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October 29, 2007
Good Things Come In Small Packages
So the mailman brought me a wonderful thing today. No, not anything essential, like money or a car. Noooo. What I got was a copy of A Journey Through the Blues: The Son Seals Story DVD for review.
Considering where my head's been (in a bad place) for the last few months, this is a godsend. Suddenly, the clouds are less gray and dense. The sun is peeking through. And I can practically hear the musicians warming up.
So much better than hanging out at grocery stores waiting for cute chefs to spice up my life, eh?
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:52 PM | Comments (2)
San Diego County Wildfire Stats
- Witch Fire – 197,990 acres – 95% contained - $13 million - 39 firefighters injured and two civilian fatalities
- Harris Fire – 90,440 acres – 75% contained - $11.9 million - 21 civilian and 34 firefighter injuries, and five deaths
- Poomacha Fire – 49,540 acres – 65% contained - $7.2 million - 20 firefighter injured
- Rice Fire – 9,472 acres – 100% contained - $4.9 million - Five firefighters injured
- Horno/Ammo Fire – 21,084 acres – 100% contained - six firefighters injured
- Wilcox Fire – 100 acres – 100% contained - Cajon Fire – 250 acres – 100% contained
- McCoy Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
- Coronado Hills Fire – 250 acres – 100% contained
Most people are being allowed to return to their homes. Those who lost homes, in many cases, are beginning the recovery process. Some areas do remain evacuated, such as in Rancho Bernardo, where residents of La Terraza apartments still cannot return to survey the damage. Sadly, there's not a comprehensive list of current evacuated sites, not even from CalFire. News sites haven't updated evacuation info for days. Go figure. Apparently it's only news fit for broadcast.
After the glut of non-stop news the first couple of days, we've been reduced to dribs and drabs of information during the day. We used to have one or two local 24-hour news stations (essentially, re-broadcasts of earlier news programs) here, but they've gone the way of the dinosaur. It's at times like these that we need at least one station to provide current news at any given time. With up-to-date information, of course. Hell, even if it's not "at times like these", it would be nice. Guess there's no money in it for the stations.
Okay, enough from me. There you have it. Current stats. I'll go return to What Not To Wear and my iced tea.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2007
I Was Talkin' With A Friend Of Mine
My friend called last night to check in with me. I'd called the other day to find out how she was doing since her boyfriend is a fire fighter and I figured he had been out battling the blazes. Turns out, they'd been in Mexico when all hell broke loose here.
It was the first time he hadn't been on the front line in ages. I was relieved. I mean, I hate thinking of the danger he faces every time he answers the alarm, y'know? And I know his girlfriend worries more. So I called. And all was well.
While there's great relief that loved ones are safe and sound. Still, it's not really over for everyone.
340+ students in our district lost their homes, ten of them from my son's school. I feel for them.
School starts back tomorrow. Despite the week off from school, nobody really feels rested. Crews have been working to clean up the soot and debris. Families have been picking up the pieces. Kids are desperately trying to come to grips with how much their lives have changed.
The fires may be mostly under control, but we'll be feeling this for a long time to come. The current monetary damage total is estimated at $36 million thus far.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2007
A Reason To Smile
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:44 PM | Comments (1)
Pleasant Surprise
Thank you, Laughing Wolf, for the phone call to check up on me and mine and for catching me up on all your recent travels and experiences.
And thanks to all you other bloggers and readers for stopping by here to check in on me. Hugs all around!
One of the many problems that comes with having one's head stuck up her ass is that I've missed out on what's happening with everyone else. It's not been just the fires. No, I've been wrapped up in my own little world for a while now. It took the fires and the phone call for me to realize I need to pull my head out and start interacting with people again. Somehow, spending my days wishing and waiting for the lovely Curtis Stone to pick me up in a local grocery store just doesn't seem like a good enough reason to have disappeared.
My apologies to all of you who have done more than their fair share of trying to rouse me out of my stupor. I suck and I know it.
Maybe once I don't have to share a computer anymore I'll get better at blogging regularly. (Just don't ask me to promise.)
Laughing Wolf...welcome home and thank you for making such an extraordinary trip.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:14 PM | Comments (3)
Qualcomm To Cease Sheltering Evacuees Tomorrow
During this afternoon's briefing, Mayor Jerry Sanders announced that Qualcomm Stadium will shut its doors to fire evacuees starting tomorrow. The Red Cross will take the reins and shelter any displaced individuals, although no details were given as to exactly where they will be placed. Newscasters, however, had mentioned earlier in the day that many people are being relocated to the Del Mar Fairgrounds today.
It was reported that less than 1,000 people were still at Qualcomm, but I haven't found any articles online to corroborate this.
Most areas in San Diego county have been reopened to those who were evacuated over the last few days. Fires are still burning, but the majority are burning undeveloped land at last report.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)
Two Bodies Found Burned In Poway Home
The death toll from fires is rising.
Fire crews found two bodies inside a home in Poway, one of the communities hit hardest by the fires, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said. (I can't emphasize enough how important it is to evacuate when you're told it's time to leave. These deaths shouldn't have happened.)They are only the second and third bodies found in a burned home so far -- the first was a Navy civilian engineer who died at his home in Tecate Sunday.
Seven other deaths are labeled fire-related: Three people died during evacuations, and four others died after being evacuated. Seventy-eight people, including at least 36 firefighters, have been injured.
Other sources list the fire-related deaths to be at 8 and fire fighters injured as at least 39.
Other numbers:
San Diego County:
Witch Fire – 197,990 acres – 20% contained
Harris Fire – 81,100 acres – 10% contained
Poomacha Fire – 35,000 acres – 20% contained
Rice Fire – 9,000 acres – 30% contained
Horno/Ammo Fire – 10,000 acres – 40-50% contained
Wilcox Fire – 100 acres – 100% contained
Cajon Fire – 250 acres – 100% contained
McCoy Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
Coronado Hills Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)
A Peek At Rancho Bernardo
Driving up the 15 freeway on an urgent errand, we passed by the backside of the development where I used to live. This is just a little hint of the devastation in Rancho Bernardo. In fact, I'd call this the least of the damage.
We watched helicopters making their water drops and saw one land out at Kit Carson Park. Huge dust cloud from the landing was actually rather fascinating. Later, on the way back, more helicopters were diving in and out of smoke and dumping water on the other side of the freeway.
The crews out fighting the fires are nothing short of heroes. God bless them all.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:11 AM | Comments (0)
Humor Not A Victim Of Fires
Even fire can't burn out a sense of humor. The Hamburger Factory (just up the street from me) had this sign propped in the middle of the driveway to the restaurant.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:06 AM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2007
County Takes Steps to Ease Financial Burdens on Those Who Need To Rebuild
Found this in my email inbox:
County Waives Permit Fees Related to Rebuilding Legal Structures in the Unincorporated Area Damaged by the Wildfires
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors today approved a recommendation by District 2 Supervisor Dianne Jacob and District 5 Supervisor Bill Horn to waive permit fees for rebuilding structures damaged or destroyed by the Harris, Witch, and Rice Canyon Fires.“We know from past experience that victims face a long and arduous rebuilding process,” said Supervisor Jacob. “Waiving fees and expediting the process are ways the County intends to make recovery as smooth as possible.”
Supervisor Horn said, “It’s our desire to do everything we can to relieve the stress and financial burden on fire victims, and this action allows people to put their lives back together a little faster.”
The fee waivers would apply only to legally built structures in the unincorporated area which have been damaged or destroyed by fire and are located within the boundaries of the geographic areas declared by resolution of the Board of Supervisors to be eligible for the fee waivers.
The action provides critical relief to victims and expedites the permitting process.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)
Song of the Siren
Not sure why we just heard a bunch of sirens. In fact, they're the first I've heard in all of this. Things outside actually look okay, but you never know.
We have occasional clouds of ash fall on us, but mostly we're good.
The local Walmart is open again. I consider this a good sign. We also had mail delivery for the first time since last week.
I feel almost guilty having some normalcy in my life when so many others don't.
Little Dude continues to remain out of the area, which is a good thing. I'm dropping his Gameboy off with his dad who is back at work today. Figure it'll come in handy when the idea of playing board games [mostly] alone wears thin for LD.
Everyone in my family is accounted for today. Little sister talked with my dad this morning and I feel better knowing she's been in touch with someone.
Possible rolling blackouts for much of our area have been predicted. We turned our AC off early yesterday when the air cleared. I hate adding strain to the system if we can go without and it really isn't all that hot here at the moment. Even if it does get much warmer, I'll stick with a fan, thankyouverymuch.
More of my immediate neighbors are returning to their apartments. We've watched them trickle back. It's sort of comforting to see them.
Gonna go through all my clothes and such today and start getting boxes of stuff together for those who have lost things in the fire or who can't get back to their homes. The way I see it, if it hasn't been on my back in more than three months it should go to someone else who can really use it. And I know LD has plenty of clothes he's outgrown that will benefit others. I recommend everyone in San Diego county dig through their closets right now and do the very same thing. Too many of our neighbors have nothing.
I can't think much beyond this. It's time to go back sorting and organizing.
1 PM Update: More sirens again and still no clue what's going on. Guess we better be prepared for anything at this point.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:43 PM | Comments (4)
October 23, 2007
Tuesday Night's Alright For...Updating
Most folks know I give few details on "exactly" where I live, but to give perspective on the fires and my situation, I'm offering up a little info. Looking at the above image, you see that little camera at the bottom? That's pretty much right between where my dad is and where I am. You can see where the fire has burned and see why we were evacuated.
I am back home now. Cable, electricity, cell service continues to be intermittent, but that's okay with me. The air is fairly clear at the moment and I'm grateful to all who have helped fight these fires.
Others aren't so lucky. Please keep all the evacuees and the countless fire/rescue workers who continue their efforts in your thoughts and prayers.
Rough numbers related to the San Diego county fires: over 500,000 people evacuated. "Four major fires ripping across San Diego County have burned nearly 300,000 acres and destroyed or damaged 1,250 homes and 100 businesses since Sunday." It appears that all schools in SD County will remain closed for the week.
From the San Diego County Emergency website:
10-23-07 8:54 p.m. Boil water order issued. Although Ramona is under mandatory evacuation orders, those residents remaining in the city are being advised to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking and cooking until further notice. Tap water pressure should be restored around 1 a.m.10-23-07, 7:38 p.m. According to CAL FIRE,
The Harris Fire is 72,000 acres and 10% contained, full containment is expected October 31st. The cost to date to fight the fire is $2,100,000. One additional civilian suffered burns and was treated and transported to a local hospital. A total of 21 civilians have been injured and one killed by this fire. There are 4500 people are or have been threatened and evacuated. Additional evacuations are being ordered. An estimated 200 to 500 homes have been destroyed or damaged. There are 1500 homes are or have been threatened. An additional 452 people are being assigned to the incident and are either in route or were with the initial attack and have not been released from the line to check in. The total personnel count is 1211.
The Witch Fire is 196,420 acres and 1 percent contained. Twelve firefighters have been injured on this fire and currently there are 1,492 firefighters assigned to this incident. The fire will continue to move west and southwest, threatening the communities of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos, Julian, Pine Hills and Rancho Santa Fe.
The Rice fire is 7,500 acres and 10% contained with full containment expected on October 28th, with full control expected Nov. 5th. One firefighter has been injured.
The Poomacha Fire is 20,000 acres and 0% contained, there have been 10 injuries to firefighers, 218 firefighters are assigned to this incident.
Other personal notes: Little Dude remains at his great uncle's house with his dad and grandmother. He's having breathing issues so he'll stay clear of Poway for the time being. My mom, sister, brother-in-law, and daughter also remain away from home due to my mom's emphysema and the need just to be safe. My dad is home and we've continued to check in with one another throughout the day. I was finally able to leave messages for my little sis, but haven't heard back from her yet. I can only presume she's off helping with animals somewhere, knowing her. That's her thing. Many of my blog buddies have been updating their sites whenever possible. I can't begin to list them all, but start with Doc in the Box and FBL and work from there. I'm afraid to go out looking more than that because power's so flaky right now. Just follow their links, okay?
Regarding the issue of military assistance in fighting the wildfires, the delay of their aid was due to some silly requirement by CalFire to have their spotters in Navy/Marine aircraft. I'm not alone in thinking this was asinine. Duncan Hunter said as much himself. I think it's safe to say this requirement will not be an issue in future fire fighting efforts. The military pilots have more than proven themselves (in war and now in the war on fires). I pray this sort of delay never happens again.
"Help" info:
San Diego Red Cross
Fire Blog from the San Diego Union-Tribune
11 PM Update: For some reason, the smoke seems to have made a bit of a comeback. I'm hacking up a storm and getting another headache. Guess it was to be expected that the wind might kick the smoke around again. Ain't it always the way? It's moments like these I wish the Fat Guy would declare it Peanut Butter Jelly Time.
2 AM Update: One of the better articles I've read from Newsday. It's long, but a very good recap of many of the struggles fire fighters are facing.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:08 PM | Comments (2)
One of Many Fire Victims
This is Kenny, an old family friend I ran into at Walmart yesterday. He lives up in Ramona and had been moving his horses out since Sunday night. Several trips later, he couldn't evacuate them all.
Kenny's just one of thousands who is faced with a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, my evacuation went a bit smoother.
Little Dude is with his dad and his grandmother at his great uncle's house. I spent the night in Lakeside/El Cajon. My daughter, my sister, brother-in-law, and my mom are down near Qualcomm stadium. My dad spent the night in his own home after spending the afternoon at a friend's house. (Yes, I yelled at him about that!) My little sister is back at home now, although I can't get ahold of her. Phone service, electricity, cable...it's all spotty. Since I only have a cell phone (no land line for me anymore), I hate to even use it.
It's been heartbreaking to see the devastation. We watched a local newscaster stand before his burning home yesterday. Again, he was one of many. And that's what we all are -- one of many. A week ago, I was worried about what I was going to do when my comp PDA checks stopped in a month. Compared to those who don't have homes anymore, I feel lucky.
Go to the San Diego Red Cross website to find out what you can do. Please. There are so many people who need your help.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:20 AM | Comments (2)
More Poway Shots
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:15 AM | Comments (0)
Fire Updates
View of Poway fires here in Southern California (San Diego County). It's smoky, it's warm, the whole thing is surreal. My entire family (five different homes scattered across the county) has been evacuated.
I just moved into Poway a few months ago from Rancho Bernardo. I'm glad I did. My old condo was 100 yrds from where a church burned. I don't know the situation of the condo now, but as of yesterday morning, I was never so glad to be out of there.
Apartments across from where I went to elementary school burned, too. And my son's school is very close to current fires.
While in the process of evacuating our area, we stopped at Walmart. I ran into an old family friend who was, like so many others, trying to figure out where he could take his horses and mules. The parking lot was packed with RVs and folks just not sure where to go.
When this all started on Sunday, I knew it was going to be bad. I just didn't know how bad. Rescue workers are doing everything they can to keep people safe, try to get a little control over the fires, anything and everything to minimize the devastation. Yesterday (Monday afternoon), they finally had a few military helicopters up to help the effort. The military's been ready to work since the first flames were reported. Unfortunately, for all the efforts of legislators to reduce the red tape, there was still way too much and the military should have been assisting from the first day. I'm certain there will be another new system in place the next time we face this sort of emergency. There is no acceptable reason for the fires to have spread as far and as fast as they did when we have resources available...people willing and able to do what needs to be done.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2007
Five Minutes Ago
The car is loaded up with a few select items, ready to go at a moment's notice. Technically, this part of town is supposed to be evacuated, but there's really nowhere for us to go with the main exit roads that are now parking lots. In the meantime, we're staying put.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:43 AM | Comments (6)
What it Looked Like Yesterday
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:36 AM | Comments (2)
Raining Ash, Smoke-filled Lungs
Oddly enough, the last place I lived is in greater danger than where I'm at now. Not that this place is in all that great a shape at the moment...it's just NOT burning like where I used to live a couple months ago. Go figure.
My dad's called several times already this morning. He's less than a mile from me and is poised for evacuation at any moment.
The winds continue to push the fire(s), in some cases, causing them to merge.
A recorded message was just sent to my cell phone from the school district to remind us to keep our kids home, that there's no school today, probably tomorrow, and God only knows how much longer.
It's gonna be a long freakin' day.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)
Shakin' My Ash
When I woke up yesterday, the little bit of sky I could see through my window looked alternately cerulean and sickly. The blue was glorious. The deadish yellow...not so much. In the midwest, that sort of sick would often mean tornado. Here, it's all about fire. At the time though, I didn't smell smoke or hear sirens, so I thought nothing of it.
I thought about it a hell of a lot more later as I left the house to join up with Mad Mikey and his wife, friends, and family for his birthday celebration. Within seconds of walking outside, I was brushing ash out of my eyes and mouth. I had no idea where the fire (or fires) were, but saw no flames.
One thing I did notice as I drove down the main drag here, however, was the amount of traffic and the seemingly nervous drivers. I hadn't seen so many people craning their necks while attempting to drive in my life. Not even during air show weekends. With one exception...the fires of four years ago.
In just a few minutes, the smoke had grown much thicker and rolled in as if a sleeping bag were suddenly unfurled over the area. I kept thinking things would be better the closer I got to the coast, where everyone was waiting. Not at all, it turned out. By the end of dinner, I was starting to feel wheezy. By the middle of our comedy outing, I was coughing quite a bit. All I could think was, "damn, I have to drive back to where the smoke's gonna be even worse!" The drive was almost unbearable due to high winds, but the smoke didn't seem all that bad -- until I rolled the window down.
So, here it is, almost 3:30 a.m. and I'm agitated by the smoke, the winds, the flickering lights. My head hurts, my lungs are screaming for fresh air, and it's not looking like things will improve anytime soon. I've heard glass shattering outside, hopefully just from potted plants being blown off patios, etc. On the other hand, I'm grateful everyone I know is safe for the time being. And I'm praying like hell the fire crews and those living in the areas in immediate danger are kept from harm.
CLOSURES TODAY DUE TO FIRE SCHOOL CLOSURES:Poway Unified School District schools
Ramona Unified School District schools
Jamul-Dulzura Union School District
Dehesa School District
Calvary Christian Academy in Chula Vista
Barona Indian Charter School
Saint Pius X School in Chula Vista
Steele Canyon High School; all other Grossmont Union district schools remain open
San Diego Unified School District's Palomar Mountain campus. No sixth-grade camp. The district also canceled all field trips and is limiting sports activities.
ROAD CLOSURES:
State Route 94 between Harris Ranch Road and state Route 188. State Routes 78 and 79 from Julian to Ramona
State Route 79 from Ramona to Sutherland Dam Road
State Route 67 limited to southbound traffic
OTHER CLOSURES:
San Diego County courts
Tecate border crossing
Say a prayer, folks. It looks like things are gonna stay nasty for quite a while. And, if you live in ANY of the areas being evacuated -- DO IT! Don't risk the life of your rescuers because you're too stubborn to think straight.
Resource links and numbers:
SD County emergency
Red Cross Evacuation Sites
211 San Diego
Residents are asked to call 211 for all non-emergency calls related to this fire. If the call is initiated from a cell phone, 211 can be reached at 858-300-1211.
Air Quality (this number has an up-to-date recording): 858-586-2800
County Animal Services 24 hour: 619-236-2341
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:08 AM | Comments (0)
October 03, 2007
11 and My Pride And Joy
Little Dude is officially 11 years old. 11 years ago right this very moment, my life was made incredibly richer as he burst into this world.
While it's a mother's perogative to mention weary loins, hours of unbearable labor pains, etc., I shall refrain. I'm saving that for when he's a little older and I need him to run errands or something.
On one hand, it's surprising how the addition of one crying infant can impact your life so immensely. On the other, you know it's going to happen. Still, I'd been through childbirth once before and thought I knew exactly how I'd feel when I finally got to meet the little person who was joining our family, but it's different every time.
He's my sunshine on a cloudy day. He's my comfort when I'm sad. He's the pea under the mattress, too, sometimes. I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything in the world.
Other October 3rd birthdays include:
- Stevie Ray Vaughan (L.D.'s first favorite blues artist, may he R.I.P.)
- Alan O'Day
- Eddie Cochran
- Chubby Checker
- Lindsey Buckingham
- Keb' Mo'
- Greg Proops
- Gwen Stefani
- India Arie
- Clive Owen
- Tommy Lee
Is it any wonder my kid is musically inclined as well as a bit weird?
I love you, kiddo!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:18 AM | Comments (3)
October 01, 2007
C'mon and Give The Girls A Hand (or Two)
Remember, all the chestal regions appearing on the Boobie-Thon site are there voluntarily because the participants believe in raising money for breast cancer research and education. If you can't stand the site, don't bitch...donate elsewhere and do your part!
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:51 AM | Comments (0)