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CALIFORNIA FIRES - MEMBERS IN JEOPARDY

Say a little prayer today for our California Members who are being and are in danger of being evacuated from their homes.

Sally Cheeseman just called me and reports that Jeff Turner has already been evacuated, William Johnson is within 1 mile of the fires.

I was just on the phone with Brian Brady, they have 2 evacuated families with them in their home, they are between 2 fires and are being overwhelmed by the smoke. The fires are within 5 miles of their home at the moment.

Brian tells me Robert Murphy is within 2 to 6 miles of the fires right now.

Please report here in the comments as to any other members that are in trouble.

Lets send our best wishes to our friends.

Laurie Manny Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420
Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803
Long Beach Real Estate Blog Long Beach Real Estate Website

Posted by Long Beach Ca Real Estate, Laurie Manny on 10/22/2007 04:55 PM

Comments (151)

california fires, southern california fires

Post is included in group: Realtors®

151 Comments on CALIFORNIA FIRES - MEMBERS IN JEOPARDY

OCT

2007

If the smoke is affecting their breathing, they need to get out. Once it gets that bad, a person could be oxygen deprived very quickly.

This is a real disaster.

Laurie...good idea having a central spot to keep track of everyone.. it will get worse before it gets better.

The fires are 0% contained, raging out of control, wind gusts of 80 mph carrying embers starting new fires miles away. Being 5 miles from a fire does not mean you are safe. It is a massive firestorm that will likely go down in history.

It is about as bad as you can imagine and in its early stages. It's going to get much worse, winds are not letting up. Not enough fire personnel to handle it all.

San Diego is in huge trouble because all available fire personnel went to Malibu to help, fires are raging.

Lenn, I told Brian to put wet towels at all the windows and doors, I agree they should leave soon.

Kaye, It is terrible and yes will get worse.

Laurie, thanks for doing this so we all know where to go, Jeff reported earlier and said there were several families on his block from AR and linked to them. I have been and will continue to pray for everyone. Mana said in a comment she had runny eyes. I emailed her and she said it was really everywhere. This is so awful ! Honestly will wet towels help that much. I'll check the box to not miss any updates.

We have fires like this every year but not as extensive..I was thinking about you on Sunday when I saw the news. We at least have the water to separate us but I have been within 3 miles of it before and had ash in my yard so I wish safety to all and get the heck out of there! I was in Santa Monica back in the late 90's and saw the fires off the water near Wilshire Blvd.

They are now requesting folks im Del Mar and Olivenhain (about 5 miles from here) to evacuate. No fires but precautionary. Also parts of Solana Beach are in a voluntary evacuation adn everyone is told to get prepared just in case.

Jeff

I called Marlene Bridges she is in Irvine and left a message.. has anyone heard about Vicki Lloyd and Kelly Kirpactrick? Morgan Brown is also in the general area.. How about Mana she is near the Saugus/ Ventura/Santa Clarita area..

Laurie,

Thanks for doing this for all of us. I don't want to make any phone calls since I only have the members' cell phone numbers and the emergency crew is urging everyone to not use their cell phones.

We have fires in 2 areas close to us. The closest, Santa Rosa Valley 1-3 miles away, I am told is under control, but with these winds you never know. The second closest is in Fillmore and the wind has been blowing all the smoke and ash our way.

I am praying for all AR members in SO CA no matter how close or how far they are from the fires because the way the Santa Ana's are blowing you don't know what might happen next.

I spoke with Marlene Bridges this morning she is fine.

Brian Brady is preparing to evacuate, I advised him to head south over the border and throw down a few cold ones, heading North would take him right into several other fires. Cell phone service is not good, I had to try over 10 times to get through the lines. Brian has 2 other families with him at the moment.

The smoke has now reached Huntington Beach, it is moving in on us from both directions. We are not in a fire danger zone but it will rain ash on us.

I'll be praying for all of you and for everyone that's evacuating.

My thoughts and concerns are with all of you in the fire, smoke and I pray you will all remain safe - I know I am a long ways away - but I do have room if anyone needs a place -

Good to hear Marlene is OK.. we are getting haze from Malibu which is getting under control.. wind is not a factor here but that could change and if it does then Malibu will be in trouble again..

I just arrived in Long Beach, no wind here either Kaye, but like a hurricaine just south of here in Huntington Beach. I kept expecting to see a house fly by or at the very least whole trees, so far so good. The wind in HB has been relentless since early yesterday morning.

The smoke was moving into HB from San Diego when I left, strong burning smell. Not bad here in Long Beach.

So if Malibu is heading to you and San Diego is heading to me the two should merge pretty soon.

Has anyone heard from Jeff Turner? I was going to offer him to stay with us (since our fire is under control) but I just found out 126, the freeway that connects us is closed due to fires!!

Laurie...

The only one I have heard from is Hubba (Jeff Turner) ...

Still waiting on a few to check in ...

This whole thing sucks. I can't get if off my mind today.

I have sent a memo to "Upper Management" on everyone's behalf.

Please keep us informed as to how things are going.

TLW...ROAR!

Mana...

He's (Jeff Turner) on the road with his family. That's all I know right now...

Except he and his family are treating this like an adventure.

I guess when you're on the road with 6 children under these circumstances you'd have to treat it as an adventure.

Is everything okay with you Mana?

TLW...ROAR!

Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved. Be safe. Please.

I can no longer get through the phone lines to San Diego.

Jeff Dowler,

Do not wait until the last minute to get out. Are you being overwhelmed by the smoke as Brian is? Get out early. Not just because of the fire, because of the smoke.

Brian wanted to head north but there are too many fires in the way. He was preparing to get out and evacuate before the notice came down, he will head south into Mexico just to be safe. I asked him to call before they crossed the border but I don't think he will be able to get through the phone lines.

Laurie thanks for the continued update..... I agree with what you said... Don't wait people if you have time too plan ahead get out when you can. Its the waiting around for last minute that gets people into trouble.

God that photo is eye opening....

Debra Brady just called, they are heading into QualComm Stadium temporarily. She said the air is better there. They will be there for a while until they figure out exactly where they are going and if they can get a hotel somewhere.

Jeff Dowler are you hearing this?

Laurie thank you for a central hub on this mess. I just read Jeff Turners post. I hope everyone is safe or is getting there quickly. The smoke is just as bad as the fires. It is worse than I thought. I will be saying a pray for everyone. Has anyone heard from Lynda Eisenmann, is Brea in this mess?

Laurie,

I hate seeing whats going on, and I wish them all the best! Right now they just need to be safe first.

I am constantly checking back...

Tom Weiss

TLW,

We are okay for now, but the winds keep shifting and scattering the fire everywhere so you never know which way it is going.

Laurie:

I think the way this wind is shifting, at least in our area, we all need to be ready and packed for that emergency evacuation call. I am suppose to go to my Dr. appointment at 4:00 to take this stupid cast off, but I am thinking I might as well load up the car with everything you are suppose to pack.

San Diego Fires vs. 200,000 points didn't look at all the comments...spoke to Jeff Dowler...he was 5 miles from it....and he's putting up updates as well (link above). William Johnson is in San Diego...he must be out by now as well. Can someone check on him too? He has his little poochies.

I am so sad.

OK I am worried because I can't get through to family out there. May God embrace you all in his arms and bring you through this ordeal intact. Thanks Laurie for this post as I have been traveling and not paying attention to any news except for sports scores. I just got off the phone this afternoon with someone from Sothern Cal and no wonder the call sounded so horrible. OK gotta run and check on some folks. Stay Strong Folks and be safe. Your East Coast Family has lots of prayers going up for you all.

I just spoke to Jeff Dowler, they are packing up both cars to get out.

Omg how horrible. My prayers are with the people suffering from these fires!

With the recent outbreak of wildfires in California we have been faced yet again with the danger of fires raging through residential neighborhoods known in areas known to Firefighters as the "Urban Interface."

Remember that being fire safe around your home and community is a year round effort. Visit http://www.firewise.org/ for tips and information to keep yourself, your customers, and your community safe.

Scott Slocum, Realtor
Firefighter Paramedic
IAFF Local 1826 Southwest Florida

Remember that being fire safe around your home and community is a year round effort. Visit http://www.firewise.org/ for tips and information to keep yourself, your customers, and your community safe.

Scott Slocum, Realtor
Firefighter Paramedic
IAFF Local 1826 Southwest Florida

I just wish I could gather everybody and put them in my house. I know that's impossible since I'm in Texas, but that's where my heart is. How horrible for all of them and how scary. My prayers are certainly with them all.

Thanks for doing this Laurie.

Jeff has been posting photos on Flickr and recently just posted a few from the road.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40518938@N00/

It's definitely a scary situation and we'll be praying for eveyone affected. I'm glad you did this so we know they are OK.

Laurie - Like you, I was concerned about our friends. I posted an article after checking in with some of our friends, too. I was able to specak with Jeff Dowler, William Johnson and Roberta Murphy. They all have gotten calls to be ready to evacuate, but no evacuation order yet. I wasn't able to reach Brian Brady. So glad they're okay!

Laurie: Thank you so much for an update!!! I am worried and have text messaged my SD friends who has a daughter with respiratory problems. I hope they call me and decide to come here and stay with us for a few days so she doesn't have health issues!

That is so awesome that Brian opened his house up. Please keep us updated!

San Diego County is having a De Ja Vu! This my second experience as I was in Ramona during the Cedar fires. I am so impressed by how communities come together and pull through in such a troubled time.

Qualcomm Stadium is one of the main evacuations sights. I urge everyone to motivated their company (if at all possible) to be apart of the needs of the evactuess.

http://www.kusi.com/news/local

http://www.kusi.com/home/10720631.html?video=pop&t=a

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802E0DB1E31F93BA15753C1A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print

God Bless EVERYONE!!

Laura "San Diego" Kelley

Amy Steele has been posting frequent updates of the San Bernardino fire to the east. They keep saying on the news that bricks and mortar can be replaced, people can't. So I'm hoping that all Californians in the affected areas evacuate quickly and safely until the firefighters can get this contained.

Laurie,

This breaks my heart. Seems like one new fire after another. Been here more than 50 years and I've never seeny anything like this before. I just can't believe the strength of the winds while every thing is so dry.

What a terrifying situation - I'm glad that some of your are able to communicate through AR. Stay safe.

Laurie: I have been through this myself many times when I lived in the foothills of Pasadena. I am particularly concerned about William Johnson and Jeff since they haven't responded recently. I hope they check in soon to let us know they are safe. Thanks for keeping this ongoing update. I feel helpless so far away! But know many in all three areas.

I'm watching "World News Tonight" on ABC, and this is the lead-in story. They're saying the fires are so bad and so out of control, they have no idea how much acreage is involved, and they just said the fires are moving so quickly they can't get a grasp on all that's being affected.

I'm keeping all of you close in my thoughts, and hoping these winds die down soon and that you get some much-needed rain.

Ann

My prayers are with all our AR members and all Californians in the affected area. Hope they are all safe .I will read this post again for comments so that I will know everyone is safe.

Does anyone know a Realtor by the name of Paul Rodes? I want to know if he is okay...he has taken a referral for me and I know that house is burning and the residents evacuated.

my prayers are with with california residents in those areas. let's be prepared for the worst. Dear God Have Mercy! here in the san fernando valley area, there are also fires at Canyon Country, Santa Clarita towards Palmdale area.

blessings to all.

Lupe Soto, Burbank Realtor

I am in agreement prayer for the safety of all the members. My son and a few owners we manage for are also affected. At a time like this, effectual prayers are precious. Thanks for the post.

I just want to say that the whole world is watching the fires, it's all over the news here in Cyprus.

We are praying for all the people's safety.

Laurie,

Thanks so much for posting this and keeping us current with our friends.

We don't have fires here in Missouri just tornados so I can't imagine how scary this is.

I really appreciate you doing this.

Laurie,

I have friends out there and they've shut down their offices. We are all praying for these people.

Very scary Laurie. Thanks for keeping us updated. You guys are all in our prayers. Jeff's pictures are incredible.

Laurie - praying that all of you guys get out to safety. Try not to think of the losses, just think it's an unexpected vacation. I know it must be so hard.

I posted on JT's update but I'll say it again here: you ALL are in my thoughts and prayers in So Cal! Please be safe, I can't believe how out of control this has gotten.

Laurie, Thanks for this update. I've had a little time to watch the news this afternoon. This is extraordinary...the pictures are so unreal. I will continue to pray for our friends who are in the middle of this situation right now. I'm going to read Jeff's post as well.

Personally I'm not in a fire danger zone but some clients of mine do live in the foothills so we're all closely watching what's going on. In addition to the fires up in the mountains and ash falling across the valley we're dealing with the horrific winds. Last night a large tree limb came really close to landing on my car while I was parked at a client's home and one road I tried to take home was blocked by a fallen tree. There are trees down everywhere, phones out, big rigs overturned along the highways and electric service interruptions throughout the region, not just in fire danger zones. All the major TV stations have thrown out their 'regularly scheduled' programming and are focused on providing information about new developments.

The road to the north of me is closed due to sand dunes across the road. The dust is horrible. Right now I think I'd rather be somewhere else but for most of the year its a fantastic place to live. Thankfully it seems that the winds are slowing -- with luck they'll continue to drop off overnight. But it's the unpredictability of them which is the biggest problem for fighting the flames. Strong winds come from one direction and then switch direction and strengthen. The worst time for the winds are at dawn - they practically shake the house down. I'm sure that we had sustained winds over 50 mph for at least two hours yesterday morning.

Think hurricane, but dry and hot.

Think blizzard, but dust and heat.

Tumbleweeds, dirt, dust, sand and ash.

Just another day at the beach.

Those hot dry winds that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands' necks. Anything can happen. - Raymond Chandler "Red Wind"

Laurie - Thank you for putting this together I was concern for everyone having to go through this ordeal. I will check back for updates.

Laurie... thanks. We are back in our home now. All is well, but it's crazy out there. My thoughts are very heavy for Lake Arrowhead right now.

Laurie, that is unbelievable what is happening out there. Between you and Jeff Dowler has also been doing a fantastic job of keeping us informed. I know that you guys are in everyones Prayers.

Hi Laurie,
I've been following the fires on tv and all these people are in my prayers and thoughts. Thanks for the update. We just want everyone to stay safe.

Spoke to Brian Brady a little bit ago, they have a hotel in Downtown San Diego for the night, they were still at the Stadium.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you there in California. Laurie, thanks for keeping us up to date - much better to have a central location than to keep many more lines open.

Hi Laurie - My sister lives in the Pacific Palisades....yesterday she was about 10 miles from the fires....have not be able to reach her today....do you happen to know any thing about that area?

Laurie a big hug from Cleveland and the same for all the rest of you. Somehow it is more terrifying than normal because I know so many of you now. Thank you so much for doing this.

Hi Laurie,

Seems like things are changing every time I turn around. Thanks for the pos.

Marlene Bridges started a roll call safety post about the same time (I think) you started this one. Then Brian Hess from S.D. has a 26ft enclosed trailer has already helped 3 families move things, he's offered it again. Marlene and I both each have full size pick-up trucks also available on a moments notice, we're both in OC, (just filled-er up and it's ready to go). My cell is 714 595-1494.

Just heard 14 fires are out of control at this point. Everything is so darn dry, just no rain this past year. I talked a few minutes ago with a friend in a "pet-friendly" motel after evacuation from S.D., she said there is about every type of pet you could imagine in that place. Now it looks like Lake Arrowhead is taking a really hard hit.

Laurie,

Thanks for doing this, but where are YOU? Are you near these fires? From the news I have been watching, they are saying that ALL of California may be affected. I have been reading all the posts about these fires and its unbelievable. Do you have a plan to leave?

Our prayers are with you all. Thank you for posting this.

Thanks for the gathering spot so that we can keep up with it here on the east coast. We will keep all of the affected people in our thoughts.

Laurie- You know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected by this disaster.

I am about 1000 miles away, but my home is open to anyone who is displaced - should they need it.

Hi Laurie, thanks for the updates. I know you're in Long Beach and it seems that all will be okay there? I just texted a girlfriend who lives in Long Beach and she said the fires aren't expected to reach there, but that you all have do have wind & smoke. My best to those who are in harm's way! This must be a scary, uncertain time!

Jeff Turner, I am very glad to hear that you are safely back in your home.

Colleen, Thank you for the update on Brian Brady and family.

Has anybody heard from Jeff Dowler, William or Roberta in the last 4 or 5 hours?

I am so sorry, I have been out showing property and now need to write a contract.

Long Beach is about 65 miles south of Malibu and about 75 miles north of San Diego. We have smoke coming at us from the north the south and the east (Arrowhead fires).

For those of you who don't understand California enjoys breezes off of the ocean year round. Every once in a while the winds change and blow from the inland desert out to sea. They suck the moisture out of everything in their path, very very dry winds. All it takes is a spark. The winds propel the fires up and down the hills and carry embers for miles starting new fires in other locations. It is very nasty.

I will be back on in a while.

Thank you all.

Karen, I am fairly certain I am OK. Let me put it this way, if the fires get to me and Kaye Thomas, all of California is gone. We are in fairly flat land near the beach, very residential, no brush. Still never a guarantee with these winds, but we should be fine. Just all smoked out.

Laurie- Glad to see you guys put this into the community. I wrote on Sunday, but put mine on Localism, and have tried to keep everyone informed with the updates, including the members I knew to be affected.....My daughter (AR member) was evacuated at 130 today, she lives in Carlsbad where Jeff and Roberta live......we have many problems in my area, but we don't have the fires.....

Just heard from Brian, he and a neighbor are at Qualcomm, families in hotel in Downtown San Diego. Nice hotel would not take the 2 little dogs so the guys are at the stadium with the dogs. He is in good spirits, as well as can be expected.

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to everyone.

Hi Laurie,

Not sure, but Marlene talked with William, I think he's in a hotel. Sorry to say I think things are getting worse there. I've also been trying to reach my niece (just saw her last night at a family birthday) I think they've been evacuated too, a family of five. They say around 250,000 people are displaced.

The fires are very scary here in California. I pray for the families who are affected in these areas. I keep getting questions how Laguna Beach is and if we are affected at all. I am very relieved to tell everyone that this area is safe and clear of any danger at this time. I'll keep you updated if the situation changes.

I asked in the name of Jesus for these fires to be extinguished and that our Father give relief to those who are in distress due to the situation. May God bless all who call upon Him. Amen!

Hey Gang - I am in Portola Hills/Foothill Ranch and though it certainly is an ever changing situation, but we are blessed no homes lost as of 8pm this evening and is still a volunteer evac. situation. I am packed and ready and praying we will be fine. The OC Fire Authority is awesome.

This is picture of the canyon between Foothill Ranch and Portola

PRAY FOR A MAJOR RAIN STORM, THAT IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL HELP RIGHT NOW

Kelly,

I am watching Foothill Ranch on the TV right now, Best of Luck to you, Prayers coming your way tonight.

Laurie, Thats good to hear. You may have already seen this but these are the latest updates. I have no clue about where everything is in California other than my son was in the Navy in San Diego, so please forgive my ignorance. Take care.

It is good to hear hopeful stories too. I hope they are able to get out in front of these fires and save the homes and horses.

Laurie, thanks for the aerial. Know this all too well, and have been praying silently all day for it to stop. Time after time we saw this when we lived in LA, and it seems everytime the Santa Anna's blow this time of year, it's a real problem. Can't believe the castle in Malibu went up yesterday, and the church too.

Will add William and Jeff to our silent list and hope for the best.

Laurie, This is so hard to imagine this devastation! They are suspicious of arson I hear.

The news says that it has spread into Orange County. I am glad to hear your area is safe.

Everyone is in our prayers.

Hugs, Ginger

What a nightmare to come back to. Glad to hear that Jeff Turner is back home and appreciate the all the updates on your post. Thankfully Pasadena is quite a long way from the fires and the air quality is fine here. The coverage is incredibly scary.

Sandra Cummings, Pacific Palisades was fine - at least a couple of hours ago. My husband was just there and is is not affected by the fires.

Laurie: Sorry had to cut you off so abruptly this am...had to do our Monday Sales Meeting report and broker just walked in....

In any case...here's an update:

EVERYONE:

I tried to call William all day and I kept getting that recording....."all circuits are busy..please try your call again later". My call finally went through at 4:30pm my time. William was in a hotel (the LAST room left that he had confirmed!) and we spoke for a half hour.

If it's one thing that is most profound for me is writing for a length of time and commenting back and forth with another member and then...when we chat on the phone.....the conversation on the phone is EXACTLY like that person writes. I love it!

We chatted as old friends.... and he is in the hotel with his little poochies.

My goodness.. the things that happen when you're out of the office for the day. Thank you for starting this post.

I just moved from San Diego a few months ago, and still have many dear friends there. I have heard that Escondido is evacuated. There is a voluntary evacuation of an area south of San Diego, right on the border with Mexico, called Eastlake. A city north of San Diego, Poway, was on fire, not sure what has happened there. Plus an area east of San Diego, near Santee and El Cajon and Lakeside, has issued a voluntary evacuation order. Several navy commands have told the sailors families that if the fires get too bad near them, they can come to the ship. Not just the sailors, but their entire families. When I heard that, I knew it was bad. I am praying so, so hard....

Marlene Scheffer, Realty Station, Bremerton, Kitsap, WA

OCT

2007

I hope everyone is and stays OK. This is a bad situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Active-Rainers and anyone affected by this. If I can be of any assistance at any time, call me at 610-653-0317. I trust I talk to you soon.....

J.S.

Latest report is that almost 700 homes and almost 200 commercial structures are lost already in San Diego, with numerous others damaged. The news just said the fire is headed into Del Mar, which is where Brian and Debra live, and will likely sweep straight through straight to the beach.

Brian does not know this, I don't have the heart to tell him. He will find out in the morning, I wish him sleep tonight - as if that will happen.

The fire has swept up into Orange County in the Foothill area which is just east and just south of Irvine and John Wayne airport.

The good news is that Stevenson Ranch fire has turned away from the homes in Santa Clarita, God is watching out for Jeff Turner and his tribe tonight.

Leaving the office, will be back from home in a while.

My thoughts are with all of you. I can't believe the damage in San Diego. I hope everyone on AR in the way of the fire finds safety. Jeff, I'm glad you were able to return home with all your children and the fire turned away. Laurie, thank you for starting this post and sticking with it while working your business. Amazing how we still have to keep doing our jobs no matter what.

We are sending good thoughts to all that are affected. May everyone be OK.

I have never seen anything like this before, sure an occasional fire in the summer time mostly, but this is like a living hell....your friend, ktm

What a mess-

Thanks for the update Laurie- I'm glad you're going to be getting out of there for a few days.

Irina - I thank you for the update on the Pacific Palisades. I was able to speak with my sister last night and as of then she was fine.

Michael Tarabotto lives near Santa Clarita and the fire came within 75 ft of his home, I'm waiting for him to post an update this morning.

Please everyone stay safe

Laurie-I hope that all of you will be safe, All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate all the info and updates on everyone.

Please keep posting the updates - we're all watching and checking in to make sure our friends out there are OK. The TV news portrays how horrific it must be out there. Please do take care. You're in our thoughts.

Hi All...

Although we may not be able to make it rain. There is something we can all do for the evacuees.

The Salvation Army is responding to this state of emergency.

On the news this morning Maria Schreiber announced if we want to help, the Salvation Army needs money.

If you are interested in helping you may donate here at the red bucket...

California Salvation Army Headquarters.

TLW...ROAR!

I am wishing and praying for the best with Brian and Debra. Keep us updated ok?

I have a question, if it were to rain wouldn't we possibly be seeing massive amounts of mudslides on the hills that have been burnt?

I am wishing all of my California friends the best.

I am in Los Angeles. Malibu, Santa Clarita fires to the west and north. San Diego and San Bernardino to the east and south.

Sendings prayers and good thoughts to my neighbors on all sides..

One thing: For anyone who's posting stuff about the california fires, everyone should use the same tags, so everyone can easily find everyone else's posts. For instance, I'm seeing both "southern california fires" and "california fires" ... searching on one tag, won't bring up posts tagged with the other. And like everyone else, I am anxious to keep track that all my friends are OK.

I just spoke with Roberta Murphy's husband. They did not evacuate and there is no sign of fire or even smoke near them this morning. *8:02 a.m. PST-Tuesday). Thank God the winds have died down. They are actually setting backfires in some areas. Glad to hear that Kelly Kirkpatrick is safe. I can look across the Saddleback Valley from my home and can'tsee flames or smoke from the Foothill Ranch fire this morning. I think it's moved into the Santiago Canyon. For all the bikers out there - that's the road that goes from Orange to Cook's Corner.

Laurie.....Cheryl is right, I started a Post on Sunday morning when Malibu first started.....and had no idea of thes Posts later......I have updates on mine as well, and the San Diego one has affected my own family, and the area I live in was hit horribly last year by the Esperanza Fire.....many many of my firends are affected by the Arrohead Fires which are the worst ones right now along with San Diego

8:39 a.m. Tuesday. Just checked in with William Johnson. He's at a hotel in Point Loma. He will not be able to return to his home today due to road closures. Plans to go back to his home tomorrow. Says our mutual friend Barbara Dudeck is fine-she and husband went to Kona and are safe.

Thankfully winds are MUCH calmer today where I am -- hopefully the same up in the Arrowhead area which was hit pretty hard yesterday. There are two small fires burning in the valley floor of the Inland Empire. One on Little Mountain in San Bernardino and one in dairylands in Ontario. Neither are presenting immediate dangers to housing. 9:08AM PST Tuesday

Michael...homes are burning in Arrowhead......and in San Diego...I live close to the Arrowhead one, and my daughter was evacuated from the San Diego one.

Everyone in those areas are in my prayers....especially the AR members. I hope they can get the fires under control soon!

I just spoke with Brian Brady. The QualComm stadium is getting very crowded. The parking lot went from about 1000 cars to about 15000 overnight. The fires have not yet reached the Del Mar area, we hope they get them under control before this happens. His family remains safe at a hotel in Downtown San Diego.

The victims are wondering what to do now? Stay at QualComm? Try to get out of the area? Not really knowing if they could successfully get out of the area. Not knowing what roads are open-or not. Not knowing if their home are gone or will survive.

Brian would like to take his family to Arizona but doesn't know if the roads would permit it. Leaving San Diego would mean giving up a hotel room that they would not be able to get again, all hotels are full to capacity.

I am amazed by Brian, in the face of tremendous loss, he still retains his incredible sense of humor.

Wondering if his home will survive, he remains hopeful and ever Brian Brady.

Jeff Brown has a post going on Bloundhound with updates for San Diego.. Glad Brian and family are safe... I'm not sure he can get to AZ either as so many roads are cut off unless he goes thru Mexico along the border and that's not a great trip..

Kaye,

Brian and I discussed going into Mexico and along the border to AZ. Brian informed me that Mexico is also burning, unfortunately our media is not reporting on that so there is no knowledge of where the many fires there are or if they even have the ability to deal with them. A hotel desk clerk in Mexico informed him that its not so bad but is raining ash - he passed - I would have also.

I was checking out CNN on-line. 1300 homes burned so far! (Tues at 2:00 pm Eastern) -Thats up significantly. The firefighters basically just have to hang on and hope for better weather. My thoughts go out to everyone caught up in this natural disaster.

Laurie,

Tell Brian and any of the other San Diego members if you are able to talk to them again (I have called and texed, but only Jeff Dower has texed back) to come up here. I have extended the offer to few other members and I am not kidding. The little fires we had are all out. So next time you talk to them, please tell them about my offer. They can have their own room with their own restroom/shower and total privacy. Thank you.

Kathy - Didn't mean to confuse. Yes, many homes are burning in Arrowhead and San Diego and other locations throughout southern california. I meant to say that as of right now the fires in Ontario and San Bernardino (city) are not burning homes.

Here are some examples of what we are dealing with in the valleys below the San Bernardino Mountains because of the winds. These are from our local newspaper The Press Enterprise

Sand Drifts...

Sand Drifts

Sand plows....

Sand Plows

Certainly not as bad as flames destroying our homes but still a problem for many in the area.

Great post, thank you Laurie!

Folks, stay safe and do what the athourities tell you to do. Pack up your valuables, your photos, your kids stuffed animal and some childrens art work, and get out. It can all be replaced. Your health cannot. God speed.

Hey - All safe in Portola today, but both the Foothill and Portola still have volunteer evacuations due to spot fires. It was a little scary last night but we are very lucky. I left this am to run into the office thinking it was all good and as I drove down the hill there was small fire, came back picked up the puppy and off to work we went.

About 2:30 came back to Portola and there is only one entrance open and another little spot fire errupted but generally speaking we are out of the woods just dealing with the smoke and ash.

Santiago and Modjeska is concerning. This area is very unique. Small canyon towns (think mining town) some new estates, which 2 were just lost and hard to get to roads.

I know everyone loves where they live but this area of South Orange County is a very special place....

Keep praying!

Laurie, I'm praying for you all in California. I know how freightening these fires are. Staying safe is most important. Thanks for posting this.

Michael...hey your pictures look like the inside of my office....someone left the window open and I can't even breath let alone deal with all this dirt and dust on everything.....where are those pictures from?

Kathy - Pictures were in the Press Enterprise today. The sand drifts are in San Jacinto and the plow was not identified by city but it coulda been anywhere. Sorry to hear about your office, luckily I had everything all closed up so the dirt isn't too bad.

Wow Laurie, this is beyond horrific. Mexico is also burning... It's very scary. I'm so happy that you, Marlene and Jeff Dowler and Turner started these posts. It keeps me updated on all my AR friends. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of help in any way. My cell is 626-627-7107. You are always in my thoughts. Hang in there.

You can get fire maps of San Diego fires at this link

http://sdcounty.ca.gov

Laurie - thanks to you and the Jeffs for checking with people and keeping us posted on friends' welfare. The fires have become SO personal! It doesn't make sense for us to overpower the phone lines by calling to see how our AR friends are - much better to have one phone call and then read it through your blogs!

My heart and prayers go out to everyone of our members and their families that are in the path of these destructive fires. It is terrifying and I am praying for all. I know so many people myself and just want to extend a helping hand if I can.

Another information link here with maps for the San Diego area. It is a forum with people in the area posting.

http://forum.signonsandiego.com/forumdisplay.php?f=156

I have friends in Julian who have had to evacuate as the fire is now coming their way. It may be easing near the coast but now the mountains are getting hit badly.

This is just unbelievable, our prayers are with you all.

There are a bunch of posts over on Bloodhound as well.

Laurie,

Thanks for the post. I will be keeping Rainers and Southern Californians in general, in thought & prayer.

OCT

2007

Brian is at the hotel with his family. Their home is temporarily out of the danger zone and they will likely return to it in the morning. One less to worry about for a while.

Has anybody heard from Roberta Murphy?

Hi Laurie - I just wanted to say thanks again for this post and a way to keep tabs on all of our AR CA friends. Glad to hear it sounds like things are a little better in regards to Jeff's area being ok and Brian's home as well. For those who don't yet know about their homes, I hope they get the same good news that Jeff and Brian have.

Thoughts and prayers for all in that area.
Ann

BRIAN BRADY AND FAMILY ARE SAFE - MOVING BACK INTO THEIR HOME

10 A.M. WEDNESDAY PST. I just spoke with BB - Their home did not burn!

From Marlene Bridges

Thank you.....yes, I just heard from John Novak and he also verified this......thank God for this networking site so we can not only stay updated, but verify, or deny rumors as well :)

Thank you Marlene and John.

I had no idea that the devastation was so terrible until I saw 20/20 yesterday evening. It's horrible to think that something like this can touch those so close to home. We'll be keeping a close eye on the AR members and hopefully this ordeal will be over soon.

The picture is freightening. I have been watching the events unfold on TV it is so tragic. Please know that we are praying for all who are in harms way including the fire fighters.

Safe in SoCal...for now.

Brian and his family are back home, go and visit his post.

We've been praying for all of these people, so many are being affected it's unreal. I had no idea that Jeff Turner was one of them and the rest of the members you mentioned, bless them - we will continue to pray for these fires to come to an end!

10/24/07 @ 4:00pm - $10 million dollars in damages -- expecting it to reach a billion dollar deaster, started on purpose, 425,000+ achres, 1500+ homes burned, 500,000,evaculated, 10,000 people calling Qualcomm Stadium home, 170 in one subdivision were leveled, Favorable weather conditions earlier, The San Diego county area is going through this tragedy. More fire fighters are coming in to help. Spring Valley might be in the path of the fires - winds are dying down at this time,

My family and my company are all praying for these families. We appreciate all the people that are there to help and especially the fire fighters.

Burn band is in effect in Northern California due to the our fire fighters going to Southern California to help.

Thanks for the prayers. My family is fortunate at the moment that the fires haven't gotten closer and we haven't had to evacuate. We did just find out that all Murrieta schools will be closed tomorrow and possible Friday depending on the direction of the fires. One day at a time. It is appreciated to have AR support during this time.

OCT

2007

According to the FOX news channel in florida...You have 1 billion dollars in damages, and 650 square miles of fire damage and that was around 2 pm...5 people have died,,,,I am praying for all of California. The pictures are making me nauseated...I can't sleep worrying about you all...I live in Florida and only know you through the blogs... I check through out the nite...it's worse than Katrina and Wilma...water puts out the fire...we were warned and had time to leave, where do 1 million people go? running from fire??? At least we knew,,,

Prayers...for you all...

Laurie

blessed be your heart for taking the time to post on this sensitive situation. Your dedication and communication is unique. I love your posts. Lupe Soto, newbie and learning step by step how to blog and what how to SEO.

Everybody, thanks for all these updates, our company has suffered some loss in all this as well, I'm not sure to what extent so far, but all who are affected by this (I think that's all of us here!!), our thoughts, prayers, and support go out to everyone during this crisis time. It's hard to be this close, and feel so helpless...I know I'm not alone in that if there were anything that any of us could do, we would! Jeff Dowler informed me that the road closures and unknown extent of the damage in many areas would prevent us from coming and going to help. I wish there were more we could do, these are not just friends of ours, this is our extended families!!

OCT

2007

I keep seeing it on the news and online. It doesn't look like things are going well but I hope they get better there soon.

God Bless. You have my prayers.

I heard a rumor today that Brian Buffini (Real Estate Coach & Friend) lost his home in San Diego to the fire.
Has anyone heard anything about this down there? I need to know! Thanks!

Thinking of your Californians from here. Here's my post on the issue.

Brad, I saw that mentioned on Dustin Luther's post in one of the comments about Buffini's home burning down. Very sad.

OCT

2007

I heard the rumor about Buffini's house burning down as well.. Has anybody been able to confirm it?

OCT

2007

Here's a post from Brian Block that contains a letter from Brian Buffini about his house.

John - thanks my friend. I had heard from a colleague of mine in So Cal that is was no rumor, your post and their call have confirmed! It is so sad, yet Brian displays the reactions and response of a true leader and Godly man. Glad to hear no lives were lost! Thanks

OCT

2007

Wow, great post and what an excellent photo. We have a gal in our office who had fire damage to her home. It's been very sad to watch.

Hi Laurie,

Hope this finds you well. Just wanted to thank you for this post and to let you know that we used it in our week in review as one of our favorite posts for the week.

OCT

2007

Hello, Laurie! Just want to let you know that I've thinking of you and the other members there. It's great to see all the outpouring of support and prayers from the AR community. Thank you for keeping us posted.

NOV

2007

I have a client who just sold his home 2 months ago from Orange County and relocated to the hills of San Diego.They were about 20 miles away.They dodged a bullet but so many of his friends completely lost their homes.The roads were blocked and none of them could drive for safety to my client's home.

I thought of you when all this was happening. We know about natural disasters in FL but this was man made. Tears from the sky are needed.I hope your friends and family are safe.Bless you for trying so hard to contact Brian.

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