Fallen fence...who's responsible?

[Kevin Phu]

Just got informed by my roommate that a portion of my backyard fence has fallen down. I'm guessing it's due to a combination of age and the Santa Ana winds. How do I go about getting this repaired/replaced? It couldn't have come at a worst time as I'm across the country dealing with a serious family emergency.

Do we split the costs of repairs? What if the rest of the fence is in pretty bad shape and I recommend it be replaced with a new fence? Am I responsible for it? Can this be an insurance claim?

My neighbor is an elderly lady who lives alone. Her husband built the house in the 1960's. She has family (I assume it's family) visit her occasionally. Should I get a hold of them to work it out? I'm also pretty okay with footing most of the bill if it makes the resolution smoother. After all, she is a neighbor and she's nice. 

Lastly, anyone have any recommendations for fence repair in Ventura county (Oxnard)?

[Brian Pulaski]

Who owns the house with the fence on it? If it is your house and your fence, the neighbor owes nothing to fix it. Do you think the neighbor or your roommate or both should help pay?