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Comments (20)

1. Ryan Steadfast says:
   October 23, 2007 16:15

   We all owe many thanks to the police and fire departments that are putting their lives on the line to save others.

2. joel beers says:
   October 23, 2007 17:58

   anyone else notice how good Todd Spitzer came off in his tuesday afternoon press conference with Chip Prather, the head of the Orange County Fire Authority? Spitzer, the assemblyman who represents a district comprising a good chunk of eastern orange county, and who served as an orange county supervisor before then, was properly eloquent, indignant, compassionate and self-serving in praising the efforts of firefighters and criticizing the state for its slow response.

   This guy's the most exciting politician in orange county since, uh, ever? (and soooo dreamy), and sure, you gotta take everything out of a politicians's mouth with a pillar of salt the size of Lot's wife, but Spitzer obviously knows his constituents: at one point during the press conference, he explained the strong-willed indepedence of Modjeska Canyon's residents (the community has the last volunteer fire department in the county, according to Prather) this way:
   "They like to, um, march to their drummer."

   In realspeak: they're canyon folk! And anyone who has spent time out there, or up in the mountain communities that are likewise being consumed (running springs, arrowbear and other real mountain communitities and not the Pasadena-like phoniness of Big Bear) knows that whether these people are retired professionals, jewelry makers, hemp famers or everyday working joe's or joan's, their choice to live in these regions is a conscious one. They take great pride in their self-reliance and living so close to nature.

   That's why it's so harrowing to read reports like this one from tuesday's online edition of the La Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ocfire24oct24,0,5242829.story?coll=la-home-center
   in which a crew of the volunteer fire department in Modjeska Canyon seems hopeless in the face of the blaze.
   I know one of those firefighters: Leo Hertzel, a long-time photographer for the Long Beach Press Telegram who has lived in the same house for some 30 years. He and his wife live in the main house, which is adorned with scores of African masks collected in their driving vacation across the continent a lonnng time ago. Their son, a long beach state student, lives in the same house and their daughter, her husband and newborn baby live in another house on the property.
   Their whole spread is a funky, idiosyncratic blend of eastern European, African, surfing paraphenelia and old-school rustic living. It's heartbreaking to think it could all be wiped away...

   Another riveting modjeska canyon resident story is Janet WIlson's, a Times reporter who recently got married and had to hear updates about the possible fate of her home over the cell phone or on airport TV's."

   http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-oc1stperson24oct24,0,443958.story?coll=la-home-center

   Oh, and here's the Spitzer soundbyte from his Tuesday press conference. You go, boy!

   "When the California legislature Monday morning quarterbacks this scenario, I know my colleagues are all going to be calling for additional resources, and what Chief Prather has made clear and every other fire chief in the state of California is the blue ribbon commission was sanctioned to determine what we needed and to make recommendations. They made those recommendations and yet the legislature did not choose to follow those recommendations. To me that's unconscionable. We always knew this day would come. This is the day of reckoning. And what's frustrating to me is that we are not able to deal with it and we're putting not only property and citizen life at risk, but we're putting firefighter lives at risk," Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, R-Orange, said.

   "We don't have an off fire season in Southern California. That's what everybody thinks. Oh it's October, November, no problem. We never can let our guard down in Southern California," Spitzer said.
   

3. Stephanie says:
   October 24, 2007 22:49

   First, thanks to LA/OC Weekly for providing this forum. I am an San Diego native and resident who lived in LA for over 11 years before moving back to SD last year. I've been watching the news almost non-stop since Monday morning. I've been watching mostly local (SD) coverage, but I know that we are all partners in this struggle.

   I am in one of the seemingly few safe areas in San Diego, but I've been indirectly affected by the fires. The office I work for has been closed since Monday because everyone I work for has either had to evacuate or is under the threat of evacuation. The air quality has been horrible, although tonight I sense a slight improvement. My slight and temporary inconveniences are nothing compared to those who have lost loved ones, been injured, or have had to evacuate because of this difficult situation. I feel for those who have lost their homes - disaster is not a respecter of persons.

   However, I have been privileged to see people coming together and doing their best to stay positive in such a heartbreaking time. The firefighters have been beyond awesome, and they deserve all the kudos in the world. Hopefully this will all be over soon.

4. Lisa Alvarez says:
   October 25, 2007 00:04

   Thanks for this forum and your coverage. It's been a harrowing week for folks.

   I live in Modjeska Canyon with my husband Andrew Tonkovich. My colleague Roy Bauer lives in Live Oak.

   We host a blog that is usually all things So. Orange Community College District (where we teach) - but this week the fire has taken over.

   Come visit: http://dissenttheblog.blogspot.com/

   Good luck to us all.

5. Melissa Cruz says:
   October 25, 2007 11:49

   I spent all day Monday, October 22 crouched at the back window of my home, staring at a wall of flames on the closest ridge and praying. I live in Foothill Ranch, and my heart beat in my throat all day while I loaded my car with what I felt was most important. God Bless the firefighters who saved our homes. I am so grateful, especially after the tragedy that's occurred in Modjeska. Thank you to the OC Fire Authority for protecting me, my family, and my community, as well as the rest of Santiago Canyon, Irvine, Live Oak Canyon, and all of Orange County.

6. Eric Calhoun says:
   October 25, 2007 20:19

   First of all, I want to take this time out to thank the many firefighters who went down to the O.C. to help all of you out. Good job guys and gals! Second, it was pretty cowardly of the person setting the Santiago Canyon fire. Sorry, that's an act of arson! You, sir/madam, should be ashamed of yourself! Exclamation mark! Hang in there, Orange County, you're like the Casey Junior Circus Train of California: you're the engine that could, and YOU WILL RISE AGAIN!

   Eric

7. joel beers says:
   October 25, 2007 23:07

   This just in (well, about six hours ago, but whatever) from Joe Buck, play-by-play man for Fox TV's World Series'. It came at the top of the third inning of tonight's game:

   "All of us at Fox..Want to send along our thoughts, prayers, congratulations and admiration for the firefighters and public servants who since last Sunday have been fighting the raging fire in southern California."

   Admittedly, no one has ever pretended to call a sports announcer a reporter. Those few that deserve the title---Vin Scully, Howard Cosell--shine among a most pedestrian if histrionic breed. But the fact Buck called the score of separate wildfires burning from Malibu to the Mexican border a singular fire is sloppy reporting at best, and sheer stupid fucking ignorance at worst.

   What's that? Just a very understandable linguistic faux pas? Maybe you could believe that, if Buck's braying donkey of a sidekick, Tim McCarver (i.e. monkey who has figured out how to type Hamlet) chimed it with “it’s been horrible.”

   “and doing it morning, noon and night,” Buck continued. “Last time was that terrible fire three years ago in which five firefighters perished.”

   Apparently Joe has lost any semblance of a functioning memory after burying his face in Derek Jeter's ass for so long. Last year, (2006 if you're keeping score) five firefighters died fighting a blaze in Cabazon, up near Idylwild in the San Jacinto Mountains.
   Three years ago, as Buck references, was 2004. Yes, there were fires in Southern California but, in comparison to this year, and the "firestorm of 2003," it was relatively mild. (IF buck were referencing 2003, his facts are still wildly wrong: one firefighter died amid the 15 blazes that raged in October, 2003).

   What's it all matter? Well, nothing on one hand. Just some stupidly uninformed comment by a guy paid to relate the exploits of garishly over-paid prima donnas.
   and you'd be right, except that Fox Corporate decided that the Southern Californian wildfires were so important that it deemed it necessary to announce early in game two of a baseball championship game that will be seen by approximately $9 million people (baseball doesn't draw neatly the ratings of the NFL, but compared to anything else on that network, it's a gold mine) of its solidarity with the affected.

   Too bad it couldn't have assigned an 18-year-old intern to fact-check the release that someone at Fox apparently sent Buck. and too bad Buck didn't feel he had the time to actually check the bullshit he was given to read on national air. Guess that's what happens when a somewhat respectable broadcaster falls prey to the ESPN'ification of sportscasting (oh, look at me pretend to be so humble and self-deprecating in these commercials when, in reality, I'm so fucking smarter than these dipshit athletes, since I've read all the Harry potter books and been to a System of the Down concert and actually get paid a ridiculous amount of money to coin insipid catch-phrases that merely inflate the dangerously lofty misconceptions that athletes have of themselves, but goddamn don't this new suit look good?)

   No one ever said sports broadcasting was important. But no one also ever said that it's the last refuge to which a lazy, sloppy, pampered personality should have to cling.
   

8. Hali Zane says:
   October 25, 2007 23:48

   First of all, HI, LISA! Thanks for checking in - I hope all of you are safe and have been spared the loss of your property. I came to this page looking desperately for some news of Cook's Corner, which I have become rather attached to over the years. Your blog contains the only good, readable narrative of the fires that I have been able to find.

   Take care, be safe, and breathe...

9. Wes Lambaugh says:
   October 26, 2007 03:36

   Glad to see that no lives were lost in the O.C. fires. Not sure if the same applies to the 4 'illegals' who died at their camp in San Diego-- not likely even though you probably ate a salad this week that probably had their prints.
   Tell Bush to stay the fuck home instead of showing his moronic self in the Southland. Let's not kid ourselves, he is trying to save face from his murderous disaster blunder in New Orleans. That plus the fact that we are talking about rich white Republicans versus some other class in New Orleans.
   Firefighters: thanks for doing your job. But do not telephone me asking for donations for families of those killed while in duty. You all have a peachy work schedule with unbelievable pay and great retirement and death benefits.
   Take car eand have a great day and avoid injury please.

10. Pat Hodgins says:
    October 26, 2007 10:01

    Hali

    I'm an advertising executive here at OC Weekly and Cook's Corner is one of my clients. I don't have any specifics but I did get an e-mail on Tuesday from them and they had been evacuated and things did not seem good from what it sounded. That place is a landmark in the South OC area and I hope it isn't among the casualties of the fire.

11. Janine Kahn says:
    October 26, 2007 10:07

    Pat, Hali,

    Yesterday evening, I drove by Cook's Corner on my way to get these photos and it appeared to be OK. Looks like it's become an unofficial outpost of sorts for the fire crew/sheriff's dept., as there were many different vehicles parked around it.

12. holly hoffman says:
    October 26, 2007 18:14

    Words cannot express my sincere gratification to all the fireman, policeman and their famalies. I admire your strength, your courage, your determination. You are all recognized heroes. Thank You

13. Lisa Alvarez says:
    October 26, 2007 18:20

    Hi Hali!!!!!

    Just drove by Cook's on my way to try and get into Modjeka - Cook's is just fine. My house is just fine - though I couldn't get through.

    Now I worry about Silverado.

    Good luck to all of us.

14. anon says:
    October 27, 2007 06:14

    "thank you" seems inadequate to express the gratitude that we feel to not only our local fire fighters, but also the many, many out of city/county/state fire fighters who also put their lives on the line to help fight these fires, but maybe that simple sentiment most eloquently expresses it.

    while many of us here are sharing our thanks to the fire fighters themselves we should also thank their families who must spend many hours worrying about their loved ones out on the front lines. so "thank you" too for your sacrifices.
    

15. Kara Castaneda says:
    October 27, 2007 13:13

    In day to day life, it can become dangerously easy to take for granted the efforts of civil servants such as our firefighters, police and other emergency personnel. Then when a tragedy such as this strikes we are quickly reminded that these individuals have taken an oath to be nothing short of miracle working angels. Of all the awe-striking photos shared I think the 'abandoned fire blankets' left the most profound and woeful mark on me. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your tenacity, sacrifices and dedication not only in the face of great adversity but in your everyday efforts.
    

16. Honey Ogawa says:
    October 28, 2007 10:28

    Wildfire

    Like snowflakes falling to earth ~
    ashes of someone's dreams.
    Warriors battling flames
    to save a neighbor's memories & lives.
    Wildfire, beautiful, and destructive.

    To the firefighters,

    You risk everything for us. Thank you for everything you do and for caring.

    Honey
    

17. Gretchen Andrews says:
    October 29, 2007 10:43

    Thank you OC weekly for providing a way for the people to thank the brave men and women for their services. Also, you are facilitating a way for us to express the sympathy for all the people who are victims of the arson and the yearly unfortunate fire season. People like to talk shit on the United states and California, all to often forgetting that in an instant life can change and we will need the civil services that this state could not live without. These fire fighters are not only doing their jobs today, but have been on call 24/7 for the people their entire careers. Anytime we want we can pick up the phone dail 3 little numbers and they respond to our needs. They are braving the heat, the long hours, and time away from their familys for our safety. I am so grateful for their efforts. I could never imagine what it might feel like to lose my most dear posessions, most importantly my home base, but being alive is the first step to rebuilding. I pray for you all.
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

18. GabrielLawana says:
    November 21, 2007 18:13

    what the freaking blog about facebook proxy can i use it for my emule software

19. Alfagreyus says:
    April 10, 2008 12:54

    Hi!
    Without taking into account the issue of establishing a stone by God, which he won't be able to pick up, how do you think, may be something in this world, what can God never see?

20. piexiapreab says:
    May 31, 2008 04:35

    Hi!
    Without taking into account the issue of establishing a stone by God, which he won't be able to pick up, how do you think, may be something in this world, what can God never see?

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