SoCal Fires Live Thread 10/28

10/28/03 | Myself

[spectr17]

SoCal Fires Live Thread 10/28

[dogbyte12]

Just took a look outside in Arcadia here. I don't know if it's Marine layer, smoke, or a combination of both, but there is maybe 1/2 mile visibility in all direction.

[ErnBatavia]

Gotta keep a full tank of gas, and an emergency kit ready to go.

And if you own a second home - and need to ever get to it - carry some sort of "proof of residence" in the car. We started doing that (carrying copy of the property tax bill) after the Northridge quake, wondering how we'd get to the other weekend place were there ever roadblocks.

[lainie]

Live 365 is full, so I'm listening to LA County scanners..Sunset Point is currently under voluntary evacs, may go to mandatory within the hour. I'm guessing SCV/Stevenson Ranch area?

[ArmstedFragg]

still broadcasting from Inspriation Point

He may have another way out, back south on 79 to Sunrise Hwy, then across into Laguna. (Depends on how far the North Peak fire has blown east) But, I agree, he's out of his flippin' mind. We seem to have a surfeit of media types who don't realize this is serious stuff.

Problem is once they find out, they won't be around to pass the message on.

[mystery-ak]

OMG...look at that picture!

[SCalGal]

I just got a phone call from a friend who lives in Stevenson Ranch. She can't get home to pack a single thing. She, her husband, and the kids are safe, though.

[mystery-ak]

see #1696 screen cap by hole-in-one

[viaveritasvita]

Oh CS! I'm so happy for your brother! As for the media (Dan himself, for heaven's sake! I would have to bite my tongue!).....

Forgive the fragmented (crappy) writing: I was in my early '20's and there was a serial killer -- I'm almost certain it was the Atlanta killer of children (can't remember exactly). There was a child that had been missing and we'd all hoped s/he wasn't a victim of the serial killer. I rarely watched news at this time in my life -- not interested, too boring, too "political," etc.

I happened to be sitting in a friend's living rm, when the show we were watching was interrupted (the old gray background with bold letters "We interrupt this program to bring you...."). Sure enough, the child's body had been found.

The point of my story, however, was that a reporter was following the father of the child around with a mic asking "How do you feel? How do you feel?" He must have asked it 5 times. Remember that prior to this timeframe, reporters did not hound families/friends/victims, they did not camp out on people's lawns, they did not ignore human needs of private grief, etc. It was about 30 yrs ago.

Anyway, long story short....this poor man, the father, turned around and he was sobbing, sobbing. He screamed (I'll never forget it!): "THIS is how I feel! My child is dead! How do you THINK I feel!" As a young person (and, as I said, this kind of reporting was "new" then), I was shocked at the rawness of this scene, the depth of agony and sorrow of this man, taking place live in my friend's living rm!! I literally freaked out (to use a tired, stoopid phrase) -- the next thing I remember was standing outside in my 'jammies, barefoot in the snow, screaming (misplaced anger at God) and crying (that poor man)!!

Now, I'm utterly hardened to seeing and absorbing complete strangers' pain and sorrow. I don't own a TV now.

Sorry to have gone on about that.

<><

[markman46]

I only give to the salvation army, they don't charge anyone for anything they just give.

[TJC]

Where is Stevenson Ranch? I just found this thread. I know people around a couple of the fires. I'm in H.B. the smoke has been unbearable.

[SCalGal]

Up O-5, past the San Fernando Valley. Big, beautiful new homes, very nice area.

[SCalGal]

Up I-5, past the San Fernando Valley. Big, beautiful new homes, very nice area.

[mathluv]

I have just heard that it had been blocked by some dims. Of course, Dashle protected his state from fires, but did nothing to protect other states.

[Central Scrutiniser]

Can't blame ya! He was allowed check out the house, he won't be able to move back for a few days I suppose, they had to leave a car there, and its in good shape. Not sure if the kids are back in school, one is in HS at a SDSU Catholic high school, that isn't in the area, but two kids are in grade school in the immediate area. What is ironic is that he had a place in Arrowhead that he sold last year, and now that area is threatened.

[TJC]

I'm leaving work soon, have not seen the local news but hear it's getting bad.

[SCalGal]

She is completely freaked out. Brand-new house, wonderful neighbors.... she worked very, very hard for all of that.

[CedarDave]

Predicting windy conditions tomorrow for Lake Arrowhead area -- gusty 20-30 mph in mountains and upper desert areas -- Channel 4 weatherguy.

[dogbyte12]

Unless you have a trust fund, or hit the lottery, you have worked your ass off to afford a house in Stephenson ranch. These are good hardworking people here.

Just announced: Voluntary evac of Stephenson Ranch.

[markman46]

that is what KFI said, I have not heard sense.