Southern California Still Burning

1. Dan
   October 23rd, 2007 at 3:08 pm

   I work in San Diego City Schools. I just heard on the radio that school has been canceled for the rest of the week.
   Other people have snow days, we have fire days.

2. Ash
   October 23rd, 2007 at 3:46 pm

   @Dan: Lol. Nice way to lighten up the mood a bit.

   The schools all around the fires should be closed; most of Southern California has really bad air quality as of now and schools really shouldn't be in session. Most schools here in Temecula/Murrieta/a little more up north still have classes in session, which baffles me.

3. Zach
   October 23rd, 2007 at 4:49 pm

   Your name can't really be Ash.

4. Denita TwoDragons
   October 23rd, 2007 at 4:55 pm

   Keeping you and your family in my prayers, Alex!

   --TwoDragons

5. Ash
   October 23rd, 2007 at 5:11 pm

   @Zach:
   You're right. Sort of. It's short for Ashkenaz... which isn't any better considering the situation. It means "a fire that spreads".

6. Allison
   October 23rd, 2007 at 5:41 pm

   Despite the fact that we are surrounded by evacuation areas, Carlsbad (to the west) is doing pretty well. Air condition isn't very bad at all here. Except for the ominous orange glow in the sky and slight smell or bonfire, I wouldn't know the difference.

   Traveling up to Irvine is different. As is traveling anyplace south of here.

   Luckily, some people have been let back into their homes and some of the major roads have re-opened.

7. Gordon
   October 23rd, 2007 at 10:46 pm

   I live in Mission Hills in San Diego and its surreal. Still not as bad as the fires four years ago. At least you can see the sun this time.

   It is horrible to look at the ashfall swirling down out of the sky and realize it is the remains of a photo album, or a christmas ornament, or cherished heirloom. The tendrils of smoke drift over the sprawled and helpless city. Our building is hosting about twenty refugees and for the most part, everyone is keeping a noble chin.

   Its a mess here in paradise.

   Before I return to anonymity, I want to tell you I love this website. It is one of the few that my son and I can enjoy together.

8. Alex
   October 24th, 2007 at 1:38 am

   Thanks Denita and Gordon! Stay safe, everyone!

9. Dan
   October 24th, 2007 at 3:38 pm

   I grew up where Gordon is and have spent a fair amount of time there since my parents still live there. I agree, the smoke isn't as bad despite the fact that more has been burned.
   Last time (2003) after the march to the sea the fire turned around and burned some of my favorite back country areas. I hope this one won't/hasn't done the same.

10. Abi
    October 25th, 2007 at 12:14 am

    I'm in Claremont, and we're strangely between all the fires. The air quality is pretty bad - they've moved all the gym classes indoor, and they canceled by horse-back riding lesson because it's bad for the horses to be riding in this air. I just flew in last night after fall break and seeing the orange glow from the air, in both directions, was frightening (but strangely beautiful).

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