posted October 24, 2007 10:12 PM         

I imagine there are knowflakes here, that do live in the area. Though with so many areas that have been evacuated, it's unlikely they'll find the time to post in here for awhile.

I too, am sending lot's of Loving thoughts and prayers thier way.

My friend Ben has been keeping me fairly updated via cell phone and seems blown away by his neighbors actions. Read more here:
Neighborhoods Unite To Protect One Another (Posted in Global Unity)

I also had alot of concern about the animals in the area as I'm certain other are aware one of the worlds largest zoo's is located there. See this post too:
What will become of the Famous San Diego Zoo if...(Posted in Heathcliffe's Corner)
There's a link for fire and wildlife news updates in there.

Zala, the rain really would be VERY useful right now...

Do we have any rain makers in Linda Land?

posted October 25, 2007 02:15 AM         

Actually I noticed that yours was posted much earlier and I missed it when I posted my thread so I just deleted my thread, Zala.

Wanted to clarify that so it does not appear I am losing my mind.

posted October 27, 2007 03:42 AM         

quote:

---

Can you tell me what the locals are saying about a charity that is really in there helping the people?

---

The following info is courtesy of my auntie in San Diego.

Be sure to note on any check/money order "Southern California Wildfire Relief" so it's clear where to apply your donation.

The Red Cross
800.733.2767
www.redcross.org

Wells Fargo Bank
Any local branch can accept donations to their special account set up for "American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund (California Wildfire Relief Effort)."
www.wellsfargo.com

Salvation Army
In need of monetary donations to help deliver cots and personal care kits (toothpaste, etc), as well as meals.
800.725.2769
www.salvationarmyusa.org

Operation USA
A non-government organization that is delivering medical supplies. Their focus in in rural areas where victims (many of them are farmworkers) do not have access to emergency services or care.
800.678.7255
www.opusa.org

posted October 27, 2007 04:51 AM         

thirteen:
According to locals in the midst, here's the real deal:

San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium is the #1 resource for homeless victims right now.They are in good shape as this is owned by the city and the resources needed are being well provided for via government. As long as residents are able to make it here, they are being well cared for.

-> {{{ IMPORTANT }}} <-

*Now these Guys, are actually in the local neighborhoods putting any donations to direct use:

Second Harvest Food Bank
All local vollunteers, and have been seen each and every day distributing needed items door to door and in the streets. Have also set up outside of local grocery stores that have closed down to offer emergency supplies along with needed food.
*They also converted thier own building, turning into an imediate relief center for high risk locals in need of temporary housing.

San Diego Fire Rescue Department
People wishing to make a cash donation are asked to write a check to:
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
ATTN: Fire Chief Tracy Jarman
1010 Second Avenue #400
San Diego, CA 92101
You will receive a charitable contribution receipt.

San Diego Food Bank
Offering personal assistance at multiple local set up locations.

San Diego Salvation Army
As the California wildfire crisis enters its sixth day, The Local Salvation Army continues to provide relief and support to those in need in San Diego County and other impacted regions.
Among other efforts, it has opened a firestorm assistance center in El Centro, CA to help meet the needs of evacuees from San Diego County. It also continued to mobilize nine canteens, and has six others on call.
The canteens have fed more than 46,000 meals and snacks as well 48,000 drinks to individuals impacted by the disaster, including thousands at Qualcomm stadium. The Army has also provided personal care kits, cots, cups and other materials, as well as emotional and spiritual care.

Click Here for the direct link to donate specifically to this local relief project.

San Diego Blood Bank
Currently providing emergency basic needs, comfort, love, and toys
to displaced and frightened families- as well as blood?...

San Diego/Imperial Counties Red Cross
DIRECT LINK TO LOCAL OFFICE

These guys do have intentions of helping...
But, have not yet been seen:

online donation
Make a check payable to The San Diego Foundation After–the–Fires Fund 2007
or mail to:
The San Diego Foundation
2508 Historic Decatur Rd., Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92106
Tel (619) 235-2300
Fax (619) 239-1710

As well as multiple other businesses and programs. Most especially banks.
Every bank and business that's open is excepting "Fire Relief Funds" he's not really sure where they are actually going, or when these funds may be available real-time. Lot's of scams going on now!!! Be careful, while donating- is the news.

posted October 31, 2007 08:12 AM         

LOS ANGELES: A boy playing with matches has confessed to starting a wildfire that destroyed 63 structures near Los Angeles, officials said on Tuesday.

The unidentified youngster, believed to be a pre-teen, was questioned by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigators on Oct 22, a day after the Buckweed fire started rampaging across 38,000 acres (15,000 hectares) in the Santa Clarita area, 30 miles (50 km) north of downtown Los Angeles.

The boy "admitted that he had been playing with matches," said sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore. It was initially believed that downed power lines had started the fire.

The boy was sent home after confessing, and the District Attorney's office will consider whether to press charges.

The Buckweed fire was one of about two-dozen conflagrations that ravaged southern California last week, destroying 2,300 buildings, according to the California Office of Emergency Services.

The fires have been responsible for 12 deaths and 78 injuries. Arson is being blamed for a blaze that has destroyed 15 homes in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, and a reward of $250,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever started the fire.

posted October 31, 2007 02:17 PM         

They were never actually, even officially evacuated??? His parents however were, and have just been given the OK to return to thier home.

He say's this is the first time since his early childhood he remembers neighbors even comfortably knowing one anothers name.

Moonie , thanks for the news article...
It is said that at least two of the fires were positively started purposely. Very sad

posted October 31, 2007 05:59 PM         

It affecting maining San Jose residents such as my self because that's where it was centered. It could have been a whole lot worse but thankfully no injuries or deaths have been reported, after all it wasn't THAT horrible. Just scary.

My best friend lives in Rancho Santa Margarita,CA (within Orange County)
many of her friends had to evacuate their homes...thank God she didn't have to.