SANTA BARBARA - The current series of winter storms has kept Santa Barbara Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and other crews busy with increased calls for service.

This morning at 6:30, Police and Fire responded to a call of a man yelling in the Mission Creek-bed near 2700 Vernon Drive. A 70-year-old man was partially in the water and unable to get out on his own. He was rescued with little difficulty. He was suffering from hypothermia, but is expected to completely recover. The man was a resident of Mission Terrace convalescent care facility at 623 W. Junipero. The staff reported that the man voluntarily left the facility yesterday afternoon in the company of a woman. The man, who suffers from dementia, told police he voluntarily left the facility, but not with a woman companion. He could not explain how he came to be in the creek.

Between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m., Police Dispatch received the following reports of fallen trees:
• A large tree is blocking the railroad tracks near the Bird Refuge. Union Pacific has been notified.
• At Anacapa and Micheltorena Streets, a large tree fell on parked cars, and pulled down power wires. The 100 block of E. Micheltorena St. is temporarily blocked.
• At Redrose Lane and Fellowship, a large tree fell on cars and is blocking the street.
• At 2400 Tallant Road, large tree fell, blocking the street.
• At Mesa Park, reports of several fallen trees. No reports of property damage.

City crews are working around the clock to ensure streets are clear, creeks are safely flowing, and to report hazardous conditions. The public is urged to take precautions during this hazardous period.