Reporting from MONTECITO, Calif. — Hope can be plucked from a heap of dirt with gentle hands. A gold-rimmed teacup with a chip in its pedestal. A pink vest knitted for a niece. A canvas book bag ...

In Montecito, the storm called to mind the devastating January 2018 mudslides that killed 23 people, destroyed 130 homes and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

Julia Moskin interviewed Meghan in her home kitchen in Montecito, Calif. Published April 2, 2025 Updated April 7, 2025; Leer en español.