Unreal

It's amazing how quickly these fires are spreading. Over 250, 000 people have been evacuated. Over 1,000 structures have been lost. The stadium has nearly 5,000 people living there. Every school in the entire county is closed. They've already asked us not to use our cell phones or go outside our homes and now they're asking us not to use our air conditioners. There are stores throughout the county opening up their parking lots for people with campers, trailers, etc, so that they can sleep. They're also allowing people with horses or other large animals to bring them to their parking areas. Twenty-five thousand people had to evacuate through Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton yesterday.

I've lived here nearly my entire life and I've NEVER seen anything like this. I've also never been as proud to be from southern California as I am right now. People are going to the stadium to offer room and board to the evacuees. They're bringing food and blankets and cots. Regular citizens are walking into WalMarts and Targets to buy up the camping supplies and take them to evacuation centers. Everyone - truly, everyone - is either evacuated or knows someone who is and they're stepping up to help. It's as though the entire county put their arms out and wrapped them around everyone else. I know that it will all go back to normal in a week or two but it's a really amazing thing to watch right now.

Comments

Shrinking Girl said…
I'm glad to hear from you Denise. I'm home today with a head cold and have been watching the KTLA coverage and wondering about you. Stay safe my friend.
JessiferSeabs said…
I hate times like these, yet I love times like these for exactly the reasons you've mentioned... "your people" are acting just like New Yorkers did on 9/11 and Minneapolitans did after the bridge collapse. It's such horrible circumstances, but the show of the compassion and human spirit always brings me to tears.
Unknown said…
I was thinking of you when I watched the news tonight at dinner.

I'm glad the human spirit is emerging there. Will keep you and yours in my thoughts, Denise.
Anonymous said…
I've been thinking of you down there every time I hear the words Camp Pendleton. This is a really scary time and I hope we make it through sooner than not.
M@rla said…
The stuff we are seeing on the news is just horrible. I'm so glad to hear you're safe.
Shannin said…
I'm glad you're OK. I've been glued to the coverage and thinking of all my friends and family there...

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