Drought uncovers foundation of school from 1900s in Lake Casitas

LAKE CASITAS -- The remnants of an old elementary school, which was submerged under Lake Casitas for decades, has been rediscovered.

The Santa Ana School, constructed in the early 1900s, was razed in 1957 to create Lake Casitas. The school's foundation was buried under 69 feet of water for more than five decades until the drought uncovered the piece of history.

David Hartman was a student at the Santa Ana School and he was the first to find the steps and excavate them with the help of his daughter. By doing so, Hartman was able to recreate some fond memories.

The drought uncovered more than just the school, now an entire chunk of land that should be under nearly 70 feet of water is bone dry.

Lake Casitas is the backup water supply for all of western Ventura County, and it is now less than half full.

"The only thing we can do is rely on conservation and demand reduction, and that's going to start hurting some economically," said Ron Merckling with the Municipal Water District.

While the drought has led to the discovery of the school, many agree there needs to be steps taken to replenish the water.