On a January afternoon in 2024, Marisa Aguayo and her family experienced severe flooding on the property they have occupied for years near Chollas Creek. The creek, which borders their land, overflowed rapidly, submerging the homes her father had built to accommodate their growing family. As water levels rose, Aguayo, carrying her pit bull, and her relatives evacuated to a nearby hill, where they watched as floodwaters engulfed their community. She described the scene as devastating and said emergency responders did not arrive at the time.

More than two years after the incident, Aguayo and over 1,000 others affected by the flooding continue to face challenges in recovery. They have filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that officials were aware of the flood risk but failed to take necessary preventive measures. The legal action claims that municipal negligence contributed to the extent of the damage suffered by residents.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Aguayo connected with other members of the group Extreme Weather Survivors, finding solidarity in their shared experiences. She noted that coming together helped her understand that their stories were similar and that she was not alone in her struggle to rebuild. Currently, Aguayo is organizing an exhibition featuring writing and artwork from flood survivors, aiming to document the event and its human impact. She hopes the project will serve as a way for others to recognize the consequences of the flooding and the people affected by it.