Ventura County avocado farmer loses crops in Mountain Fire, says his retirement plan is now gone

https://abc7.com/post/75-year-old-ventura-county-avocado-farmer-relying-land-retirement-loses-crops-irrigation-system-mountain-fire/15541474/

SOMIS, Calif. (KABC) -- The Mountain Fire ripped through Sergio Acevedo's 2-acre farm, destroying nearly 100 of his 300 avocado trees.

The 75 year old said he saw his crops go up in flames on TV news coverage.

----------------

He bought the 2-acre parcel of farmland with a chunk of his savings. It was his dream to grow avocados and retire from his job as a diesel mechanic becoming a full-time farmer.

Now, he says his retirement is now down to "nothing."

For the last nearly 25 years, Acevedo said he poured his heart and soul into his farm. Not only did the fire torch his trees, the blaze also destroyed his irrigation system. He said he does not have insurance to cover the damage.

"This is his peaceful place. This is his retirement. This is his magical place where he comes and just unwinds. And my mom comes out here, and this is their life savings. And at this point, they kind of have to start over, and go from scratch, and it's hard at 75, you know, he's a very private man. But I said, Dad, you know we need help. You need help, At 75 to start over again is a huge financial burden," said Acevedo's daughter, Wendy Acevedo-Solis.