Some evacuation orders lifted for mudslide-ravaged Montecito

MONTECITO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities are allowing some Montecito residents to return home, two weeks after mudslides ravaged the Southern California community and killed at least 21 people.

Santa Barbara County spokeswoman Gina DePinto said Wednesday that mandatory and voluntary evacuations for about 1,000 households were lifted Wednesday.

Some other evacuation orders and warnings were lifted on Tuesday but thousands of people in and around the coastal town have yet to receive the all-clear.

Authorities are gradually trying to allow residents back into their homes as crews clear roads and storm basins of tons of mud, boulders and debris. Utility crews also are busy restoring water and sewage pipes, gas service and electricity.