or destroyed (Goldberg, 2006). Elderly individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with mental illnesses are vulnerable groups when natural disasters occur. Elderly are considered vulnerable because they often have impaired physical mobility, diminished sensory awareness, chronic health conditions that require medication and equipment, limited economic and social resources (Benson & Aldrich, 2007). Research has shown that racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to be prepared for disaster and, more likely to …show more content…
These disparities make ethnic and racial groups a vulnerable population (Jennings & Arras, 2008). Individuals who suffer from mental illness are considered vulnerable because their condition may make it difficult to plan ahead, they may be difficult to reach when warnings are being announced, certain illness may cause paranoia about participating in mass events such as evacuation (Jennings & Arras, 2008).

3. ‘Ready Ventura County’ is a campaign launched by the County with the goal of helping residents prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters within the County (Ready Ventura County, 2013). The Landslide Hazard program is of particular importance to the community of La Conchita as it provides residents with information on best practices for