Wave of Destruction Part One

Having lived in California prior to my return to Texas almost 3 years ago, I still have a lot of affinity for the crazy place. I got my masters degree at Pepperdine University (Go Waves!), drove the Pacific Coast Highway as far south and almost as far north as it goes, and was given the opportunity to rub elbows with Hollywood stars. I worked in West LA, but I lived in the San Fernando Valley just one block from the famed Ventura Blvd because dammit, I could afford more there. I've been on the phone pretty much daily with friends and college cohorts getting the best in person updates on the areas I know best. Anywho, I'm both horrified yet strangely not surprised by these devastating fires along the Southland, as it's called. But I'm equally horrified by what is yet to come once the rains make it back there. It's annual that there are large fires in Southern California each year. Normally, these fires tend to hit their worst in late summer. Then the rains come, and all hell breaks loose because the fires destroyed anything that might deter the mudslides. That's what's next, folks. Mountains of mud coming down as fast and hard as a tidal wave leaving nothing standing or uninjured in its wake. As if it wasn't bad enough for the people who lost their homes and/or lives in the fires, those who were spared now have the added worry of when the rains come. Of course, God may take some pity on these poor folks, and it may not rain for months. However, that just lulls them into a false sense of security. Plus it's difficult to get any kind of fire or other type of insurance if you live in the canyons because the likelihood of such events is a constant risk. When you see people on television speaking to the fact that they have lost everything, believe it. FEMA won't be able to give them what they need to rebuild because they have no insurance to supplement that at all.

I'm very concerned about friends I have that live in Vista, California (not far from San Diego). They have a toddler and several animals that could make it difficult for them to get out of their house if they haven't already. I can't reach them, so I'm hoping they decided to pack up to visit her mother here in the Lone Star State, and I will be hearing from them shortly.

In speaking with a friend last night, there is some optimism and humor through all of the anxiety and chaos. When I asked her how she was doing, she said, "Well SB, we now have 4 more people in the house because my family in San Diego had to evacuate. While I'm glad they are safe, I want to beat their unruly children. To say they are a spoiled lot is an understatement! Ugh! But on a brighter note, I think the smoke from those fires has improved the air quality in Los Angeles. "

*In case you live under a rock and don't know, Los Angeles has the WORST air quality in the country (with Houston coming in closely behind, I think!). I didn't meet one person there in 4 years that didn't have some kind of allergy or sinus problem, and 90% of the kids I taught had asthma.

**That picture is the "Wave" mascot. I know...don't get me started!