Arturo Cordova, an employee of the City of Santa Maria Public Works Department, demonstrated to attendees how to properly fill and stack sandbags and announced where residents can pick up sand for filling.

Cordova said the demonstration’s purpose was “to demonstrate on how to properly fill a sandbag.” He advised residents to fill bags to between one-third and one-half full so they are heavy enough to hold position but not so full they are hard to tie. He noted that sandbags include a tie string and should be secured after filling.

On placement, Cordova recommended stacking sandbags three high and three to four wide “depending on the situation you are dealing with,” to create temporary barriers or reinforcements. He clarified that the city does not supply pre-filled sandbags: “Unfortunately, the city of Santa Maria does not provide the sandbags, but we do provide the sand.”

Cordova listed four sandpile locations where residents may obtain sand: Carmen Lane, San Ysidro, Sway Crossing and Western Avenue. He closed by encouraging residents to fill sandbags while conditions allow.

The demonstration was informational; no policy or formal action was taken.