In accordance with a rarely invoked section of the state’s Government Code, the county of Los Angeles this week paid San Bernardino County over $108,000 for the costs of carrying out two separate searches for Los Angeles County residents who became lost in remote areas in 2010.
On Tuesday the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors accepted as a “full release and settlement of all claims” from the county of Los Angeles in the amount of $43,664.39, for the reimbursement of search and rescue costs for Los Angeles County resident Edward Rosenthal, and further accepted a “full release and settlement of all claims” from the county of Los Angeles, in the amount of $64,609.96, for the reimbursement of search and rescue costs for Los Angeles County resident Michelle Yu.
San Bernardino County Code Section 12.0511 gives the sheriff the authority to search for and rescue persons who are lost or are in danger of their lives within or in the immediate vicinity of the county. Government Code Section 26614.5 allows the county of residence to pay the county conducting the search and rescue for expenses in excess of $100.
From September 27 to September 30, 2010, the San Bernardino County sheriff’s department conducted a search and rescue operation for Los Angeles County resident Edward Rosenthal, then-64 of Culver City, who went missing during a hike near Black Rock Campground inside Joshua Tree National Park on September 24.  He was found alive on September 30 and airlifted to a hospital.
San Bernardino County made a claim against Los Angeles County for reimbursement totaling $43,764.39, including labor ($15,747.39), vehicle mileage ($297), and aircraft services ($27,720). The Government Code only authorizes reimbursement of expenses that exceed $100; therefore the net claim against the county of Los Angeles was $43,664.39.
From December 5 through December 8, 2010, the sheriff’s department conducted a search and rescue operation for Los Angeles County resident Michelle Yu, 49 of Venice, who became lost while attempting to reach  Mt. Baldy peak following the Sierra Hut Trail. The rescue operation was unsuccessful and Yu’s body was found at the 7,900 foot level in very steep and icy terrain.
San Bernardino County’s gross claim for reimbursement totaled $64,709.96, including labor ($17,677.46), vehicle mileage ($952.50), and aircraft services ($46,080). The net claim to the county of Los Angeles was $64,609.96.
Claims for searches for out-of-county residents are generally handled internally through the sheriff’s department, in conjunction with risk management and county counsel. Given the size of the claims relating to the Rosenthal and Yu rescue efforts, Los Angeles County processed them as tort claims, thus requiring approval from the board of supervisors before payment could be made.