Fires in Southern California? Everyone OK?

FloridaTish · #1 10-23-2007, 11:57 AM

I know we have alumnae and collegiate chapters all over Southern California and I just wanted to make sure all my sisters are ok. If you are in the area want to post an update, it would be good to hear if you are ok...

In IIKE,

Stephanie

scarleteriberry · #2 10-23-2007, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaTish

I know we have alumnae and collegiate chapters all over Southern California and I just wanted to make sure all my sisters are ok. If you are in the area want to post an update, it would be good to hear if you are ok...

In IIKE,

Stephanie

Great question, Stephanie-- and very considerate of you, too!

bejazd · #3 10-23-2007, 08:31 PM

There are so many Gamma Phis is Southern Calif, I am thinking of so many of you and knowing we have each been affected in some way. This is such good time to call an old friend and let her know you are thinking about her! I am also checking in on my elderly neighbors, our block has coordinated an evacuation plan with the "leave no man behind" motto.

Here's my story....

We are closest to the Harris fire - We are ready to evacuate if we get the call, or if I think it's time to go! Last night I got about an hour's sleep as we all watched the fire on Mt Miguel from by back window. It is a large mountain with transmitter towers- I would estimate that some of the flames were 50 to 100' feet high. looked liked bombs going off when the transmitters blew! Thankfully the fires have burned all around us, and we have not been in any real danger, although many neighbors and friends have been affected. I'm sad to report that the one fatality reported is the father of one of my son's classmates, and his classmate was burned over 50% of his body. It is a devastating loss to our community. Apparently they were trying to defend their property- it is just awful. Thankfully the winds have really died down and I a am hopeful that the worst is over. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers!

navane · #4 10-24-2007, 01:17 AM

I am safe and in good health. Since I am currently activated for duty and attached to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, I am usually in good company.

I have not received any updates from Gamma Phi.

.....Kelly

FloridaTish · #5 10-24-2007, 03:15 PM

I just saw this on the main page at GammaPhiBeta.org:

Southern California Wildfires( 10/24/2007 )

Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority has been in contact with our region 7 volunteer leaders, the alumnae and collegians in the southern California and San Diego areas to monitor the safety of our members. We do have both alumnae and collegiate members who have been affected by the fires. The University of San Diego and San Diego State University campuses are currently closed for the remainder of the week. Pepperdine University is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, October 24.

To the best of our knowledge, our student members are currently safe and some are even volunteering to assist others in the community. Many of our alumnae members, especially in the San Diego area, have been evacuated from their homes.

We remain very concerned regarding the safety of our members and their families and ask that you keep all of the people affected by the fires in your thoughts and prayers. We will do our best to remain in contact with those whom we know have been affected in order to offer whatever assistance we are able to provide.

bejazd · #6 10-25-2007, 11:07 AM

In addition to the many ordinary heroes (Navane!) we GPhiB's can truly take pride in the leadership of our sister, San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. Dianne has long been a leader securing fire protection in SD County, and here she is , once gain at the forefront of the crisis. On Monday and last night Dianne was securing support from Governor Arnold S. for our region, and today I'm sure she'll be there when President Bush comes to San Diego. This is one amazing leader in our community and I'm proud to call her a sister too! (I was looking for a picture to post but couldn't find one yet. I'm not sure if Gov Arnold's visit here last night made the national news but it was all over the So Cal news stations.)

Her area includes over 2,000 square miles in San Diego County and most of the severely damaged areas. to learn more about Dianne see www.diannejacob.com

gphiangel624 · #7 10-26-2007, 06:54 PM

I'm glad to hear that IH is responding as there are several Gamma Phi's in southern California. I've been checking in with Delta Lambda collegians and alumnae about their families and their homes, but have heard nothing yet. One of our FIJI collegians at UCR has lost his home in Poway and our students have been coming together to fundraise and help with anything they can for those affected.

I know several sisters who live in the Lake Arrowhead area and that fire is still burning; I'm awaiting updates. The sky in Riverside county has been so eerie with the fires surrounding us (Santiago Canyon, Lake Arrowhead, Temecula, and the small grass/brushfires we've had in Ontario/Chino) are surrounding Riverside. The sky has been almost apocalyptic in color and with the smoke and ash, it's difficult to breathe. My allergies have been severely bothersome.

I'm hoping for some relief this weekend as it cools down, but I worry now about mudslides in the mountain areas that have burned (similar to the aftermath of the fires in 2003) and if people will have adequate shelter.

navane · #8 10-26-2007, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bejazd

In addition to the many ordinary heroes (Navane!)

You are too kind. I don't think my name and the word "hero" should be in the same sentence.

Again, credit goes to the SDFD and their sister agencies (like CDF, police, etc).

Though, if we do have to go beyond professional responders, I think that most all San Diegans should be labeled as heroes. Many people went out of their way to help others - giving of their time, money, resources and hearts.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.

.....Kelly