Fires in Southern California? Everyone OK?

[bejazd]

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]

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]

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