California Wildfires Mothership - Liveblog - Unrecommend

The California wildfires are still burning out of control.  Zero containment, with fierce Santa Anna winds as of 11:30am CST.

Please use this diary as your go-to resource for emergency info.  We have many Kossacks in CA and in the fire zones providing invaluable information, which can be accessed through these Wildfire diaries.

RED CROSS DONATION SITE

Please DO NOT click these links unless you are in the area and need emergency info.  The servers are completely stressed as it is.

Barbara's diary - Updates #1 through #9

Egarratt's diary - Update #10

California Wildfires Mothership 2 - Live Blog  Please recommend this diary.

Miss Blue's diary - California Wildfires Mothership I - Live Blog - You are here.  

We need volunteers to keep this liveblog going.  I've started a list here, but please respond to SECOND comment of mine if you can volunteer.

Liveblog volunteers:

2.  gchaucer2 - Liveblog Part Two

3.  Liveblog Part Three - Steve Singiser

4.  Liveblog Part IV - Moody Loner

5.  Live Blog Part V - condoleaser

6.  Live Blog Part VI - Remembering Jello

7.  Live Blog Part VII - va dare

8.  Live Blog Part VIII - 4Freedom

9.  Live Blog Part IX - Marcus Tullius

10.  Live Blog Part X - joanneleon

11. Live Blog Part XI - brklyngrl

12.  Sallycat

13.  Karen Wehrstein

14.  Lychee

15.  jancw

16.  gchaucer2

17.  4Freedom

18.  TheMomCat

19.  Miss Blue

 
Post NO pictures as these diaries are going to be difficult to download as they get larger.

Use first comment for emergency info.  CeeusBeeus has been invaluable for breaking news, as has been Steve Singiser.

Please reply to my second comment with offers to volunteer a liveblog diary.  This fire is going to last a long time, unfortunately, and we will need several diaries to cover breaking info.

Emergency numbers:

Please DO NOT click these links unless you are in the area and need the emergency information.  The servers are being over-taxed as it is.  Check the diary for all new info.

San Diego County Emergency Homepage

NBC San Diego Livestream

FOX6 San Diego Wildfire and Evac Info

211 San Diego (difficult to get through - they are overwhelmed)

SignOnSanDiego.com

California Fire News

CHP Traffic Info

News 8, San Diego (front page is excellent)

KNX10.70 (I'm told by the locals this is simply the best for coverage)

To volunteer to help:  858-306-1266

If you have animals or livestock that you cannot evacuate yourself or that need to be rescued, call [phone] and press Š1‰ for emergency services.

If you have a stable or other areas that are safe and can house a number of large animals and livestock that need to be evacuated, please call the San Diego Humane Society at [phone]. SDHS is also in need of portable livestock panels for temporary corrals. If you have these available for use, please call [phone].

KLSD - 1360 am radio.

The Weather Channel

CA members of Dailykos - Please check in here.
This is the official "roll call" diary by Buffalo Girl, so we can be sure you'all are safe.

•  Update info

  Please reply to THIS comment with all updates.

  by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:39:00 AM PDT

  •  Fantastic link for updated San Diego fire info

    http://www.signonsandiego.com/...

    by Jimdotz on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:50:38 AM PDT

    •  Look out... at 9PM on 10/22...

      

      The Witch fire appears to be getting much worse. Del Mar people are being told to leave.

      by The Lighthouse Keeper on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:13:44 PM PDT

  •  Here Is What We Have At 9:45 AM....

    1. Malibu fire has jumped Carbon Mesa Road, and continues north and east, towards La Costa and Rambla Pacifico. About 400 new homes at risk.

    2. Canyon Country fire is going north and west, into San Francisquito Canyon. There were 60+ MPH wind gusts in the nearby Newhall Pass this morning. Still approximately 3800 homes in some degree of danger here. A vehicle bridge in Vasquez Canyon near Bouquet Canyon has been destroyed.

    3. Orange County appears secure at the present. The voluntary evacuations for areas like Cowan Heights have been lifted. The 261 and 241 are still closed, at last check.

    4. A new fire has popped up in the Lake Arrowhead area. Mandatory evacuations for the neighborhoods of Green Valley Lake and Arrowbear Lake. The community of Running Springs is under voluntary evacuation orders.

    I'll leave San Diego to those closer to home there. It did not look good from the traffic cam I saw at the I-15/SR 78 interchange (in Escondido, for those who don't know where that is).

    by Steve Singiser on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:52:14 AM PDT

    •  Vista area update

      The winds have picked up again. Very high winds for us. Behind us sky is smoky and black. No one should be on road except emergency vehicles and those evacuating. My Mom refuses to leave until someone in "a uniform" says so. Alzheimers is so much fun. One neighbors says we will just head to the ocean and jump in. I think we all become children at a time like this. I am desperate for information. What is on the news is way too slow. I went through 9/11 in Manhattan so I remember how hard it is to get information. This effort here is very good. Please tell me anything else I can do. I will go out and check on things. KLSD here which is local Air America station was doing a good job with people in area calling in. There is no police protection today and no highway patrol. Boy could we use the national guard. over and out for now

      by linfar on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:05:10 AM PDT

      •  Nearest fire on Yellow Brick Road

        That is still a fair distance from us, we on the north end of Vista, close enough to Gopher Canyon to make us nervous. The City of Vista contracted to p;rovide fire protection to the county, outside the Warmlands boundary. To my knowledge the Fire Dept has not added any new equipment to take care of their new responsibilities. Being part of the county that part of the development does not always have aqaquete roads, or fire hydrants.
        We keep getting reports of people in the county watching their houses burn, and no fire fighters anywhere. The outcome of the Cedars Fire was a better communications system, but no additional personell or equipment. Ergo they handled the fire this time by ordering mass evacuations. screw them, defend your property if you are concerned.
        They ordered people out of Del Mar, WEST of I5, which is ridiculous, just to give you an example.
        when the CIty of San Diego hired a new chief to fix the system he quite after a year because the city wasnt willing to fund the necessary changes. The current chief was ready to retire when they offered her the job, promoted her from within the department.
        Can't trust the system, take care of yourself,

        Love Katrina

        by agent double o soul on Tue Oct 23, 2007 at 12:24:01 PM PDT

    •  I'm in Riverside

      Far from the fires-but the air quality is horrible.  You can taste the ash, even in an airconditioned office, although outside is much worse.  Must be from the Lake Arrowhead fire, although that's twenty miles away.

      by Geotpf on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 11:22:15 AM PDT

  •  Press Conference in San Diego now

    More than 100,000 acres have burned

    More than 250,000 people have been evacuated

    Witch fire - most active & dangerous

    places with active fire - southern Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, North Poway, 4S ranch

    has crossed I-15 N. of Lake Hodges

    fire has crossed to N. side of Del Dios HWY

    also heading toward Rancho Santa Fe

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:06:54 AM PDT

    •  This Is Chilling....

      CBS8 is listing the actual addresses of homes destroyed in the San Diego Fire.

      They only have eight listed (you know there will be more).

      But five of the eight listed are along Valladares Drive in Rancho Bernardo. This is not some remote country road, folks. This is a street which is up against the 15 Freeway (just west of the 15) in the middle of a densely-occupied suburb.

      This could be worse than 2003, I am afraid.

      Mandatory evacuations cover about an area of close to 100 square miles in central San Diego County.

      My goodness....

      by Steve Singiser on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:55:29 AM PDT

      •  retirees in Rancho Bernardo

        That area has a lot of elderly people.

        My Dad used to live on the hill just north of Lake Hodges. If he were still alive, he'd have to evacuate. I can't imagine how he would have done it since he couldn't walk. My heart goes out to all the people who  have to leave their homes, including some friends of mine in Escondido and Valley Center.

        by Castine on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 12:20:19 PM PDT

        •  South side of Lake Hodges

          Friends in RB to the east of I-15 got out at 4 am with their lives and nothing more.  House and everything in it gone.

          by Heart of the Rockies on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 07:46:13 PM PDT

          •  It's horrible

            I have numerous friends and relatives around that area.

            by The Lighthouse Keeper on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:15:59 PM PDT

            •  My Grandmother just moved to Poway

              I have been watching a fire creep closer to her and my Uncle/Auntie's house... have been having a hard time getting through but Dad says things are ok for now.  Please keep grandma in your prayers...

              by califdem on Tue Oct 23, 2007 at 07:43:01 AM PDT

              •  I'll do that (n/t)

                by The Lighthouse Keeper on Tue Oct 23, 2007 at 01:26:12 PM PDT

    •  San Diego Wild Animal Park looking safe

      They have a fire update page here. The Park won't be open on Tuesday, but they seem to feel they're not currently in danger.

      by porsupah on Tue Oct 23, 2007 at 05:27:14 AM PDT

  •  Fires in Fallbrook and San Marcos

    have slowed down - not contained but of less concern than they were this morning

    Over 1000 fire engines on their way from N. California

    Harris Fire (S. SD County) heading toward Otay Lakes

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:08:49 AM PDT

    •  The wind shifts when the sun comes up, which...

      may try to blow the flames back over areas they have already consumed.  The wind will likely shift back again when the sun goes down.

      by ranger31 on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:51:33 AM PDT

    •  11:15 a. m. My niece lives in San Marcos

      Her brother, my nephew, evacuated last night from Ramona with his family and pets and are currently in San Marcos. I just spoke to her, and at her location everything is OK. She is about 10 miles from the fire there, with a lot of real estate and a big road between them.

      She says if you look East it's all black and gray, but in every other direction the sky is blue and it's a beautiful (but windy) day-- just as though nothing were going on. A big tree branch did blow down onto their house last night, but there was no major damage.

      They are hoping for the best, preparing for the worst.

      My nephew has no word yet as to the conditions in Ramona, or if he will have a home to go back to.

      by tigerdog on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 11:17:52 AM PDT

  •  Source for information -

    http://calfire.blogspot.com/

    by daria g on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:09:00 AM PDT

  •  The goal is now to make sure

    the fire doesn't cross Black Mountain.

    Copter up doing some air drops.

    Fire crew taking refuge at Rancho Santa Fe fire station - "a rapidly evolving situation"

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:11:40 AM PDT

  •  Reverse 911 does NOT call cell phones

    It only calls home phone numbers by address.

    The 211 system has some delays - average 3 minute waits.

    Don't use cell phones unless you must - they need them for emergency use.

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:19:32 AM PDT

    •  You can set up your house phone to roll to cell #

      ... it's one of those "call waiting" features.  Call the service for your house phone land line number and have them do this if you need to.

      by AmericanRiverCanyon on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:56:14 AM PDT

  •  Update on Escondido evacuations

    Some in Escondido get incorrect notice to evacuate
    10:20 a.m.

    Erroneous evacuation notices were sent out to some residents in Escondido, according to a fire department official.
    Residents around the heart of Escondido may have been contacted in error by a reverse 911 system and told to evacuate to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, said Carol Rea of the Escondid Fire Department.

    As of 9 a.m., the latest area added to the evacuation orders is a triangle of land bordered by Bear Valley Parkway, San Pasqual Valley Road, and San Pasqual Road.

    Areas that were previously evacuated and which should remain evacuated: Sonata, Sierra Linda, Rancho San Pasqual, Rancho Vista Monte, Lomas Serenas, and Via Loma Vista.

    Calvin Christian High School at 2000 North Broadway has been opened as a shelter for those who had to leave their homes. Escondido High School at 1535 North Broadway continues to serve as a primary shelter for evacuees.

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:22:12 AM PDT

  •  Just said at news conference

    that's it's a "very good possibility that the Witch fire reaches the coast before it's finished".

    Oh my.

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:24:02 AM PDT

    •  My heart went cold upon hearing that.

      Where is everyone supposed to go if the coast is in danger, too?

      by YukonJack on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:39:43 AM PDT

      •  Mine too.

        I never knew that that was even a possibility.

        Thoughts and prayers.

        by Joes Steven on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 11:36:16 AM PDT

    •  just heard from a friend

      that another friend has been evacuated. They assume their home is gone. But they are safe and thats good.
      A friend of the one just mentioned, was away at Disney celebrating her daughter's birthday. All they have left is the baggage they packed for the weekend.

      Good thoughts for all..
      and much sadness :(

      by mytribe on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 01:23:02 PM PDT

  •  RANCH FIRE: Castaic - Piru - Fillmore

    The Ranch Fire, right now threatening Castaic, Piru and Fillmore, looks like it could be our third major fire in the last thirteen months (Day Fire, 09/06, 5th largest fire in CA history; Zaca Fire, 09/07, largest fire in CA history).

    We are actively blogging this at The Ojai Post.

    Other resources include:
    Inciweb incident page
    Ventura County Fire Department
    KVTA AM 1520
    Weather Underground for Fillmore (93015)

    by tyler93023 on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:28:34 AM PDT

    •  ventura county fires, evac plans 2 cities

      Agua Dulce, Canyon Country, Ventura County hit hard by blazes

      And authorities were working on evacuation plans for the Ventura County towns of Piru and Fillmore, which were in the path of the fire. At least one home in the Santa Rosa Valley had been damaged by one of several fires burning in that area.

      by Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 11:30:56 AM PDT

  •  Another good link for the top

    http://www.cbs8.com/ - front page has everything you need to know in San Diego

    by thebes on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:28:35 AM PDT

  •  IMMEDIATE evacs are ordered in

    Running Springs and Green Valley.  It just broke out and its already at 150 acres.

    by Pithy Cherub on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:39:08 AM PDT

  •  Don't wait to be told

    "If you see a fire, please evacuate immediately. Don't wait to be told to leave," San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said at a news conference this morning.

    by Buffalo Girl on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:49:47 AM PDT

    •  That's the best advice I've heard

      Common sense.  Rare thing these days.

      by The Termite on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:50:52 AM PDT

    •  Get out now!

      The community of Ramona, with about 36,000 people, was evacuated. But officials said they were frustrated that some people were not leaving, forcing agencies to send personnel needed elsewhere.

      "The public has to respond better than they are," said San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender

      by Buffalo Girl on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:54:19 AM PDT

  •  10:39 AM San Diego County Update

    Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Rancho Santa Fe, portions of Leucadia, as well as the Olivenhain Dam area.  Mandatory evacuations have also been ordered for Lakeside at 13100 Willow Rd.

    The Del Mar Fairgrounds are open and ready to receive evacuees. Evacuation points have been established at San Marcos High School at 1615 W. San Marcos Blvd. and Poway Civic Center at 13325 Civic Center Drive.  Mira Mesa High School is now closed as it has reached capacity.

    Emergency officials are reminding residents to limit cell phone calls and use major highways for emergencies only.

    by CeeusBeeus on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:51:44 AM PDT

    •  How Long

      Before Blackwater shows up to protect Rancho Santa Fe from looting?

      by kaleidescope on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 11:08:06 AM PDT

  •  10:39 AM San Diego County Update

    Accoring to CHP and TMC, the 15 is still closed in both directions between the 78 and the 56.  It never opened.
    Please forward to any press/media/officials.
    Thank you.

    by CeeusBeeus on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:52:39 AM PDT

  •  LARGE ANIMAL/HORSE UPDATE: SAN DIEGO COUNTY

    Horses can now be taken to Miramar Air Station -
    
    DO NOT GO TO THE POWAY RODEO GOUNDS

    by CeeusBeeus on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:54:44 AM PDT

  •  For those wondering

    Here in the southwest corner of Carmel Valley - right where the 5 and 56 meet. I am technically in the evac area, but staying put for now. Car is packed with necessities, but I wont move myself and son and cats until I must. We have very easy multiple access streets to get to our friend's house near the water so I can move in 5 mins.

    My office at national university on Torrey Pines ridge will be my other point if I need it - they opened for employees and families as needed. So, I will be fine. My parents are still fine in San Marcos as well. However, the homes in rancho bernardo that are burning are homes of very good friends so we are quite worried though we know the people who occupy them are safe.

    by SanDiegoDem on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 12:34:09 PM PDT

  •  Maps

    GOES-12 Wildfire ABBA

    NEXSAT - see smoke plumes

    by DFWmom on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 12:46:41 PM PDT

  •  You can drop off

    supplies for evacuees at Qualcomm gate N or at Nelsons photo on India st in Little Italy.  They need food, blankets, pet stuff, pre-packaged sandwiches, etc.

    by satanicpanic on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 01:24:31 PM PDT

  •  Just Got back from Qualcomm

    Hello all.
    Just got back from a drop off run to Qualcomm.. brought over an air mattress, pillows and some food. THe place is swarming with people.
    four years ago I went and did the same thing and the place was abuzz with volunteers.. and only volunteers.. there were little to no evacuees there.. this year is way different. There were at least 4,000 people parked in their cars, getting set up to spend the next few days there. Those with RV's have it nice, those that had to pack everything inside the tiny car, not so nice.
    It's blazing hot out there, so Kossack, if you go, bring some canopies, umbrellas, air mattresses, tents etc... anything to help make these people comfortable.
    It was so heartwarming to see the massive volunteer effort that's going on down there. Much more organized than last time as well. I was pointed to a "bedding" wall that had only a few items left for people to gab, so that is in demand.

    Saw tons of Edwards and Obama bumper stickers in the queue for the donation line as well so a hearty "Fuck You Asshole!" to Mr Glenn Beck.

    Anyways. Off to scoure the garage for some tarps.

    by librarianman on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 02:36:00 PM PDT

•  Please volunteer,,,

  to liveblog under this comment.

  by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:39:45 AM PDT

  •  I Already Volunteered....

    Now tell me what I need to do, and when to do it, please :)....

    by Steve Singiser on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:45:26 AM PDT

    •  Steve,,,,

      if you'd like, you can just cut and paste the info from this diary into one of your own.  Or make one from scratch.

      You'll be posting your diary after gchaucer's.  We'll let you know when to post, but have it ready.

      If you don't hear from us, anytime after gchaucer's diary hits 200 posts is good to go.

      by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:47:41 AM PDT

      •  Miss Blue, I can help cat herd

        if that's okay with you.

        by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:52:59 AM PDT

        •  ABSOLUTELY!

          You are a GREAT cat-herder, or at least that's the skuttle-butt, lol.

          by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:56:05 AM PDT

          •  Reporting for Duty! n/t

            by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:56:53 AM PDT

        •  Meow, this pootie

          is already herded.

          by gchaucer2 on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:58:01 AM PDT

          •  Good Good Pootie! n/t

            by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:01:08 AM PDT

            •  Just don't rub my belly.

              I'll switch my diary to Liveblog II.  Hopefully you'll get Miss Blue's attention re: your recommendations.

              by gchaucer2 on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:02:30 AM PDT

              •  She's editting as we speak n/t

                by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:08:55 AM PDT

                •  Where is FEMA? Who is doing the emergency work?

                  The State? Is there any National Guard help available at all?

                  I have to go to work, so can't liveblog, but is there any other way we can help? I can do some phone calls or anything brief online.

                  by 4Freedom on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:20:01 AM PDT

                  •  National Guard

                    I think in Barbara's earlier diary, someone mentioned there really is no NG available.
                    Like New Orleans, Blackwater et al will probably get there first.

                    by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:27:07 AM PDT

                  •  Calif fire depts are pretty good at this

                    and there are community emergency response teams to assist them as well. I can't imagine there's much to do online or on the phone, but the local Red Cross might have ideas.

                    by Buffalo Girl on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:27:07 AM PDT

                    •  This may be a good time to motivate you to...

                      Join a Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT)in your area, CA has a few programs you can find here.

                      by califdem on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:35:36 AM PDT

                      •  CERT, actually

                        here. Originated in Los Angeles.

                        by Buffalo Girl on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:36:56 AM PDT

                  •  downthread

                    it says that Qualcomm Stadium is asking for volunteers to help with evacuees, especially kids and pets. Don't know where to contact but someone should post a link if they have it.

                    by Buffalo Girl on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:34:03 AM PDT

  •  Let me know

    when you need me to post, and I'll take one.

    by Moody Loner on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:49:20 AM PDT

    •  You are,,,,

      number 3.  Thank you.

      by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:51:36 AM PDT

  •  I volunteer

    what do you want. just keep sending info here? I am in Vista. We are on evacuation standby. I can't get much info.

    by linfar on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:49:21 AM PDT

    •  If you're on evac

      don't volunteer for a diary but just keep reading this diary. It will link to the latest updates.

      by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:50:27 AM PDT

      •  We are on standby

        For now we aren't going anywhere. But we are on standby. Weather info is sorely needed. Is fire heading west to ocean?

        by linfar on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:52:22 AM PDT

        •  Sweetie, you have enough

          to worry about.  Keep us informed as long as you can -- you folks on the front lines are our most valuable resource.  Thanks for offering anyway -- we'll grab you in the future.

          by gchaucer2 on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:05:39 AM PDT

          •   please use us

            We are not going anywhere right now so all we are doing is  gathering information. Again, everyone in sand diego and north county san diego area klsd in san diego is local air america stgation and they were reporting stuff live. It is 1360 am. You can get them online.

            by linfar on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:09:52 AM PDT

            •  Keep posting your comments

              about what's happening there!  That's the best way to be of help to other Kossacks.  No need to post a diary, darlin'.

              by donnamarie on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:11:16 AM PDT

        •  Yes

          Winds are the big problem, gusting up to almost hurricane levels.  Those winds are heading into AZ.  No moisture in sight.

          www. weatherchannel.com if all else fails.

          Continuous updates on nbcsandiego

          by kfred on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:08:14 AM PDT

        •  You're in Vista?

          where?

          by ogre on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:21:11 AM PDT

          •  yes, in vista

            on watson way behind new elementary school? Where are you?

            by linfar on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:25:25 AM PDT

            •  not that far.

              Phillips St... sort of overlooking So. Santa Fe.

              by ogre on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:43:10 AM PDT

              •  close to you

                we are off mar vista, few blocks from santa fe. Just talked with another vista person. So good to connect. my phone is 760-758-1813

                by linfar on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:58:25 AM PDT

                •  Walking distance!

                  by ogre on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 11:21:12 AM PDT

    •  I agree with donna

      Don't do a diary - we need you ready to move if you need to.

      Post any new info you get as a reply to my first comment, or a reply to the first comment in successive diaries.

      And our thoughts are with you.

      by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:52:44 AM PDT

  •  I volunteer a diary

    if needed.

    by milton333 on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:51:50 AM PDT

    •  milton,,,

      are you available for a diary tomorrow?  We'll be needing fresh volunteers.

      If you can, just look for the first liveblog in the morning, and post your offer to help.  

      by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 07:15:38 PM PDT

  •  Miss Blue - let me know

    if you need help, a diary, or any other help.

    by joanneleon on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 02:31:48 PM PDT

    •  joanne,,,,

      Could you do a diary tomorrow?  We'll be needing fresh volunteers.

      Just make an offer in the latest liveblog tonight, or first thing in the morning.

      And bless you - your transcription work is brilliant.

      by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 07:16:48 PM PDT

      •  Will check in with you tomorrow.

        I have one appt. but could probably do one in the afternoon.

        by joanneleon on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:15:43 PM PDT

•  Pray for rain.

  All mojo in this diary will be used to bribe the rain gods.

  by Miss Blue on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:40:19 AM PDT

  •  None In the Offing, I am Afraid....

    SoCal is supposed to be hot and dry, with an offshore wind pattern, until at least Thursday. Some relief on Friday, according to the weather folks.

    by Steve Singiser on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 09:46:10 AM PDT

    •  I'd be happy to send some from Oregon

      ...if I could.....

      by Buffalo Girl on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:09:54 AM PDT

      •  We're getting blessed with rain in the Bay Area

        I've been breathing a sigh of relief after the fires we had around here.

        by RandySF on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:15:38 AM PDT

        •  He dosen't mean we're getting rain today

          I believe that RandySF means we've had several significant rainfalls over the last several weeks, and as recently as Friday. But we too are dry as a bone today (Monday) with winds from the ENE, our version of the Santana winds. And fire guys worry that the recent rains will contribute to what they call "understory growth".

          by bobstandard on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:24:14 AM PDT

          •  Diablo winds and low humidity

            It's good we got a bit of rain, but I don't think it's enough and see no rain coming our way anytime soon.

            by vigilant meerkat on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:45:45 AM PDT

          •  Ya, I've been concerned about this

            I'm in Santa Cruz Co.  Fortunately it's fairly green here, but we just haven't had enough rain this year!

            by Hummingbird on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 12:50:00 PM PDT

    •  Give me a break!

      I'm on vacation!

      by aztecraingod on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 01:21:30 PM PDT

  •  Might as well pray...