Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Silver Lace flowers
I told you that I wasn't sure if the Canyon Silver Catalina Silver Lace blossoms were done blooming. Well, tiny little petals appeared. They have huge stamens that open up like they're their own flower and teeny tiny petals. Can you see them? For reference, each of those yellow buds is about 1/4 inch across.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wrestling Banquet
Mike and I attended the DPHS Wrestling Team's banquet with Kevin last Sunday. It was a delight to be among so many fine young men, full of potential! It is a great group.
Kevin really gained a lot from being on the team this year. It was such a positive experience for him. He is so well-liked and well-respected by his teammates and coaches, and parents, too.
Coach Califano had some very nice words to say about him, being a first-year wrestler and having no fear or self-confidence issues (if it's one thing Kev has, it is self-confidence!), as well as his athleticism and amazing endurance. The coach presented Kevin with a large photograph of one of his matches. It was against Ventura, the team-to-beat in the the league. Kevin's win was huge for both overall competition and for morale (not to mention morale-busting for the Ventura team!).
We enjoyed some good food, nice chats with other parents, and really enjoyed the DVD of highlights. Kevin feels part of a wonderful brotherhood. Super!
Here are some photos taken by one of the dads, Johnny Sarena. Anthony is his son, one of the seniors and team leaders. Johnny was at almost all of the matches and tournaments, belly on the floor taking pictures.
This is the picture that was presented to Kevin as a 10 x 13. I'm going to get it framed for him.
Kevin really gained a lot from being on the team this year. It was such a positive experience for him. He is so well-liked and well-respected by his teammates and coaches, and parents, too.
Coach Califano had some very nice words to say about him, being a first-year wrestler and having no fear or self-confidence issues (if it's one thing Kev has, it is self-confidence!), as well as his athleticism and amazing endurance. The coach presented Kevin with a large photograph of one of his matches. It was against Ventura, the team-to-beat in the the league. Kevin's win was huge for both overall competition and for morale (not to mention morale-busting for the Ventura team!).
We enjoyed some good food, nice chats with other parents, and really enjoyed the DVD of highlights. Kevin feels part of a wonderful brotherhood. Super!
Here are some photos taken by one of the dads, Johnny Sarena. Anthony is his son, one of the seniors and team leaders. Johnny was at almost all of the matches and tournaments, belly on the floor taking pictures.
This is the picture that was presented to Kevin as a 10 x 13. I'm going to get it framed for him.
OK! OK! Just one more
This is Woolly Blue Curls (Trichostema lanatum). It is a neat-o plant. The blossoms appear as little blue fuzzy balls on the stem, and then magically turn to flowers. I like this plant a lot!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
One more!
I hadn't noticed that the White Sage (Salvia apiana) had bloomed when I posted about my other garden flowers the other day.
In the last few weeks, this short little shrub shot up some 6+ foot tall spikes! Really amazing to see it grow like that.
And these spikes have blossoms. They are pretty!
In the last few weeks, this short little shrub shot up some 6+ foot tall spikes! Really amazing to see it grow like that.
And these spikes have blossoms. They are pretty!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Police Taking Care of Things
Police believe a jilted lover is behind a knife assault that took place on a boat moored off East Beach on Sunday and sent a 23-year-old victim to the hospital with multiple stab wounds.
Authorities responded to Stearns Wharf at 4:30 a.m. after witnesses reported hearing a woman screaming on a boat just east of the wharf, Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte said. Officers arrived and found the victim, who had made his way to the wharf.
Investigators determined that the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Alan Joseph Farren, had apparently become jealous after his ex-girlfriend began dating the victim, Duarte said.
“Farren was able to convince an unknown person to row him out to the victim’s boat in the middle of the night,” he said in a news release. “Farren boarded the boat and then attacked the victim with a knife, stabbing him several times.”
After the victim jumped into the water and swam to a nearby skiff, authorities said the suspect followed, climbed into the skiff and demanded the victim take him to shore or face further harm.
“The victim transported Farren to East Beach, at which point Farren jumped out of the skiff and fled the scene,” Duarte said.
Emergency responders took the victim to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he was treated and admitted. Police are still looking for Farren, who is described as a 6-foot, 240-pound man with short brown hair, blue eyes and a full beard.
Duarte said he had been seen recently near the Moreton Bay Fig Tree adjacent to the train station, camping on the beach near the skate park, and on boats moored in the harbor.
Farren apparently has a tattoo of a sword on his left forearm, as well as other tattoos on his right shoulder and neck, authorities said, and may have a pit bull puppy with him. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 897-2335.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Garden Flowers
A couple more flowers to share from my native plants.
This is my pride and joy, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden's own cultivar, Canyon Silver Catalina Silver Lace. I love this plant! I'm not sure if the flowers will open up anymore, or if these little yellow clusters are it. They have taken forever to open up to this yellow. With more time, they may open up more. It is hard to tell from the SBBG's photo.
A single stand of Linanthus grandiflorus survived my weed-whacking. You remember, I scattered wildflower seeds last fall. This beauty was one that survived.
This is my pride and joy, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden's own cultivar, Canyon Silver Catalina Silver Lace. I love this plant! I'm not sure if the flowers will open up anymore, or if these little yellow clusters are it. They have taken forever to open up to this yellow. With more time, they may open up more. It is hard to tell from the SBBG's photo.
A single stand of Linanthus grandiflorus survived my weed-whacking. You remember, I scattered wildflower seeds last fall. This beauty was one that survived.
Friday, May 15, 2009
San Antonio Creek
Today I hiked San Antonio Creek. The media said that it was the one trail that is open. There was still a barrier across the parking lot entrance, as the park was (is?) being used as a staging area for firefighters. I drove around the barrier. Scofflaw! There were no firetrucks around. There were a couple cars at the Tuckers Grove park area, but I was the only one at the far parking lot near the trailhead.
The trail was fine until about 2/3 the way, when it was quite singed.
Come along with me, again! I've visited this trail many times in this blog, plus visiting as part of my Creek Watch.
This silly wabbit crossed the trail early on.
I saw Mrs. Lizard fly out of a round hole in the middle of the trail. "Someone's coming! I must leave!"
Peeking in, I saw a lizard tail.
Did Mrs. Lizard lose her tail to a snake occupant? I took a look, and suddenly Mr. Lizard appeared, giving me a stern stare. How dare I interrupt him and the missus? "Mind your own business! Go away!"
The burned areas were hit and miss along the trail. Suddenly, there were singed trees and blackened ground, then a few yards later there was no evidence, or very little, of fire, and a few yards after that, more leafless trees and shrubs.
Look at this house! It must be at the end of Via Gennita. Now, that's a close call!
Here's another house visible from the top of the trail at the 154. Great defensible space, huh?
There weren't a lot of wildflowers left. A few canyon sunflowers, some thistles, a few wild roses.
Since RetroMag likes lizards, here is another one. There were a lot of them scurrying around!
And here is one I meant to share last week. I took it on the day the fire started. It was the only subject I recorded on that hike!
The trail was fine until about 2/3 the way, when it was quite singed.
Come along with me, again! I've visited this trail many times in this blog, plus visiting as part of my Creek Watch.
This silly wabbit crossed the trail early on.
I saw Mrs. Lizard fly out of a round hole in the middle of the trail. "Someone's coming! I must leave!"
Peeking in, I saw a lizard tail.
Did Mrs. Lizard lose her tail to a snake occupant? I took a look, and suddenly Mr. Lizard appeared, giving me a stern stare. How dare I interrupt him and the missus? "Mind your own business! Go away!"
The first part of the trail is green. The whole mountain in the background is burnt.
The burned areas were hit and miss along the trail. Suddenly, there were singed trees and blackened ground, then a few yards later there was no evidence, or very little, of fire, and a few yards after that, more leafless trees and shrubs.
All the cobwebs were ashy.
Look at this house! It must be at the end of Via Gennita. Now, that's a close call!
Here's another house visible from the top of the trail at the 154. Great defensible space, huh?
There weren't a lot of wildflowers left. A few canyon sunflowers, some thistles, a few wild roses.
Wild Rose
MonkeyFlower
Oooh! And there were wild raspberries! I sampled some and they were tart!
MonkeyFlower
Oooh! And there were wild raspberries! I sampled some and they were tart!
Since RetroMag likes lizards, here is another one. There were a lot of them scurrying around!
And here is one I meant to share last week. I took it on the day the fire started. It was the only subject I recorded on that hike!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Final Jesusita Update
The Jesusita Fire is 90% contained tonight, and they've lifted all evacuation orders. Here are the stats as reported by SB County:
• 8,733 acres burned
• 90% contained
• Damage assessment teams have been working in the field providing more accurate survey numbers. Assessment to date: 80 homes destroyed, 15 homes damaged; 79 outbuildings destroyed; 2 outbuildings damaged; 1 commercial property destroyed.
• 2781 personnel on scene: 203 engines, 86 crews
• 1 air attack, and 7 helicopters
• 29 firefighter injuries to date
• Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
• Air quality warning remains in effect
• Estimated costs to date $17 million
• Expected containment 5/20/09
According to the Independent, at its peak, there were 4100 firefighters fighting the fire.
Most of the front country trails are closed. The Independent has some pictures of the devastation the trails suffered. The good news is that San Antonio Creek trail is open. I may partake tomorrow!
The next worry, of course, is next winter's mudslides. I'm not sure how they will deal with the barren foothills. Last year after the Gap Fire, they dropped tons of mulch on the hillsides. It worked to keep it from eroding. Perhaps they'll do something similar. Of course they are already thinking about it.
• 8,733 acres burned
• 90% contained
• Damage assessment teams have been working in the field providing more accurate survey numbers. Assessment to date: 80 homes destroyed, 15 homes damaged; 79 outbuildings destroyed; 2 outbuildings damaged; 1 commercial property destroyed.
• 2781 personnel on scene: 203 engines, 86 crews
• 1 air attack, and 7 helicopters
• 29 firefighter injuries to date
• Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
• Air quality warning remains in effect
• Estimated costs to date $17 million
• Expected containment 5/20/09
According to the Independent, at its peak, there were 4100 firefighters fighting the fire.
Most of the front country trails are closed. The Independent has some pictures of the devastation the trails suffered. The good news is that San Antonio Creek trail is open. I may partake tomorrow!
The next worry, of course, is next winter's mudslides. I'm not sure how they will deal with the barren foothills. Last year after the Gap Fire, they dropped tons of mulch on the hillsides. It worked to keep it from eroding. Perhaps they'll do something similar. Of course they are already thinking about it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The End is Near
Woke up to foggy cool skies this morning again. Whew.
This morning's press release states that only a few homes (140) are still under evacuation. These are the northernmost areas, where the fire is still active.
From the City of Santa Barbara fact sheet this morning:
• 8,733 acres burned
• 55% contained
• Damage assessment in progress – initial estimate of 31 homes destroyed, 47 homes have been damaged and 2 outbuildings destroyed
• Approximately 140 properties evacuated (mandatory evacuation orders); affects approx. 350 people
• More than 3,850 properties under evacuation warning; approx. 9,625 people affected
• Residences threatened – 3,500; commercial properties threatened – 100
• 4,543 personnel on scene: 509 engines, 109 crews
• 5 air tankers and 15 helicopters
• 18 firefighter injuries to date
• Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
• Air quality warning remains in effect
• Estimated costs to date $7.4 million
• Expected containment 5/13/09
Given the ferocity of this fire, it is amazing that only 31 homes were destroyed. We're all so grateful for all the firefighters, law enforcement officers, Red Cross Volunteers, Humane Society and other animal volunteers, radio and print reporters, Emergency Operations people, and all the other people and businesses that pulled together to get us through this.
Now, three times in 10 months.....ENOUGH!
This morning's press release states that only a few homes (140) are still under evacuation. These are the northernmost areas, where the fire is still active.
From the City of Santa Barbara fact sheet this morning:
• 8,733 acres burned
• 55% contained
• Damage assessment in progress – initial estimate of 31 homes destroyed, 47 homes have been damaged and 2 outbuildings destroyed
• Approximately 140 properties evacuated (mandatory evacuation orders); affects approx. 350 people
• More than 3,850 properties under evacuation warning; approx. 9,625 people affected
• Residences threatened – 3,500; commercial properties threatened – 100
• 4,543 personnel on scene: 509 engines, 109 crews
• 5 air tankers and 15 helicopters
• 18 firefighter injuries to date
• Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
• Air quality warning remains in effect
• Estimated costs to date $7.4 million
• Expected containment 5/13/09
Given the ferocity of this fire, it is amazing that only 31 homes were destroyed. We're all so grateful for all the firefighters, law enforcement officers, Red Cross Volunteers, Humane Society and other animal volunteers, radio and print reporters, Emergency Operations people, and all the other people and businesses that pulled together to get us through this.
Now, three times in 10 months.....ENOUGH!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Saturday morning refreshed.
Well, it has been an adventure in its own right coming up to Santa Maria with Erin, Cocoa, Kibble and Koneko!
We brought the truck that we bought from Trish. It has a camper shell. It's a nice little outfit!
The dogs aren't used to the truck. Just getting them in was a three-ring circus! They sat in the little backseat of the extended cab. Koneko was in her crate in the back with the stuff.
Kibble wanted to go through the connecting windows to eat Koneko. Had to close 'em.
Had to stop at the end of the street to retrieve something from the back. The killer camper-shell door knocked each of us pretty good on the noggin.
Not much room for big pups in the backseat. Restless. Kibble kept stepping on my seatbelt!
We finally made the hour drive and checked into the pet-friendly hotel. Erin made Koneko comfortable in the large closet. I walked the dogs.
I went to a nearby grocery with the pups and picked up some things for dinner. I brought in the groceries and the dogs. Erin started boiling water for pasta while I figured out the lock on the camper shell door, which decided to die.
I didn't bring much valuable, but wanted to lock it. Unsuccessful, I had to gather the one valuable thing, my jewelry, which was in a plastic bag. It started tearing from the weight. Hey, I have a lot of bling, you know. So, I struggled with finding another carrier, and with arms full, headed back in.
When I got to the door, Erin opened it. "One of the dogs had diarrhea!" Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!
"Take the dogs outside! I'll clean it up!"
Another trip to the store for materials to help.
Finally, dinner and reading and bed, lovely bed!
Cocoa decided the bed was a fine place to lay her bones. Sleeping in a crate all her life, away from her people, I bet it was quite nice to cuddle up to me. She was a bed hog! Despite that, we all slept pretty well.
I talked to Mike and he said that it is foggy and drizzly in the city this morning! YAY!
There was a press briefing this morning, and here are the latest stats as reported by the Santa Barbara Independent.
*8,700 acres burned
We brought the truck that we bought from Trish. It has a camper shell. It's a nice little outfit!
The dogs aren't used to the truck. Just getting them in was a three-ring circus! They sat in the little backseat of the extended cab. Koneko was in her crate in the back with the stuff.
Kibble wanted to go through the connecting windows to eat Koneko. Had to close 'em.
Had to stop at the end of the street to retrieve something from the back. The killer camper-shell door knocked each of us pretty good on the noggin.
Not much room for big pups in the backseat. Restless. Kibble kept stepping on my seatbelt!
We finally made the hour drive and checked into the pet-friendly hotel. Erin made Koneko comfortable in the large closet. I walked the dogs.
I went to a nearby grocery with the pups and picked up some things for dinner. I brought in the groceries and the dogs. Erin started boiling water for pasta while I figured out the lock on the camper shell door, which decided to die.
I didn't bring much valuable, but wanted to lock it. Unsuccessful, I had to gather the one valuable thing, my jewelry, which was in a plastic bag. It started tearing from the weight. Hey, I have a lot of bling, you know. So, I struggled with finding another carrier, and with arms full, headed back in.
When I got to the door, Erin opened it. "One of the dogs had diarrhea!" Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!
"Take the dogs outside! I'll clean it up!"
Another trip to the store for materials to help.
Finally, dinner and reading and bed, lovely bed!
Cocoa decided the bed was a fine place to lay her bones. Sleeping in a crate all her life, away from her people, I bet it was quite nice to cuddle up to me. She was a bed hog! Despite that, we all slept pretty well.
I talked to Mike and he said that it is foggy and drizzly in the city this morning! YAY!
There was a press briefing this morning, and here are the latest stats as reported by the Santa Barbara Independent.
*8,700 acres burned
* 30 percent contained
* Damage assessment in progress. Initial estimate of 80 homes have been damaged or destroyed
* Approximately 12,204 properties evacuated (mandatory evacuation orders); affects about 30,500 people
*More than 11,524 properties under evacuation warning; approximately 29,000 people affected
* 3,500 residences threatened; 100 commercial properties threatened
* 4,222 personnel on scene, 499 engines, 101 crews
* 11 air tankers and 13 helicopters
* 13 firefighter injuries to date
* Cause still under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
* Air quality warning remains in effect
* Estimated costs to date $4.3 million
* Expected containment by Wednesday, May, 13
I don't know if they'll lift any evacuation orders today. We're debating heading home today or staying. At this point, the air quality will be the deciding factor. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Heading out voluntarily
Erin, Cocoa, Kibble, Koneko, and I are heading to Santa Maria in a few minutes, even though an evacuation has not been ordered. We feel that we will sleep better there, and they've charged us for the room anyway.
Kevin will be staying behind. This is his choice. He is safe in Western Goleta. He will stay with friends.
Mike is working his usual shift.
Things are still calm here. There is no fire news. This is just so we can sleep without worrying.
Feel free to call on my cell if you want to. I think the hotel has internet, so I may be available that way, too.
XOXOXO
Kevin will be staying behind. This is his choice. He is safe in Western Goleta. He will stay with friends.
Mike is working his usual shift.
Things are still calm here. There is no fire news. This is just so we can sleep without worrying.
Feel free to call on my cell if you want to. I think the hotel has internet, so I may be available that way, too.
XOXOXO
After-Nap Jesusita Fire Update: Friday Afternoon
I was able to sleep a couple hours. Yay!
I realized I didn't mention Mike in my previous posts. He worked his usual patrol last night. It was quiet on the crime-front. There are a couple hundred police officers from around Southern California helping man blockades. I baked several dozen chocolate-chip cookies yesterday for him to take in to the station (boy was the kitchen HOT! The chocolate chips started to melt before I could add them to the dough!). He said they were devoured immediately.
Today we transferred the belongings that we will take from the car trunk into the truck, as it has a bit more room for "stuff" and for animals. We're not really taking a lot. I packed mostly photos and photo albums. We also went and got particulate masks. We took the dogs with us in case we were ordered to evacuate while gone! The dogs did not get masks. They could use 'em though. Pee-yew! Bad breath!
We are waiting and watching on this calm day. The skies above are clear. The smoke isn't near us anymore. Of course, they expect today to be like yesterday. The sundowner winds are unpredictable, and this fire is unpredictable. As one news report remarked, last night the winds on the Eastern flank were wild, but the fire didn't act up. Out here on the Western front, the winds were relatively calm but the fire went wild.
The DC-10 aircraft will be back to drop its huge loads. There are more people and equipment here to fight. It is amazing what they are able to do given the ferocity of this fire.
Reading the news reports is a little hard to absorb sometimes. The extent of the evacuation areas is huge! Here is a good map. Zoom out. That view of the map makes it look like nothing is happening.
Here are stats as reported by keyt.com
3,500 ACRES BURNED
10% CONTAINED
3,500 AND 100 COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES THREATENED
75 RESIDENCES DESTROYED
246 ENGINES
12 FIXED WING PLANES (INCLUNDING DC-10) ,15 HELICOPTERS, AND 2500 PERSONNEL
MORE THAN 20,000 UNDER MANDATORY EVACUATION
MORE THAN 16,000 UNDER EVACUATION WARNING
11 firefighter injuries (reported by KTYD 99.9 radio)
COST: $2.6 MILLION
The cause is still under investigation.
If you are a glutton for punishment, KTYD 99.9 radio streams their broadcast on-line. You can hear what I hear! Today it is comforting to hear tunes and commercials! KEYT is the local TV news station. They have some videos of news reports. You all have probably seen more video than I have. I don't have any TV channels. I'm sure the national media is carrying the news, right?
And, like I've said, the Santa Barbara Independent is the best on-line news source. All the sources have numerous links to other sites, photos, government sites, etc.
Waiting for the winds. I suspect we'll head north whether ordered to or not. It will be less stressful and more sleep-ful up there! Plus, we would be able to take a shower! We're supposed to conserve water, obviously. Will keep you posted.
EDITED TO ADD: Here is a description of the Sundowner Winds that are such a plague for our area, especially during firestorms. This article was from the last fire, back in November.
I realized I didn't mention Mike in my previous posts. He worked his usual patrol last night. It was quiet on the crime-front. There are a couple hundred police officers from around Southern California helping man blockades. I baked several dozen chocolate-chip cookies yesterday for him to take in to the station (boy was the kitchen HOT! The chocolate chips started to melt before I could add them to the dough!). He said they were devoured immediately.
Today we transferred the belongings that we will take from the car trunk into the truck, as it has a bit more room for "stuff" and for animals. We're not really taking a lot. I packed mostly photos and photo albums. We also went and got particulate masks. We took the dogs with us in case we were ordered to evacuate while gone! The dogs did not get masks. They could use 'em though. Pee-yew! Bad breath!
We are waiting and watching on this calm day. The skies above are clear. The smoke isn't near us anymore. Of course, they expect today to be like yesterday. The sundowner winds are unpredictable, and this fire is unpredictable. As one news report remarked, last night the winds on the Eastern flank were wild, but the fire didn't act up. Out here on the Western front, the winds were relatively calm but the fire went wild.
The DC-10 aircraft will be back to drop its huge loads. There are more people and equipment here to fight. It is amazing what they are able to do given the ferocity of this fire.
Reading the news reports is a little hard to absorb sometimes. The extent of the evacuation areas is huge! Here is a good map. Zoom out. That view of the map makes it look like nothing is happening.
Here are stats as reported by keyt.com
3,500 ACRES BURNED
10% CONTAINED
3,500 AND 100 COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES THREATENED
75 RESIDENCES DESTROYED
246 ENGINES
12 FIXED WING PLANES (INCLUNDING DC-10) ,15 HELICOPTERS, AND 2500 PERSONNEL
MORE THAN 20,000 UNDER MANDATORY EVACUATION
MORE THAN 16,000 UNDER EVACUATION WARNING
11 firefighter injuries (reported by KTYD 99.9 radio)
COST: $2.6 MILLION
The cause is still under investigation.
If you are a glutton for punishment, KTYD 99.9 radio streams their broadcast on-line. You can hear what I hear! Today it is comforting to hear tunes and commercials! KEYT is the local TV news station. They have some videos of news reports. You all have probably seen more video than I have. I don't have any TV channels. I'm sure the national media is carrying the news, right?
And, like I've said, the Santa Barbara Independent is the best on-line news source. All the sources have numerous links to other sites, photos, government sites, etc.
Waiting for the winds. I suspect we'll head north whether ordered to or not. It will be less stressful and more sleep-ful up there! Plus, we would be able to take a shower! We're supposed to conserve water, obviously. Will keep you posted.
EDITED TO ADD: Here is a description of the Sundowner Winds that are such a plague for our area, especially during firestorms. This article was from the last fire, back in November.
Jesusita Fire Update Friday Morning May 8
I'm going to try to update you quickly.
First, some pictures. Erin took these Wednesday afternoon from the car on Turnpike overpass when the winds suddenly shifted and all hell broke loose. It was about 3:00pm.
This one is from the Fairview Overpass at about 8:00pm last night.
This was the moon last night about 10:45.
So, my night last night: All seemed calm even though we could see flames heading west. Erin headed to bed. I kept the radio on.
By about 10:30, the smoke was really becoming apparent overhead. Suddenly, updates came in and the mandatory evacuation area was declared all the way west to Patterson Avenue, which is just a mile away from us or less. I could hear the sheriff deputies using their sirens and bullhorns to evacuate that area. Our area hadn't been declared as a warning area, but I went into action and gathered photos, papers, a few clothes, and stuffed 'em into the trunk.
At about 1:00am, we got the reverse-911 call stating our status in a evacuation warning area. I decided to stay in the living room, so I rested on the couch and listened to the radio. Since things changed so fast, I was not able to really sleep. I had cat naps of about 10 minutes at a time, with half an ear on the radio. I smelled smoke, which seemed to be getting stronger. I would wake up with a thought of something else I should bring or do.
At one point, maybe around 3:00am, I heard sirens in the area. At the same time, the radio people were talking about "changes in the situation" and they were waiting for official word from the powers that be. It really scared me. I thought that they were coming to evacuate us. No call came, though.
Finally, about 5:00am, the smell of smoke diminished and the sirens went away and it cooled down. I got to doze. At 6:10, Erin's alarm went off. Yuck!
So, this morning there is no news. Dos Pueblos High School finally canceled classes. I had already decided to excuse Kevin and Erin in case we needed to evacuate.
Now, our current status. I've made reservations in a hotel in Santa Maria for tonight and tomorrow night. They will accommodate the animals, luckily. And they gave me a reduced rate. I don't want to stress the animals if we don't have to, so my current thoughts are to stay put until things change. Besides, I could use a nap. As long as the weather is calm, I may have a chance to do that.
With that in mind....... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...........
First, some pictures. Erin took these Wednesday afternoon from the car on Turnpike overpass when the winds suddenly shifted and all hell broke loose. It was about 3:00pm.
This one is from the Fairview Overpass at about 8:00pm last night.
This was the moon last night about 10:45.
So, my night last night: All seemed calm even though we could see flames heading west. Erin headed to bed. I kept the radio on.
By about 10:30, the smoke was really becoming apparent overhead. Suddenly, updates came in and the mandatory evacuation area was declared all the way west to Patterson Avenue, which is just a mile away from us or less. I could hear the sheriff deputies using their sirens and bullhorns to evacuate that area. Our area hadn't been declared as a warning area, but I went into action and gathered photos, papers, a few clothes, and stuffed 'em into the trunk.
At about 1:00am, we got the reverse-911 call stating our status in a evacuation warning area. I decided to stay in the living room, so I rested on the couch and listened to the radio. Since things changed so fast, I was not able to really sleep. I had cat naps of about 10 minutes at a time, with half an ear on the radio. I smelled smoke, which seemed to be getting stronger. I would wake up with a thought of something else I should bring or do.
At one point, maybe around 3:00am, I heard sirens in the area. At the same time, the radio people were talking about "changes in the situation" and they were waiting for official word from the powers that be. It really scared me. I thought that they were coming to evacuate us. No call came, though.
Finally, about 5:00am, the smell of smoke diminished and the sirens went away and it cooled down. I got to doze. At 6:10, Erin's alarm went off. Yuck!
So, this morning there is no news. Dos Pueblos High School finally canceled classes. I had already decided to excuse Kevin and Erin in case we needed to evacuate.
Now, our current status. I've made reservations in a hotel in Santa Maria for tonight and tomorrow night. They will accommodate the animals, luckily. And they gave me a reduced rate. I don't want to stress the animals if we don't have to, so my current thoughts are to stay put until things change. Besides, I could use a nap. As long as the weather is calm, I may have a chance to do that.
With that in mind....... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...........
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Jesusita Fire Update Thursday Night
Things are changing fast, but I stress: We are all OK! The fire is still far away, but it headed west (in our direction). Mandatory evacuation areas have been extended to San Antonio Creek Road, which is about the boundary where the Painted Cave Fire burned in 1990.
We can see the orange glow from our house behind the house across the street and out on the Calle Real we can see the flames out there. It is still miles away, so do not worry.
We have 2303 personnel helping to fight this fire. There are 12 fixed-wing aircraft and 10 helios fighting. Three of the helios have night-vision cabability, so they continue working through the night. There are something like 246 engines. 13 dozers.
Mike is working his usual patrol. He said it is crazy out there, huge flames.
Recent numbers from a couple hours ago:
2739 acres burned.....undoubtedly outdated.
3500 (outdated) residential structures threatened, 1000 commercial properties threatened.
75 homes confirmed burned.
I think it will be a long night listening to the radio. Even though we are not in danger, it is still stressful.
Time for that margarita.
We can see the orange glow from our house behind the house across the street and out on the Calle Real we can see the flames out there. It is still miles away, so do not worry.
We have 2303 personnel helping to fight this fire. There are 12 fixed-wing aircraft and 10 helios fighting. Three of the helios have night-vision cabability, so they continue working through the night. There are something like 246 engines. 13 dozers.
Mike is working his usual patrol. He said it is crazy out there, huge flames.
Recent numbers from a couple hours ago:
2739 acres burned.....undoubtedly outdated.
3500 (outdated) residential structures threatened, 1000 commercial properties threatened.
75 homes confirmed burned.
I think it will be a long night listening to the radio. Even though we are not in danger, it is still stressful.
Time for that margarita.
Jesusita Fire Update - Thursday May 7
Thanks to our neighbors and friends Craig and Yvonne for letting me squeeze some of their bandwidth.
My Mac had the grey screen of death on Monday night. I have it back now (new hard drive, lost my data), but I can't get on to our wireless network. It won't recognize the password. So, no pictures today but wanted to update about our experiences during the last few days.
Tuesday mid-day I hiked the area in San Roque Canyon, the Stevens Park area. It was hot and I didn't have much energy, so I went home at about 1:00. At around 2:30, Mike came home saying there was a fire in the same area I had hiked. He was due to have a PD meeting about an unrelated matter. He went to the meeting but came right back saying he'd likely have to report at 6pm. No Cinco de Mayo margaritas for us. :(
Tuesday evening they issued a pretty wide evacuation area. Mike was stationed at a blockade to keep people out of the evacuated area. How boring! I was stuck listening to the radio for information. We still have no TV channels, and my computer was in the hospital. Our radio station was fabulous, though, and kept information flowing. Things seemed calm through the night.
Mike got home about 7:45am on Wednesday morning and slept till early afternoon.
The fire was calm all day on Wednesday. There were wisps of smoke going straight up, and things felt optimistic. I went to the post office about 3:30, and it seemed that hell had broken loose. The sky was filled with huge billowing smoke, heading straight to the ocean. Flames were visible low in the foothills. Traffic was horrendous on the surface streets and the freeway. I went home and got Erin and the camera and she was able to snap a few shots from the car. I'll post them as soon as I can access my own network.
I went home and called Mike (by this time at Northrop) and warned him that he better get ready to go back early. Traffic was BAD. There were no new updates on the radio, which was frustrating. It was obvious that conditions had changed greatly as the notorious sundowner winds picked up. Finally, word came out that new evacuations were being ordered. Much of the east side of Santa Barbara, all the way to State Street. A big area! Scary!
We wolfed some leftover chicken tacos and beans, and he headed out again last night. He was on roving patrol through the evacuated area. Police officers from throughout Southern California came out to help man the check points. So many roads were closed!
The best source of information is the website of the local weekly newspaper, The Santa Barbara Independent at http://www.independent.com/news/jesusita-fire/ This stupid browser won't let me embed links. I can't wait to get my computer formatted the way I like it! There are a lot of things to download!
There are hundreds of firefighters from throughout California and as far away as Oregon. I heard 90 strike teams, each with 5 engines. I heard there were 8 helicopters, plus a number of fixed-wing aircraft.
I can't find too many statistics, but read a report of 1300 acres burned. I read a report of five fire fighters being injured. There are no official reports of numbers of homes, but it is in the dozens so far. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets into the hundreds.
Here is a map: Copy and paste, sorry: http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/ceo/oes/JesusitaFireBasemap11x17_2009_05_07_0800hrs.pdf
Today I had just one meeting, as one patient had been evacuated and was too tired to be seen, and my other meeting was cancelled. So, I am hanging out at home today. I took the dogs out this morning hoping to avoid the heat and wind this afternoon. It was still very hot. It is near 90 degrees right now at noon, and forecast 97 tomorrow. Humidity is a paltry 17% near the fire areas.
I'm not sure what Mike will be doing tonight. It is his usual night to be on duty. I passed him this morning as he was coming home and I was going to my 8:30 meeting, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him before he went to sleep.
Keep your fingers crossed for our city.
My Mac had the grey screen of death on Monday night. I have it back now (new hard drive, lost my data), but I can't get on to our wireless network. It won't recognize the password. So, no pictures today but wanted to update about our experiences during the last few days.
Tuesday mid-day I hiked the area in San Roque Canyon, the Stevens Park area. It was hot and I didn't have much energy, so I went home at about 1:00. At around 2:30, Mike came home saying there was a fire in the same area I had hiked. He was due to have a PD meeting about an unrelated matter. He went to the meeting but came right back saying he'd likely have to report at 6pm. No Cinco de Mayo margaritas for us. :(
Tuesday evening they issued a pretty wide evacuation area. Mike was stationed at a blockade to keep people out of the evacuated area. How boring! I was stuck listening to the radio for information. We still have no TV channels, and my computer was in the hospital. Our radio station was fabulous, though, and kept information flowing. Things seemed calm through the night.
Mike got home about 7:45am on Wednesday morning and slept till early afternoon.
The fire was calm all day on Wednesday. There were wisps of smoke going straight up, and things felt optimistic. I went to the post office about 3:30, and it seemed that hell had broken loose. The sky was filled with huge billowing smoke, heading straight to the ocean. Flames were visible low in the foothills. Traffic was horrendous on the surface streets and the freeway. I went home and got Erin and the camera and she was able to snap a few shots from the car. I'll post them as soon as I can access my own network.
I went home and called Mike (by this time at Northrop) and warned him that he better get ready to go back early. Traffic was BAD. There were no new updates on the radio, which was frustrating. It was obvious that conditions had changed greatly as the notorious sundowner winds picked up. Finally, word came out that new evacuations were being ordered. Much of the east side of Santa Barbara, all the way to State Street. A big area! Scary!
We wolfed some leftover chicken tacos and beans, and he headed out again last night. He was on roving patrol through the evacuated area. Police officers from throughout Southern California came out to help man the check points. So many roads were closed!
The best source of information is the website of the local weekly newspaper, The Santa Barbara Independent at http://www.independent.com/news/jesusita-fire/ This stupid browser won't let me embed links. I can't wait to get my computer formatted the way I like it! There are a lot of things to download!
There are hundreds of firefighters from throughout California and as far away as Oregon. I heard 90 strike teams, each with 5 engines. I heard there were 8 helicopters, plus a number of fixed-wing aircraft.
I can't find too many statistics, but read a report of 1300 acres burned. I read a report of five fire fighters being injured. There are no official reports of numbers of homes, but it is in the dozens so far. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets into the hundreds.
Here is a map: Copy and paste, sorry: http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/ceo/oes/JesusitaFireBasemap11x17_2009_05_07_0800hrs.pdf
Today I had just one meeting, as one patient had been evacuated and was too tired to be seen, and my other meeting was cancelled. So, I am hanging out at home today. I took the dogs out this morning hoping to avoid the heat and wind this afternoon. It was still very hot. It is near 90 degrees right now at noon, and forecast 97 tomorrow. Humidity is a paltry 17% near the fire areas.
I'm not sure what Mike will be doing tonight. It is his usual night to be on duty. I passed him this morning as he was coming home and I was going to my 8:30 meeting, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him before he went to sleep.
Keep your fingers crossed for our city.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Happy Birthday, BobBIE!
Hope you have wonderful day and many happy returns of the day!
Friday, May 1, 2009
New Old Dinette!
Well, it has been nearly seven months since P took the legs off the table and I schlepped it to the UPS store to be shipped, but here it is! The whole dinette set!
Mom shipped the chairs out later. I looked on line and found some yellow cracked ice vinyl and ordered it. I took the chairs to a local upholsterer a couple weeks ago, and picked them up today! The color of the chairs is a little darker/orangier than the table, but I think it looks great.
The upholsterer did a terrific job, as you can see in a detail of the back of the chair. Remember the ugly vinyl folded under and tacked? Sorry, Jack Classic, it just wasn't flattering to these beautiful chairs! My guy sewed pieces of vinyl together and fit them over the backs. He put new cushions in, too, so you can actually sit on them for longer than five minutes! Not only that, he cut the vinyl so the patterns are the same on each chair!
To complete the retro-memory, I picked up some lilacs from Trader Joe's. I adore lilacs! They are so beautiful, and smell soooooo good! Good smelly memories.
For the table's first meal in its new home, Erin and I had mac-n-cheese. Sorry, Charley, not homemade. It was getting to be too late to cook. We got it from TJ's, too. They make good mac-n-cheese. Notice the retro table ware!
The dinette set is a happy addition to our kitchen! THANKS MOM!
Mom shipped the chairs out later. I looked on line and found some yellow cracked ice vinyl and ordered it. I took the chairs to a local upholsterer a couple weeks ago, and picked them up today! The color of the chairs is a little darker/orangier than the table, but I think it looks great.
The upholsterer did a terrific job, as you can see in a detail of the back of the chair. Remember the ugly vinyl folded under and tacked? Sorry, Jack Classic, it just wasn't flattering to these beautiful chairs! My guy sewed pieces of vinyl together and fit them over the backs. He put new cushions in, too, so you can actually sit on them for longer than five minutes! Not only that, he cut the vinyl so the patterns are the same on each chair!
To complete the retro-memory, I picked up some lilacs from Trader Joe's. I adore lilacs! They are so beautiful, and smell soooooo good! Good smelly memories.
For the table's first meal in its new home, Erin and I had mac-n-cheese. Sorry, Charley, not homemade. It was getting to be too late to cook. We got it from TJ's, too. They make good mac-n-cheese. Notice the retro table ware!
The dinette set is a happy addition to our kitchen! THANKS MOM!
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