Julian Gets Free Internet

Julian - Due to communications disruptions from the fires, Microsoft and the County of San Diego are providing free Internet access for Julian residents.

The Internet service is available at a specially-equipped bus in the parking lot of the Julian Branch Library, at 1850 Highway 78. The bus includes computers with Internet access, printers, a WiFi hot spot, cell phones and an Xbox unit.

The bus will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until communications are restored to the area, according to a press release from the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

--Anna Cearley, staff writer

Red Cross closing shelters

The American Red Cross has closed the following shelters. No evacuees were residing in the shelters at the time of closure.

Harrah's Rincon Reservation, 777 Harrah's Rincon Way, Valley Center

Mount Miguel High School, 8585 Blossom Ln., Spring Valley

Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway


INDIVIDUAL CLIENT SERVICES
American Red Cross Client Service volunteers will be available at the following Service Delivery Sites on Saturday, October 27th for one-on-one meetings with families who have emergency-caused needs and whose homes and personal effects have been destroyed by the wildfires (new locations in bold).

Del Mar Fairgrounds, West Grandstands Lower Level, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Potrero - Kiwanis Community Center, 25771 Potrero Valley Rd, Potrero, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dulzura Community Center, 1136 Community Building Road, Dulzura, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo identification that includes home address from an affected area is required to receive service. Additional service locations, as well as hours of service for upcoming days, will be posted on www.sdarc.org. Visit this site for the most current information.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Habitat for Humanity wants YOU

The San Diego chapter of Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers and donations to aid people who lost their homes in the wildfires or need assistance in cleaning up their property.

The organization plans to offer rebuilding assistance for the uninsured and underinsured who have nowhere to turn, said spokeswoman Carolyn Bollman. Decisions will be made on where rebuilding efforts will occur after damage assessments are completed.

For more information, call the Habitat for Humanity office at 619-283-4663 or visit www.sdhfh.org.

--Ron Powell, staff writer

Fire relief benefits scheduled

Local media outlets are lending a hand to raise money for San Diego's fire-relief effort. Here are some benefits in the works:

- Cox Communications and Channel 4 San Diego have teamed up with the San Diego Padres and the Fashion Valley Mall for a week-long donation drive. Today through Nov. 2, the public can drop off cash donations or checks payable to ARC-San Diego Wild Fires at the Fashion Valley Mall. Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff will make an appearance tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m., and Channel 4's Sam the Cooking Guy will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. It all happens on the south side of the Fashion Valley Mall, near the Boudin Bakery. The hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except for Sunday, when the hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and the San Diego Foundation's fire-relief efforts.

- Radio stations XX Sports Radio (1090 AM and 105.7 FM) and San Diego 1700AM will host Mission Recovery, an on-air memorabilia auction and donation campaign to benefit the American Red Cross fire-victims fund. Auction items include tickets to the 2008 Super Bowl, vacation packages, signed memorabilia and a dinner for two with Pete Rose. The Mission Recovery effort started today and will run through Nov. 2.

- The KGB Halloween Blood Drive couldn't be happening at a better time. The grand-daddy of all blood drives will be held Tuesday at Dixieline in Kearny Mesa, 4888 Convoy Street. The drive runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- Tuesday's 91X Concert From the Crypt will benefit the San Diego Foundation for Fire Relief Efforts. Local faves Louis XIV will headline the all-ages show, which has been moved to the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., downtown. Tickets can be purchased at the House of Blues on the day of the show only.

- Karla Peterson, staff writer

La Mesa RV Center Donates RVs for California Fire Victims

La Mesa RV, with nine RV dealership locations in the United States and two in the areas of the recent ravaging firestorms in the state of California, is reaching out to help fire victims.

With the cooperation of local RV parks in the San Diego area, including Campland On The Bay, KOA in Chula Vista and Chula Vista RV Resort, La Mesa RV is helping fire victims by donating a motorhome or trailer for their use for a one week time period. Each of the campgrounds have partnered with La Mesa RV in offering their sites for use by the victims in the donated RVs.

La Mesa RV feels an obligation to the citizens of this community to do what we can as a company to assist during this tragic time. We appreciate our partnering campgrounds in assisting us with this program to provide spaces for the motorhomes.

La Mesa RV is spearheading the coordination of the use of the vehicles and campsites. Victims of the fires that are interested in the program are asked to contact La Mesa RV Center at 858-874-8000 and ask for Steve Love Monday through Friday or Jan Mosegaard on Saturday and Sunday. People that participate in the program will need to go to La Mesa RV to be assigned a vehicle and camping space.

In addition, La Mesa RV is placing a special order for housing units direct from the factory for purchase by people needing housing. These 32-foot towable housing units include a full kitchen, queen size bed in the bedroom and a set of bunk beds. La Mesa RV will help with the placement of these units onto campsites or homesites if needed. La Mesa RV will be providing this service to the community for no mark-up on the sale of the unit. Contact La Mesa RV Center in San Diego for more information or go to the website www.lamesarv.com.

Villa Monte Vista's 99 residents return home today

American Medical Response (AMR) is coordinating the return of 99 elderly residents to Villa Monte Vista (1296 Monte Vista Road, Poway), a skilled nursing facility, this afternoon.

The residents were evacuated earlier this week due to the wildfires. Thirty of the residents will be picked up from Palomar Continuing Care (1817 Avenida del Diablo, Escondido) at 2 p.m.

This large scale repopulation of Villa Monte Vista will be completed by ambulance strike teams arranged through AMR, the County's disaster ambulance coordinator.

Returning residents to their homes is a good sign that progress is being made and the lives of these individuals will begin to get back to normal.

Housing available

Fairfield Properties has immediate rental housing available including month-to-month leases as well as specials for victims of the wildfires in California. This includes San Diego, Los Angeles, Inland Empire and Orange County.

All of the information can be found at the bottom of this page:
http://www.fairfield-properties.com/

Pro bono post-fire financial planning

San Diego County fire victims interested in meeting with a financial planner to discuss their finances in light of this tragedy are encouraged to contact the Financial Planning Association of San Diego.

We have members offering to provide pro bono advice to fire victims. Topics available for discussion may include, but are not limited to, debt management, budgeting, what investment accounts to pull money from, types of loans, and understanding homeowners insurance. San Diego FPA can be reached at 619-504-0142, info@fpasandiego.org, or www.fpasandiego.org.

My stuff duffel bags for kids

The My Stuff Bags Foundation is offering its duffel bags filled with new, comforting items (toys, stuffed animals, clothing, blanket) to children and teens throughout Southern California who have lost all their belongings in the recent fires.
The bags will be distributed through qualifying community organizations such as schools, houses of worship, employers, insurance companies and others in the fire-devastated areas. Organizations are encouraged to contact the My Stuff Bags Foundation immediately at (866) 3-MYSTUFF.
"Each My Stuff bag carries the message, `Lots of people care about you,' because almost all of the items inside are donated," says Janeen Holmes, president and CEO of My Stuff Bags, a nonprofit organization that provides its duffel bags to abused, neglected, abandoned and displaced children. "It is the foundation's way of wrapping its arms around these unfortunate children."
The foundation, launched in 1998, is calling upon individuals, corporations, organizations and public and private foundations for funding and donations of new children's items, including essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, stuffed animals, books, games, clothing, school supplies, and one of the most comforting and important items, a cuddly blanket, often made by volunteers. Visit mystuffbags.org for more information.
-- Jane Clifford

Free counseling for fire trauma

Anyone in need of counseling support due to the fires can get free assistance from a group of volunteer mental health professionals.

Fire and Loss Counseling is organized by San Diego marriage and family counselor Aimee Zakrewski. Its members are licensed and pre-licensed psychotherapists and psychologists with experience in bereavement, grief and loss.

Anyone needing help can visit http://www.azgrowth.com/flc.html

Gaining access to pets in burn areas

The County Department of Animal Services is coordinating all animal information.

If you are trying to gain access to a home to care for animals in a closed area call the County Department of Animals Services Dispatch at (619) 236-2341

Tell the the dispatcher the following:
1. Your name,
2. If you are the owner, professional pet sitter, animal caretaker or friend
3. Exact address of home
4. Number and types of pets in home
5. When last given fresh water/food
6. If you have keys to that home

They may want to meet you at the closet checkpoint to obtain the keys OR may escort you in.

Jeweler will recreate lost jewelry and repair fire damaged pieces

My name is David Levi...I run Levi and Sons Fine Jewelers along with Versailles Fine Jewelers. I have a location in the Parkway Plaza mall and my other locations are in the Fashion Valley Mall along with Horton Plaza.

A few years ago after the Cedar fires, I ended up recreating a lot of jewelry that was lost in the fires. We have a large customer base that I am sure is affected by the recent fires in Ramona and surrounding areas of San Diego County. I would love to extend myself out to the victims who have lost their jewelry and try to help them out in replacing it. I would want to work very close to my cost in helping the community out and think it would be a good idea if you'd want to help me get the word out. I only want to do this because it is one way I know my business can help the community out.

I remember a lady coming to see me a few years ago and all she had was a wedding picture of her wedding ring that was lost in the Cedar fires and I had to recreate the ring using CAD/CAM technology. I can create a wax mold of the original ring, then cast it, and set any stones.


Thanks,
David Levi
619-846-9899

RB Inn discounted rates for evacuees

Rancho Bernardo Inn is offering displaced residents a place to stay, with a special room rate of $139, including breakfast, to those in need, as long as occupancy allows.

Additionally, the Inn will allow staff members who have been affected by the fires to stay on property until they can find a more permanent residence and will also be assisting in the cleanup efforts around the area.

Phone lines to the resort are fully operational, and additional information can be obtained by calling 858-675-8500 or visiting http://www.blogger.com/www.ranchobernardoinn.com.

The Inn escaped serious damage from the Witch Creek fire and reopened on Thursday. It had been evacuated early Monday morning.

The 287-room resort is located on Bernardo Oaks Drive east of Interstate 15 and just north of Rancho Bernardo Road in north county.

Help for artists affected by the wildfires

The San Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN) wants to help artists in need of assistance due to recent fires. If you know of actors, musicians, or other artists who require help at this time, please see below:

Fire Storm 2007 - SDVAN is helping the Synergy Arts Foundation to gather information about artist in need due to the wildfires.

Please send contact details so we can follow up on their situation. More info: 619- 265-1271 Naomi Nussbaum.

Escondido/Ramona relief collection point

For the horses, llamas, sheep, etc :

Hay - NOT TO BE DELIVERED TO THE CHURCH - I will get the driver through the police checkpoint.
bridles
sweat wipers
buckets
triple antibiotic ointment - neosporin
used blankets
I am not a horse person so not sure all that they need - so call me if you think of something and I will add it to the list.

For Humans
water - 5 gallons are ok - 5 gallon water dispensers, gallon containers and water bottles
masks - the really good ones if possible - just can't get enough of these
baby wipes - being uses in place of showering
Ensure or other vitamin enriched drinks
Gatorade type drinks with electrolytes
Depends or other disposable undergarments
food - any - contact me regarding donations of perishable food - dry foods like pancake mix, dry milk, ready made mixes
eye drops - the individual ones
eye wash
triple antibiotic ointment - neosporin
anything medical such as bandaides, wraps, etc.
anything toiletry : toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotions, razors, creams, make-up, body scrub, dental floss, contact cases, solution, nasal spray
Any clothing - all sizes really need undergarments, socks.
mattresses - regular and air mattresses - battery operated pumps
any Linens - sheets, towels,
combs, brushes
manicure kits, toiletry kits
ibuprophe, advil, asprin, thermometers - prefer the ear type & the disposable coverings so we can reuse easily
anything over the counter - allergy meds, benedryl, cough drops, etc.
homeopathic medicine
vitamins
toys
halloween costumes
All baby items, diapers, creams, lotions, baby wipes
small plastic bags like you get your groceries in or walmart uses - need these really bad

Wellness
Inspirational books & cds & dvds
hand massagers
heating pads
neck pillows
lumbar support pillows
calming music
journals
books
games - decks of cards -
art supplies for the kids to keep them busy
vcrs- tapes for entertainment


Clean up & Rebuilding
work gloves
disposable gloves
duct tape
batteries
any cleanup - garbage bags, mops brooms, vacume cleaners, cleaning supplies - windex, disinfecting products, etc.
hoses, spray nozzels for the ends,
rakes, shovels, pitch forks, post diggers
flash lights
larger work lights
lumber and all building supplies (don't deliver this to the church)


Where to deliver:
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1500 S. Juniper St.
Escondido, CA 92025


Thank you !!

Tammy Searle

Door-to-Door Storage offers frees pace for fire victims

Door to Door Storage, Inc. will be offering two free months of storage to victims residing in the zip codes affected by the San Diego fires. While supplies last, those affected by the fires are welcome to bring their personal belongings to the company’s San Diego facility and unload their items into one of the portable storage containers (additional units also available).

Each unit is large enough to accommodate a full room worth of furniture and personal items. Once individuals unload their items into the container, the company will provide environmentally controlled and secure warehouse storage for as long as necessary. At the end of the storage stay, there will be an option to either retrieve items out of the container at the warehouse facility, or have the unit delivered anywhere within the company’s service area.

Those interested should contact an associate for details and/or a reservation at 888-410-3667.

'Cox Channel 4 Cares' drive kicks off with $25,000 donation

WHAT: A weeklong donation drive at Fashion Valley Mall to aid victims of the San Diego wildfires, sponsored by Cox Communications, the San Diego Padres and Fashion Valley Mall.
WHERE: Fashion Valley Mall (south side, first level near Boudin Bakery)
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Nov. 2, 2007
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Sunday)
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28

Special appearances:
Saturday, Oct. 27 , noon to 2 p.m.: San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff .
Sunday, Oct. 28, noon to 2 p.m.: Channel 4 San Diego’s Sam the Cooking Guy.

The public can drop off cash donations or checks made payable to ARC-San Diego Wild Fires during this weeklong fundraiser. All public donations will be handled by the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The $25,000 donation from the Cox Kids Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cox Communications, will go to the American Red Cross and the San Diego Foundation fire victims relief efforts.

Palomar YMCA hosts forum for wildfire families

WHO: Dr. Ken Druck , YMCA Consultant and Founder of the Jenna Druck Foundation,
Mayor Lori Holt-Pfeiler, Escondido Union School District Superintendent Jennifer Walters, Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher

WHAT: A Town Hall Forum hosted by the Palomar Family YMCA to help and assist families in the healing process of our Escondido community. Dr. Druck will address wide-ranging audiences around the country on the topics of grief literacy, violence prevention, parenting and the healing process, including The Harvard School of Public Health and Young Presidents Organization. He also gives high school assemblies on “Life Lessons from Grief.”

WHEN: Friday, October 26 at 6:30pm

WHERE: Palomar Family YMCA
1050 North Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026
760-745-7490

WHY: Dr. Druck will address and facilitate wide-ranging topics concerning the affects of the fire storms to family members of our community and how to move forward with this process. Dr. Druck has worked with the FDNY and the U.S. Justice Department and assisted in the rollout of California's historic violence prevention legislation (SB 1667) in 2004. He was recognized by President George Bush and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at the one-year anniversary of 9-11 held at Ground Zero -- and selected "Family Advocate of the Year" by the California Psychiatric Association.


*Childcare will be available for families

Volunteer San Diego opens volunteer/donation center

WHAT: Volunteer San Diego is partnering with Social Venture Partners, Hope Force International, and Amylin Pharmeceuticals to organize a community-wide Volunteer Reception Center and collection drive.

Today, Friday, Oct. 26, community members will be able to register with Volunteer San Diego onsite and donate supplies to wildfire victims. This collection drive will focus on crisis relief supplies, such as new or unused 8-66 qt. plastic bins, sunscreen, shovels, working gloves, infant care items, etc..

WHO: Hundreds of volunteers and community members
WHEN: Friday, October 26th, 2007 7:30 am-7:30 pm
WHERE: Near UTC, at Amylin Pharmaceutical at 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego

MORE INFO: Volunteer San Diego is designated by the County Office of Emergency Services as the lead agency for spontaneous unaffiliated volunteer management as part of the County’s Disaster Response Plan.

Those interested in volunteering are urged to register on www.volunteersandiego.org. As volunteer opportunities become available, they will be posted.

Carlsbad sports facility solicits donations, opens for free Saturday

Velocity Sports Performance in Carlsbad is opening its training center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for kids ages 7-17 to play basketball, dodge ball, soccer and other sports indoors. Participation is free but everyone is asked to bring a gently used piece of sports equipment that will be donated to wildfire victims.

Velocity Sports Performance is at 6070 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad. For information call (760) 444-0100 or visit www.velocitysp.com/carlsbad

Free performance of "Narnia" at ECPAC today

The Christian Youth Theater will be holding a free performance of Narnia today at 2:00 p.m. at the East County Performance Arts Center in El Cajon. The theater is located at 210 East Main Street.

The theater can accommodate 1,100. Arrive early for seating.

The performance is about 2 hours.

Sempra to give $5 million to recovery

Sempra Energy plans to donate $5 million to fire recovery efforts in the county, CEO Don Felsinger announced at a news conference today.
Felsinger said the money will come out of company earnings.

Half the money will be dedicated to communities. Felsinger said, for example, it could be used to rebuild a library lost to the fire.

The other half will be earmarked for individual customers. The donations could be as small as bags of ice to customers who have no refrigeration while awaiting the restoration of their power. He said bigger donations would go to customers to incorporate energy efficient design and features into rebuilt homes.

At the same news conference, VJ Joshi, cq an executive vice president of Hewlett-Packard, said his company's foundation will donate $2 million to the American Red Cross. Joshi said he has evacuated his home in Rancho Bernardo, where H-P has a campus. Joshi also said Hewlett-Packard will match as much as $1.5 million in employees' contributions, for a possible additional $3 million.

Chris Moran, staff writer

Copley Foundation gives Red Cross $100,000 and $50,000 to Humane Society

In the wake of San Diego County’s firestorms, the Helen K. and James S. Copley Foundation is contributing $100,000 to the San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter of the American Red Cross, which will use the money to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those affected.

In addition, $50,000 is being donated to the San Diego Humane Society by the Copley Foundation, to help care for family pets displaced by the fires and to further the organization’s future efforts.

“The fires have had both a frightening and saddening impact on our community,” said David Copley, publisher of The San Diego Union-Tribune and SignOnSanDiego.com, and son of the late Helen and James Copley. “San Diego is well known for its resolve and pulling together in great times of need, and we hope our contribution will assist in that effort.”

In addition to the monetary contributions, the Union-Tribune’s Web site, SignOnSanDiego.com, is donating more than two million impressions of advertising to the American Red Cross.
“We will continue to seek opportunities for The San Diego Union-Tribune to aid firestorm recovery efforts in San Diego County,” said Drew Schlosberg, community and public relations manager.

Toys for Tots distributes toys early due to wildfires

The San Diego chapter of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is participating in the relief effort for the victims of the Southern California wildfires.

Marine Reserves delivered a truck load of new, unwrapped toys to the evacuation center at Qualcomm Stadium on Wednesday.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of the fires and especially to the children who have been affected. If one toy can bring some sense of relief to a displaced child, then we have accomplished the mission of the Toys for Tots program,” Toys for Tots coordinator Sergeant Patrick Russ said.

“The Marine Reserve Toys for Tots program stands ready to provide assistance as necessary and are able to accept new unwrapped toys for distribution.”

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is a nonprofit charity which collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to needy children in the community as Christmas presents. The toys are collected by Reserve Marines at various community fundraisers and civic functions, sorted according to age and gender, and then distributed to local social and welfare agencies, churches and civic organizations.

In 2006, the Toys for Tots program in the San Diego area collected 171,125 toys reaching more than 49,000 children.

Fleetwood fundraiser for injured Harris fire firefighters

Eat drink & mix to support San Diego Firefighters this Thursday night.

The Fleetwood, 639 J Street, San Diego, is holding a special benefit event to support the four firefighters of Cal Fire engine 3387 who were injured Sunday during the Harris Fire. A portion of all proceeds from the evening and all donations will go to support them and the boy they rescued, who was also injured.

From 4-10 p.m., a special $30 three-course meal will be offered to patrons wishing to dine in support of engine 3387.

In addition you can rsvp your full name to attend an invitation-only, Finlandia-hosted bar from 9-11 p.m. In lieu of a cover charge, a minimum donation of $10 is asked. Enjoy DJ entertainment in the Wood starting at 9 p.m.

rsvp@thefleetwood.com

Fleetwood is located in the Gaslamp at the corner of 7th & J st. next to Petco Park.

Firefighters and kids can cruise harbor for free

Hornblower Cruises & Events is inviting the kids of evacuated families aboard one- or two-hour narrated Harbor Cruises & Sea Lion Adventures to cruise free. Up to two kids 12 and under will cruise free with each paid adult ticket.

Adult tickets are $18 per person for one-hour cruises and $23 per person for two-hour cruises.

Hornblower Cruises is also invitng all local firefighters, police officers, sheriff department officers and other officials involved in fighting San Diego wildfires to cruise free on any one- or two-hour Harbor Cruise & Sea Lion Adventure -- along with one guest per person.

This offer is redeemable by showing current identification or a badge at the Hornblower Cruises & Events ticket booth.

Hornblower’s staff and crew salutes the hard work and courage of the men and women who have worked long hours under dangerous conditions to protect us in a time when we most needed their help. We thank you!

There are six daily Harbor Cruises & Sea Lion Adventures, beginning at 10 a.m. The Hornblower ticket booth is located at 1066 North Harbor Drive. For more information, call 619-725-8715 or visit www.hornblower.com.

La Posta Indians open evacuation center

What: In response to the devastating Southern California fires, the La Posta Band of Mission Indians is opening La Posta Community Center, located on the La Posta Indian Reservation and adjacent to the La Posta Casino, to wildfire evacuees from the surrounding areas of Jamul, Campo, Potrero, Dulzura and other East county communities.

The center will be used as an evacuation center for those affected by the San Diego County wildfires and their farm animals. The facility, now functioning with full power, is equipped to comfortably accommodate up to 100 evacuees with a full service kitchen, washrooms and a computer center. The reservation has the capacity to house horses, RVs and motor homes.

When: Effective immediately.

Where: La Posta Casino at the La Posta Band of Mission Indians Reservation located in Boulevard, CA along Interstate 8, 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and 20-minutes from the Potrero area.

Why: The La Posta Band of Mission Indians is a strong supporter of the communities it serves and is proud to be able to assist in the relief efforts during this difficult time. The Southern California wildfires have led to the largest evacuation in California history. The flames have burned at least 431,000 acres across five counties, displacing an estimated 10,000 people or more.

FEMA puts a Tiger in the tank

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed a rapid response housing assistance unit or “Tiger Team” to identify immediate housing needs and options for housing assistance for wildfire evacuees.

The teams are made up of assistance specialists, engineers, direct housing specialists and direct replacement assistance coordinators.

The rapid response housing assistance Tiger Team is a new approach to temporary housing, that stems from lessons learned in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The team will analyze evacuee housing needs and match them to available resources, including resources that ensure accessibility of housing assistance to those with disabilities or other special needs.

The Tiger Team also will identify and provide any additional technical assistance required to transition evacuees from shelters to interim and permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are presently available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves, including permanent address, telephone number, insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

Alpha Project collecting donations

Help us collect needed items~ Towels~ Socks~ Undergarments~ Packaged food~ Sleeping Bags

You can drop off items at:
~ North Park - 4101- B 30th St. (619) 281-8411 (Mon.-Fri. from 9-1pm)
~ San Diego - 299 17th St. (619) 234-3041 (Daily from 8-2 pm)
~ Vista - 993 Postal Way (760) 630-9922 (24 hours, daily)

Donate your used vehicle
For fast, convenient pick-up of your used vehicle, call (866) 4AP-2TOW or (866) 427-2869.

Alpha Project is supported in part by:
DATRON
Shawne Merriman and the Lights On Foundation
The City of San Diego
The County of San Diego
United Way of SD - #6015CFC - #37717

Special prayer services

Two churches will hold special services Thursday night to pray for healing and share stories of this week's firestorms. Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Ave., and Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road, will host the community gatherings beginning at 7 p.m.

-- Sandi Dolbee

Emergency food stamps

San Diego County residents directly affected by the wildfires may be eligible for emergency food stamps, county officials said.

People can apply for them at county family resource centers and the four local assistance centers set up to help wildfire victims.

The stamps are available on a one-time-only basis if people meet specific requirements, such as losing a home or income because of the fires. Families who currently receive food stamps may be eligible for increased levels if they were affected by the fires.

Applications will be accepted today through Saturday.Complete instructions and guidelines are available by calling (866) 262-9881

COLDWELL BANKER OFFICES OPEN FOR RED CROSS DONATIONS, FREE OFFICE SERVICES AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is opening 29 of its office locations in San Diego as drop-off points for needed items that will be forwarded to the American Red Cross or delivered to local evacuation shelters.

Needed items (which must be new):
Cases of water and Gatorade; paper products such as plates, bowls, napkins and cups; plastic utensils; large trash bags; new packaged underwear and socks in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes; sweat shirts and pants; diapers, especially sizes #1 and #2; baby wipes; baby formula; energy bars, canned foods with pull tops; toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, disposable razors, deodorants, and hand sanitizer; chapstick; sunscreen; bar or liquid soap; new blankets; new towels; dry pet food for dogs and cats; kitty litter; and playing cards or board games.

Free office services
Additionally, Coldwell Banker’s offices are available to provide free office services such as telephone, fax and copying services to anyone who has been displaced by the fire and requires assistance in making insurance claims or conducting other fire-related business.

Free rental assistance program
The company has initiated a free Rental Assistance Program for people who have lost their homes and are seeking rental options while they rebuild or find a new home. Anyone who has available rental housing, including second homes, please contact a Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office so their housing can be added to a master list of rental housing. People in need of housing can go to www.CaliforniaMoves.com to search available rentalsor stop by a Coldwell Banker office to get the full list of rentals.

Following is a list of Coldwell Banker offices where donations can be dropped off and available rental housing reported:

Carlsbad -- 760-804-8200
7020 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad, CA 92011

Carmel Valley - 858-259-05553810 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 906San Diego, CA 92130

Coronado – 619-437-18531340 Orange AvenueCoronado, CA 92118

Del Mar – 858-755-00752651 Via De La ValleDel Mar, CA 92014

Del Mar Village – 858-755-15001312 Camino Del MarDel Mar, CA 92014

El Cajon – 619-444-6000
898 Jackman Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-444-6000

Encinitas / La Costa – 760-753-5616740 Garden View CourtEncinitas, CA 92024

Escondido – 760-743-2001387 N. Escondido Boulevard, Suite AEscondido, CA 92025

Fairbanks Ranch – 858-756-586616236 San Dieguito Road, Bldg. 1, Suite 10Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

La Jolla – 858-459-3851930 Prospect StreetLa Jolla, CA 92037

La Mesa – 619-460-66009332 Fuerte DriveLa Mesa, CA 91941

Mission Valley – 619-296-9055
2655 Camino del Rio North, Ste. 450
San Diego, CA 92108

Ocean Beach – 619-225-08001851 Cable StreetSan Diego, CA 92107

Olivenhain – 760-436-0143162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., #A-30Encinitas, CA 92024

Pacific Beach – 858-488-40904090 Mission BoulevardSan Diego, CA 92109

Point Loma – 619-224-51112727 Shelter Island DriveSan Diego, CA 92106

Rancho Bernardo – 858-487-333316363 Bernardo Center DriveSan Diego, CA 92128

Rancho Bernardo East - 858-592-9000
15703 Bernardo Heights Parkway
San Diego, CA 92128

Rancho Santa Fe – 858-756-44816015 Paseo Delicias / PO Box 2225Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Rancho Santa Fe Village – 858-756-69006024-F Paseo DeliciasRancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

San Diego Downtown – 619-239-8400501 W. Broadway, Plaza ASan Diego, 92101

San Diego Metro – 619-574-51511660 Hotel Circle North, Suite 101 San Diego, CA 92108

San Diego Mission Hills – 619-297-99101621 West LewisSan Diego, CA 92103

San Marcos – 760-471-9939744 Grand Ave., Suite 101
San Marcos, CA 92078

Scripps Ranch – 858-578-551012036 Scripps Highland DriveSan Diego, CA 92131

Tierrasanta – 858-565-13016050 Santo Road, Suite 100San Diego, CA 92124

University City – 858-453-42204085 Governor DriveSan Diego, CA 92122

Valley Center – 760-749-565527301 Valley Center RoadValley Center, CA 92082

Vista Village – 760-941-6888744 Grand Ave., Suite 101
Vista, CA 92078

San Diego fire relief for families who have lost their homes

Green Planet Solutions Inc has joined forces with E-world of Vista to help assist local San Diegans rebuild from the fire disaster.

How you, the public, can get involved!

Green Planet Solutions Inc. will be collecting neighborhood and local business E-waste, free of charge, during this emergency to help distribute items that can be reused by families in need. We will be scheduling door to door pickups in the below listed areas.

The E-waste will then be transferred to our facility, sorted by working and non-working items. Working items will be warehoused and distributed to families through local charities once the fire disaster has subsided. Non-working items will then be transferred to E-world of Vista for proper destruction keeping unwanted items out of the environment. This is a call to everyone in North County San Diego to help! Your unwanted items can bring families back into a normal life!

We are accepting:
Old computer systems, TVs, Monitors, Vacuums, Clock radio's, Lamps, General kitchen appliances (I.e.. Blenders, mixers, coffee makers, and other kitchen related items)Toys that are electrical in nature, DVD players, VCRs, extension cords, Car batteries ETC.... Just about anything that you would use on a daily basis that is electrical in nature.

What we do not accept: Refrigerators, Washer/Dryers, Air-conditioning units.

If you need to discard these items please go to our partner link page to find an appliance removal service near you: Click here.............

Fans and filters for seniors and families that are in need of room filtering and cooling: We are also calling for fans and room air filtering systems that are no longer of use to you. These items will assist seniors and other persons with asthma and other lung disorders to breath clean air and to stay cool during this time of need.

Please call 760-639-0672 to schedule a free pickup of your unwanted E-waste items for these areas: Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas, Escondido, Vista

We desperately need volunteers to join our team to flyer and help get the world out into the community. Please call Mario Hinton to arrange volunteer efforts at 760-639-0672

THE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY DOES NOT NEED SUPPLY DONATIONS AT THIS TIME

The San Diego Humane Society would like to thank everyone that has generously supported our efforts. We currently have all the needed supplies and are in the process of delivering them to areas in need throughout the county. We have had a tremendous outpouring of supplies donation in the last 24 hour, and additional supplies are not needed at this time.

Individuals that would still like to contribute to rescue efforts may make a financial contribution at www.sdhumane.org or call (619) 299-7012. Please check www.sdhumane.org for the most up to date information on supply needs.

WESTWOOD CLEAN-UP EFFORT

Volunteers and Materials Needed

Residents of the Westwood area of Rancho Bernardo are in need of help with cleaning their houses, removing trash, and moving back in. Westwood, located north of Rancho Bernardo Road and West of the 15, was one of the hardest hit areas in San Diego.

A coordinated effort to assist Westwood residents is being put together. While the city, state and federal agencies coordinate a separate effort for those whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the fire, this effort will be directed to Westwood residents needing significant clean up support before moving back into their homes.

San Diegans are asked to donate the following items:

Cleaning Supplies: Basic household cleaning supplies will be distributed to Westwood residents.
Trash Bags: Residents will require trash bags. Private trash hauling companies are being asked to donate trash removal throughout the afternoon and all-day Friday, October 26.
Air Purifiers: Residents need air purification systems and devices.

In addition, volunteers are needed to help individual residents clean their houses.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate materials for this massive cleanup effort can contact 858-503-0111 or can go directly to the on-site cleanup staging area at the Maranatha Chapel at 10752 Coastwood Road (cross street of Rancho Bernardo Road and Camino San Bernardo.)

Free shampoo/cuts for evacuees

Sports Clips San Diego-area stores to offer free haircuts, shampoos to people in evacuation centers

- Rancho Bernardo store to re-open Thursday, Village Walk store to open Saturday, other five local outlets to open tomorrow -

San Diego County-area Sport Clips stores will offer free haircuts and shampoos to any person staying in one of the many evacuation centers in the region.

All area stores will participate, with the Rancho Bernardo outlet expecting to re-open on Thursday. Sport Clips will also have its newest store in Chula Vista’s Village Walk Shopping Center open for business on Saturday, and offering free haircuts and shampoos to people that may still be residing in evacuation centers.

The San Diego County Sport Clips stores can found at the following locations:

Escondido - 1036 West Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92025
Del Mar - 2632 Del Mar Heights Rd Del Mar, CA 92014
Chula Vista - 2318 Proctor Valley Rd. Chula Vista, CA 91914
Clairemont - 4941 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
Carlsbad - 2708 Loker Ave. W. Carlsbad, CA 92010

Rancho Bernardo (open Thursday) - 15731 Bernardo Heights Pkwy. San Diego, CA 92128
Chula Vista – Village Walk (open Saturday) - 884 Eastlake ParkwayChula Vista, CA 91914

Hours of operations are:
Monday – Friday – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


--

SAFETY TIPS: Ash Cleanup

Ash deposited on indoor and outdoor surfaces near the fire is relatively non-toxic and is similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. However, any ash:
may be irritating to the skin, especially sensitive skin
will contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals
can be irritating to the nose and throat if breathed, and may cause coughing
may trigger asthmatic attacks in people who already have asthma.

In order to avoid possible health problems, the following is recommended:
· Do not allow children to play in the ash or with unwashed toys.
· Clean ash off house pets.
· Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact.
· If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
· Rinse homegrown fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
· Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use leaf blowers or non-HEPA filter vacuums.
· Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks (persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask).
· Gentle sweeping of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is usually best.
· A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas; if ash is wet down, use as little water as possible
· The Regional Water Control Quality Board asks that you avoid washing ash into storm drains if possible.
· Collected ash may be disposed of in your regular trash collection. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.

Ash and any debris inside burned structures may contain more toxic substances than forest fire ash because of the many synthetic and other materials present in buildings, requiring a cautious approach. Older buildings in particular may contain asbestos and lead.

-- N. Ossola, San Diego County

Free counseling offered

We have a growing list of therapists/counselors that are ready and willing to offer immediate support to those affected by the fires:

http://www.azgrowth.com/flc.html

Please help us to get this message out! We know this service is needed.

-- A. Zakrewski

S.A.F.E. is here to help!

We all have been living through a trying time in San Diego with the wildfires, but there could be members of our advertising community who have been left homeless by this devastation.

The San Diego Advertising Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) is available for help for anyone who needs emergency, short term support while they try to rebuild their lives. If you or someone you know in the advertising industry has lost a home or business, please contact us at 858-576-9838 or e-mail info@aboutsafe.org for further information.

If you do not need help, a donation at this time to S.A.F.E. could make a big difference for someone in our community.We thank you and appreciate any support you can give to S.A.F.E.

Free insurance policies offered

My name is Michael Droz and I am the CEO of the Seattle based start up, Munio Memory Services.

I am contacting you to let you know about our initiative to help families in SoCal affected by the wild fires. We're offering 500 free Memory Insurance policies to SoCal residents and donating $25.00 to the LA Times Family Fund and KTLA Charities Fire Relief Campaign for each Memory Insurance policy sold in the state of California over the next 30 days.

Please read our press release here:
http://www.muniomemoryservices.com/pr_califire.aspx
Regards,Michael Droz
michael.droz@muniocorp
206-658-3845

Hay shortage: Donations needed

Ranches in the Tijuana River Valley (Imperial Beach/Nestor) have taken in hundreds of evacuated horses, but now we're facing a hay shortage.



The ranch where I work (Sun Coast Farms at 2550 Monument Rd) is going through 50+ bales a day...there are a dozen other ranches in the area in the same boat. Truckloads of hay coming from the Imperial Valley have been unable to get through this week, and several area feed stores have burned in the fires.



If you have bermuda or alfalfa available, or know someone who does, please email me!



Delivered would definitely be best, but we can send a truck & trailer if all the roads are open to get there. We'd GREATLY appreciate donations to offset the cost of hundreds of additional mouths to feed. Please contact Emma Spurling, 619-252-4485 or Maria Siebrand,
619-865-9614 (vaquera@san.rr.com ).



We are also accepting cash donations (and can accept donations via PayPal to vaquer@san.rr.com)...anything we don't need in the Valley will be contributed to Wee Companions, a non- profit run by one of our boarders here at the ranch that rescues small companion animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs etc. At this time, they have taken in over 300 evacuated critters!

Thank you for helping us get the word out!
Maria Siebrand

Pet-friendly rentals for evacuees

As you may or may not know, finding a rental with a pet in Southern California is an extremely difficult task. With this realization, I have created a free website that is dedicated to finding rentals for people who have pets and have been forced to move due to the fire.

The site is www.PetFriendlyRentals.ORG

I'm requesting your assistance in getting the word out that this service exists. Please mention it on your program.

Again, it's a totally free site dedicated to the pet owner who is seeking a long term rental.

We are also compiling a list of pet related service providers who, if they would like, can be listed on our site.

Thanks in advance.

Hoping that You and Yours are safe & sound,
The Crew at www.PetFriendlyRentals.ORG

Restaurants helping out

Several businesses do their part to help fire relief for victims of the San Diego County fires. Please see below for a few food service providers doing their part:

Go out to eat, raise money for San Diego Red Cross

Who: Fresh [er]

Fresh-er is located in downtown La Jolla

1044 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

858-551-7575

What: Fresh[er] will be donating 10% of revenue through the month of October to the San Diego Red Cross to support their efforts to help San Diegan’s in need. So every bite and every sip of great food and great wine goes a long! Please contact Fresh-er at 858-551-7575 or visit www.fresh-er.com.

Funds from canceled party go to feed more than 2,500 evacuees

Who: TK&A Custom Catering
9558 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126
858-444-8822

What: Thursday, October 25, 2007, TK&A will be at Escondido High School to feed nearly 600 people. The catering company is working with the Red Cross to determine locations in need of hot meals. The law firm of Cooley Godward Kronish generously donated the funds of their cancelled event to be used by TK&A to feed fire victims. TK&A plans to feed 2,500 people in the next few days.

Picnic People feed lunches to firefighters

Who: Picnic People
9558 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126
858-586-1717

What: Picnic People catering has fed thousands of lunches and dinners to firefighters in Scripps Ranch. Big production lines have been put in place in their kitchen to assemble and then crews are driving to established sites to do the “feedings”.

-- L. Tait

SD Fire Donation Help from Restaurants on the Run

Restaurants on the Run is delivering lunch donated from Claim Jumper restaurants to the Red Cross Volunteer Office on Calle Fortunada in San Diego.

Restaurants on the Run is also offering to use its delivery network to help deliver any donated food/water/products to the shelters, command posts or front lines. Please contact Doug Childers at dchilders@rotr.com for more information.

Restaurants on the Run has resumed regular hours for delivery/catering to all areas in San Diego, except for parts of the East county where roads are still closed.


Thank you,

Douglas Childers, Marketing Director

Restaurants on the Run | www.ROTR.com

Latest story, map

Here's our latest overview story on the fires.

And here's an interactive map that includes a partial list of the destroyed houses.

County officials said they are providing updates on the ongoing disaster assessments on the county's emergency page.

- Tom Mallory

Finding people in chaotic times

Need help finding someone who may be affected by the fires? There are plenty of resources at your disposal.

Thanks to LATimes.com, we have a search engine you can use to look for missing loved ones or post an update about yourself.

In addition, the American Red Cross also has created a Safe and Well site to connect displaced friends and family.

There's also a thread about this in SignOn's forums for people trying to find out if friends and family are safe.

- Craig Gustafson

Need help with a pet?

The American Kennel Club is asking that anyone who needs assistance with their pet as a result of the fires to call the California School of Dog Grooming in San Marcos at 1-800-949-3746.

The school, located at 633 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., has many donated supplies and a list of volunteers willing to take in animals.

- Craig Gustafson

Help for UCSD community

The University of California San Diego is trying to ease the impact of the fires on its faculty, staff and students.

The school has created a hotline -- (858) 534-5523 -- for those who have lost their homes. Those people could be in line for an emergency loan of up to $3,000 the school is offering until Nov. 30. The loan would be interest-free for 12 months.

The school is also pushing the due date for current student bills to Oct. 31.

- Craig Gustafson

Episcopal Diocese sets up relief fund

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego has established a 2007 Fire Relief Fund for the long-term recovery of fire victims.

Donations can be made online at www.edsd.org or sent to the diocese at 2728 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

The diocese is also collecting gift cards to Target, K-Mart, Walmart, and JC Penney to be distributed to people who have lost property. Gift cards can be sent to the above address.

Red Cross opens more shelters

The American Red Cross has opened three additional shelters. They are:
- Mount Miguel High School, 8585 Blossom Ln., Spring Valley.
- The Rock Church (for special needs evacuees), 2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego.
- Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway.

Humane Society seeks donations

The San Diego Humane Society is seeking donations -- from cash to cat litter -- as it strives to provide aid to displaced animals from the wildfires.

Financial contributions can be made online at www.sdhumane.org or by calling (619) 299-7012. Items can be dropped off at its 5500 Gaines Street campus in San Diego.

The group is asking for crates (to store animals), exercise pens, cat litter, halters or lead ropes for livestock, leashes, collars, and tents for shade. No pet food is needed at this time.

- Craig Gustafson

Fleet Week events postponed

Fleet Week San Diego organizers have postponed Navy Day, which had been scheduled for Saturday at Liberty Station. The rescheduled date has yet to be determined.

The event included a 9 a.m. pancake breakfast for all active military personnel and a flag-raising ceremony.

More information is available here.

- Nicole Reino

Farmers Insurance sets up claims centers

Farmers Insurance and Foremost Insurance companies have 9 mobile claims centers for customers to file on-the-spot claims, located throughout Southern California.

In San Diego, customers can receive help at the following locations:

· Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Regan Road, San Diego, CA
· San Marco High School, 1615 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Diego, CA
· Mission High School, San Diego, CA
· Escondido High School, San Diego, CA
· Carlsbad High School, San Diego, CA
· Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Farmers Mobile Catastrophe Claims Center Bus is currently stationed at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. It is a rolling customer support center equipped with top-of-the-line technology for immediate claims handling.

Other locations of Farmers mobile claims centers include:
· NOS Events Center, 689 South E Street ,San Bernadino.
· Chula Vista High School, Chula Vista.

Farmers has more than 400 claims adjusters in Southern California to assist victims of the fires. Farmers advises its customers affected by any of the wildfires from San Diego to Los Angeles and anywhere else these fire spread, to immediately contact Farmers’ 24 hour claims hotline, 800-HelpPoint (1-800-435-7764) for immediate assistance.

As of Wednesday Oct. 24, Farmers has received more than 2,000 claims. Foremost Insurance, one of the Farmers’ companies, has received more than 500 claims resulting from the fires and winds.

Farmers is the second largest homeowners insurer in California.

Hot meals at Escondido High School

TK&A Custom Catering will be at Escondido High School Thursday night (October 25) to prepare hot meals for more than 600 evacuees. More locations to be determined soon.

Law firm of Cooley, Goward, Kronish has canceled an event booked with TK&A Custom Catering and allowed TK&A to use the funds to feed fire victims. TK&A will be working with the Red Cross find locations where meals can be delivered. TK&A Custom Catering has the capacity to provide meals for 2,500 people.

TK&A Custom Catering Contact:
858-444-8822, http://www.tka-catering.com/

-- L. Tait

Corporations rising to the challenge

The following corporations have donated $1 million to the wildfire relief effort:

• Wal-Mart
• Target
• Bank of America

Other business organizations are also contributing:

• CVS Pharmacy: #300,000 in supplies
• Blue Cross : $50,000 to Red Cross
• Comerica Bank: $100,000
• Chevron: $500,000

Source: PR Newswire

Direct donations

Here is a partial list of Web sites where you can make direct donations online:

Network for Good (choose your designated recipient):
http://networkforgood.blogspot.com/2007/10/southern-california-fires.html

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html

SmartRaise.com is donating a percentage of purchases made though their site: http://www.smartraise.com/california

Source: PR Newswire

Other online direct donation sites:

Salvation Army:
https://secure4.salvationarmy.org/

San Diego Humane Society (http://www.sdhumane.org) is accepting donations for animals affected by the wildfires:
https://secure2.convio.net/sdhss/site/Donation2?idb=455881703&df_id=1620&1620.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr009=gzqbvix7b1.app2b

SignOnSanDiego.com

Supplies needed at El Cajon horse camp

The horse camp set up for evacuees at the Gillespie Field Airport is still
in need of supplies, including:
-- Hoof picks
-- 50 to 100 gallon containers to store water
-- 40 gallon plastic trash cans
-- 5 gallon buckets
-- Food for horse
-- Volunteers who have experience handling horses, preferably 10 years or
more

The horse camp is located at Weld Boulevard and Cuyamaca Street. For more
information on supplies needed, call (619) 944-8425. People who want to
volunteer their time can call David Pope, site coordinator, at (858) 525-3814.

-- L. Neely

Free coffee for evacuees at Bondi downtown San Diego

If you want to let your readers know….Bondi is offering a free coffee to all evacuees. So if they need a place to hang out, stay awake or just something to do , they can come down to Bondi for a great Aussie coffee!

Bondi bar and kitchen 333 Fifth Avenue (between J and K) in the Gaslamp Quarter (619) 342-0212 sandiego@thebondi.com www.myspace.com/BondiSandiego

Coronado donation collections today, Thursday

The City of Coronado will accept donations until 7 p.m. today for fire emergency relief at the Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way.

Collected items such as nonperishable food, bottled water, paper products, diapers, hand sanitzer and toiletry kits and will be delivered to the Chula Vista High School Evacuation Site.

The city will not accept blankets, bedding and sleeping bags, as these items are being provided.

The city also will collect tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the community center. Details for a planned collection Thursday have not yet been finalized.

For information, call (619) 522-2633.

Available Rentals for Fire Evacuees

The following is a comprehensive list of available rentals by region and price:

http://www.nuvilla.com/blog/

the bentley/nuvilla group
3017 canon street san diego ca 92106
650 218 0091
fax 650 475 3975
nuvilla.com (beta)

Benefit dinner at The Fleetwood, downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego restaurant and bar The Fleetwood will host a benefit this Thursday, October 25th in support of the four heroic firefighters who were injured this week while trying to save a father and his 15-year-old son from the Harris fire that continues to burn San Diego's east county.

The Fleetwood will donate a portion of its proceeds on Thursday October 25th to the families of Cal Fire Engine #3387 and the Varshock family. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the restaurant will serve a three-course dinner for $30.00 and will offer drink specials throughout the night. A donation box will be available for patrons to contribute additional donations and a Red Cross representative will be on hand to collect non-perishable items, blankets and clothing for evacuees.

According to reports, the four firefighters were seriously injured while attempting to save 52-year-old Portero resident Thomas Varshock and his teenage son, Richard. Richard and the firefighters were saved in a daring airlift rescue and remain hospitalized. Sadly, Thomas Varchock, who friends describe as a family man, did not survive.

The Fleetwood is located at 639 J Street and is on the corner of 7th & J Streets in downtown San Diego. For additional information, please go to http://www.blogger.com/www.thefleetwood.com or call 619-702-7700.

Free vet care for SD pets affected by fires

Mission Gorge Animal Hospital is offering FREE veterinary care (and meds) for SD cats and dogs with fire-related illnesses/ailments from 10/24/07 to Friday 10/26/07.

Misson Gorge Animal Hospital is at 6690 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, CA 92120 and their phone number is 619/280-1503.

Cross posting permitted and encouraged - get the word out!

Architectural services for rebuilding

Four years ago I assisted Isam Hassinen (Chief Building Official) of the City of San Diego in providing free consulting to victims of the Cedar fire. I assisted fire victims in the difficult task of rebuilding their homes. I would like to provide this service again to anyone needing direction of how to get their homes rebuilt. Feel free to contact me anytime

Stosh Podeswik A.I.A.

Stosh Thomas Architects PC
5115 Jackson Drive
La Mesa, Ca. 91941
619-741-2014
cell: 619-246-9044
email: stosh@stoshthomas.com

Hotel availability and discounted rates for evacuees

Coachella Valley

La Quinta Resort Leasing
800-388-1926 or 760-777-4880
www.laquintaresortleasing.com
We are dog and cat friendly and are waiving pet cleaning fees for evacuees. The Coachella Valley offers many options for stabling horses as well.


Del Mar

L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
(800) 553-1336 or (858) 259-1515
www.laubergedelmar.com
Offering evacuees rooms at up to half off their normal rates and highly discounted buffet meal service, providing complimentary rooms to exhausted firefighters and city officials actively involved on the emergency response team, and housing displaced employees and their families. They have also set up a special kids space where children can play, watch movies, and enjoy games and kid-friendly snacks.


La Jolla

Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
(858) 550-1000
www.estancialajolla.com.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa has established a special evacuee rate of $99 per night. The hotel is also providing specially priced buffet meals in their Adobe El Restaurant for those displaced by the wildfires. Additionally, the hotel is offering assistance to emergency personnel and their families, providing 16 complimentary rooms. Estancia La Jolla will continue this pricing as needed throughout the week.



Rancho Bernardo

RB Radisson
858.451.6600
www.radisson.com/ranchobernardoca
This all-suite hotel is offering special discounted rates for evacuees. Rates include breakfast and parking.

Chabad providing food and shelter

Chabad of Downtown has opened its doors to serve as a relief center during the wildfires. Chabad is providing food and shelter to all those in need.

We are currently putting together a list of the Jewish families that have been affected by the Wildfires in order to serve all.

If you or anyone you know is in need, please call us at 619-702-8518 or 619-301-7450.

To volunteer your time and/or resources, please call Rabbi Carlebach directly at 619-301-7450.

Please visit our website www.ChabadDowntown.com for more information and photos.

Rabbi Zalman Carlebach
Chabad of Downtown
472 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 702-8518
www.chabaddowntown.com

El Cajon Evacuee Center

Hello,
I am writing on behalf of the El Cajon Apostolic Church on 3rd Avenue in El Cajon. Hundreds of evacuees of Ramona and surrounding areas have sought refuge here, with more people still coming. Many items are in dire need. Things like cots and blankets are very limited. Many people have just been sleeping on the benches of the church. Other things in need are woman's and children's undergarments, depends and toiletries. There are many children present and we are in need of formula, water, diapers, wipes, and toys. Anything else people can bring would be very much appreciated.
If you could please get the word out.

San Diego is in our payers.
God Bless,
Veronica Contreras

Contact Information:
Daniel Contreras
(619) 921-3324
Veronica Contreras
(619) 829-2967

El Cajon Apostolic Church
512 South 3rd Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020

Red Cross Safe and Well List

You can register with the Red Cross "Safe and Well" list to let friends and family know you are all right during this disaster.

https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

FEMA assistance

FEDERAL AID PROGRAMS FOR CALIFORNIA DISASTER RECOVERY

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush’s major disaster declaration issued for California.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

· Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

· Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

· Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)

· Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)

· Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $1.5 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)

· Loans up to $1.5 million for small businesses that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $1.5 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)

· Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and agriculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)

· Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

· Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

· Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

· Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

· Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24hours a day Monday through Sunday until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, and phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

· Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Feed and handling of large animals

Can help feed, water, handle large animals or haul hay/feed if you have it. Have towing capabilities if you have the stock trailer.

Erika @ 858.967.4570

Oasis Bird Sanctuary

Just thought I would pass this information along. I own a parrot and have donated to this organization. During the fires, I received a telephone call from the Oasis offering their assistance. I know people are having a difficult time finding places for their pets and thought it’d be great if you could pass this info along.


http://www.the-oasis.org/index.php


-- S. Aiken

Five state disaster assistance centers opening up

Five local assistance centers are opening in coordination with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and local governments.


The local assistance centers will serve as efficient one-stop sources for disaster relief services including information on how to replace records lost in the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and housing.


Three local assistance centers will open Thursday and two additional centers will open on Friday. The hours of operation for the centers are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center in San Diego will have extended hours Monday through Friday and will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional centers will be opened in the region as needed.


The Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Employment Development Department, Contractors State License Board, Department of Insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services and other state and local agencies will be represented at the local assistance centers.


Below are the locations of the local assistance centers that will open Thursday morning:

Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Drive
San Diego, CA 92127

Ramona Community School
1710 Montecito Road
Ramona, CA 92065

Fallbrook Community Center
341 Heald Lane
Fallbrook, CA 92028

Below are the locations of the local assistance centers that will open Friday morning:

Rancho San Diego-Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
El Cajon, CA 92109


Castaic Regional Sports Complex
31230 N. Castaic Road
Castaic, CA 91384

Knickers for Neighbors

Hello! I am a business education teacher and student government advisor in a small high school in Iowa - BUT I am a Southern California native who wants to help! We heard in response to our posting on Craigs List that shelters are in need of new underwear for fire victims, however we're not sure which shelters they are. We are holding "Knickers for Neighbors" - a pantie drive, if you will - but need to know where to send our knickers. Can you help direct us? Or can you post my request and have shelters simply reply?

Many thanks,
Rebecca
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rebecca Knapp
Business Education Teacher
West Branch High School900 West Main Street
West Branch, IA 52358
(319) 643-7216 ext. 327
rknapp@west-branch.k12.ia.us

San Diego Autism Fire/ Evac Resources

San Diego Autism Fire/ Evac Resources

An online place for autism families affected by the 2007 San Diego firestorms to find support, resources, and information that meets their unique needs. AND a place for those who wish to provide assistance to those in need to offer their help.Questions related to continuity of Regional Center, school district and medical services, managing behavior concerns related to evacuation, finding special diet foods, requests for assistance and offers of assistance are all appropriate topics. Please limit your posts to issues pertaining to this topic.

http://www.blogger.com/


PLEASE LET ANYONE WHO MAY NEED HELP OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING A CHANCE TO VENT, PROBLEM SOLVE BEHAVIORS RELATED TO EVACUATION, FIND GFCF FOOD, DEAL WITH NEW FEARS, ETC) KNOW ABOUT THIS GROUP.

Autism Spectrum Consultants - offering to help with any behavior issues that may arise, counseling etc. Please call 858-272-2662 and ask for Sam or Kate

Crimson Center - office will be open to anyone who wants to drop in for therapy, play, change of scenery etc for the rest of the week. They also have therapists available to go to the shelters. Please call Karyn at 858-695-9415

Donations Accepted at District Office

District Office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson: 500 Fesler Street, #201, El Cajon

Donations will be accepted at the office between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Evacuation centers are in need of baby wipes, sunscreen and bottled water.

Today (Wednesday) Stay Classy, VAVi Sport & Social Club and others will host a collection drive for all of our neighbors who were forced into local evacuation centers.

The drive will be held in the park at East Mission Bay Drive, located near I-5 south in Pacific Beach/Mission Bay area, from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. - look for the Stay Classy tent.

We will be collecting blankets, pillows, canned goods, bottled water, and monetary donations for the American Red Cross (suggestions are below). Over the course of the day, all contributions will be brought to the Qualcomm or Del Mar Fairgrounds Emergency Shelter.

Volunteer with us at East Mission Bay Drive, or support the local American Red Cross at the Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteer Center at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 5331 Mt. Alifan Drive (one block south of Balboa and Genesee in the Clairemont area) Wednesday between 9:00am and 5:30pm to register. Registration includes a 1.5 hour Red Cross introductory class, after which a Red Cross representative will work with you to identify how you can help. Bring proper ID, and be sure to call the Center at 858-309-1261 before you head over.

Monetary donations can also be made directly to the American Red Cross San Diego at www.sdarc.org. Neighbors helping neighbors is what Stay Classy is all about - let's do our best to help those who need us the most right now.

TeamSuggested Items to donate...
Crisis Relief Supplies:
Face masks (for breathing) * Flashlights Batteries Cots/AirbedsBlankets/Pillows * Medical Gloves * Sleeping Bags * Tents

Hygiene products:
Sunscreen * Contact lens solution * Toothpaste/Toothbrush * Sanitary Wipes & Baby Wipes * Deodorant * Baby formulas and food, baby beds and Diapers * Vitamins

Food Type Products:
Canned Goods * Commercial goods * Vegetables and Produce * Paper Plates * Ice *Milk * Baby Food * Pet Food

NO HOMEMADE PRODUCTS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Clothing/Accessories:
CLEAN clothes. Jackets, hats, blankets, sheets, pillows * No junk * Sleeping bags, Misc. camping gear *Reading/Sun glasses

RB volunteer assistance offered 10/28

Our Travel Softball Team is looking to help out in the Rancho Bernardo area on Sunday for 5-6 hours. We have many friends that have been affected by this horrific event and we would like to be there for them. Please let us know who to contact that can lead us in the right direction.

Sheri Gardner
Team Strictly Softball
(949) 510-8326

Donated copy services sought for information flyers

We have developed a website http://www.sandiegofires.info/ that has compiled information in one place about the San Diego wild fires.

It has information for volunteers, donations, evacuations, shelters, and missing persons. Due to the closure of all San Diego Kinkos locations, we are looking for someone to donate copies in the North Park area to distribute at the shelters via our volunteer staff. They can contact our organization at 619-933-3690.

Thank you for your time.

-San Diego Fires Info Team

Temporary foster homes for pets available

Evacuees who are in need of temporary shelter for thier pets can call the San Diego Animal Support Foundation at (619) 847-8755.
The foundation has temporary foster homes for dogs, cats, bunnies, goats, horses and other animals.
Property for livestock, horses, burros, sheep is available immediately on private property in Winchester, Temecula, San Marcos, El Cajon and private ranches in Imperial Beach.

S.D. Animal Support Foundation offers foster homes

Plenty of foster homes are available thru the San Diego Animal Support Foundation. People who are stuck in evacuation centers with their pets, or who are needing temporary foster homes for dogs, cats, bunnies, goats, horses, etc.

We have Fosters willing and able to take the pets immediately. Lots of fosters are standing by. Some are even willing to offer a bedroom to a pet owner and their animal. Call the San Diego Animal Support Foundation now at 619-847-8755.

Property for livestock, horses, burros, sheep, etc is available immediately on private property in Winchester, Temecula, San Marcos, El Cajon and private ranches in Imperial Beach have room for 100 - 200 horses.

Don't wait until last minute. Call the San Diego Animal Support Foundation at 619-847-8755 now. Volunteers and property owners are standing by to help.

Red Cross volunteer information update

People who want to become Red Cross volunteers should go to the organization's volunteer processing center, at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 5531 Mt. Alifan Dr. in Clairemont. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Red Cross processed 1,700 volunteers Monday.

Monetary donations are needed. Donations may be made through the Red Cross web site, at www.redcross.org <http://www.redcross.org/>, or by calling (800) RED-CROSS.

Horse shelter update

The Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association is helping to place horses in private ranches in the Tijuana River Valley area. They have placed 200 horses and have room for more. For information, evacuees with horses can contact John Gabaldon, the Chairman of the Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association, at 619-920-1282 and he will provide directions to the location of the corrals.

Free help line for personal concerns

If you're having trouble coping with the inevitable emotional consequences of the wildfires, you can call the free Help Line. It's staffed by experienced master's-level specialists who are ready to assist with your personal concerns.

Open 24 hours a day, the toll-free Help Line -- (866) 342-6892 -- is routinely available to UnitedHealth Group customers but, just as it was made available to victims of Katrina and other hurricanes, the Virginia Tech shootings and the Minneapolis bridge collapse, it is now available to Southern Californians experiencing the difficult emotions they may experience from the stress, anxiety and grieving process following the wildfires.

Go to liveandworkwell.com for more resources and information.

… JANE CLIFFORD

Emotional support extended

If you're having trouble coping with the inevitable emotional consequences of the wildfires, you can call the free Help Line. It's staffed by experienced master's-level specialists who are ready to assist with your personal concerns.

Open 24 hours a day, the toll-free Help Line -- (866) 342-6892 -- is routinely available to UnitedHealth cq Group customers but, just as it was made available to victims of Katrina and other hurricanes, the Virginia Tech shootings and the Minneapolis bridge collapse, it is now available to Southern Californians experiencing the difficult emotions they may experience from the stress, anxiety and grieving process following the wildfires.

Go to liveandworkwell.com for more resources and information.

… JANE CLIFFORD

-- L. Sullivan

Kosher meals for evacuees

Chabad Hebrew Academy and Chabad of SD County will be serving 5,000 hot kosher meals at their just re-opened campus in Scripps Ranch to all returning evacuees and emergency officials.

All are invited from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. this evening at the Chabad Educational Center 10785 Pomerado Rd. Scripps Ranch 92131

Chabad's 27 acre campus was destroyed in the Cedar Fire.

More volunteer opportunities

There is a blood drive through 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) with the American Red Cross at 7675 Mesa College Drive. Eat and drink before you go.

Father Joe was just heard on 600 AM announcing that his center will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and he needs supply donations for people and animals. He will be supplying meals to the evacuees (6,000 people), gift card and bulk items are much appreciated. Please deliver to his warehouse at 3350 E. St., http://www.fatherjoesvillages.org/, or call 619-446-2100.

The Salvation Army is taking volunteers and donations. Among other things, they are taking volunteers to help feed the firefighters. Go to www.sandiego.salvationarmy.org, or call 1-866-I'LL HELP, or their Divisional Headquarters at 2320 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 619-231-6000. Please fill out the attached form and send to Mr. Tracy Emis at Tracy_Emis@usw.salvationarmy.org or call him at 619-231-6001.

-- M. Mason

Gillespie Field Airport Opens Horse Camp For Evacuees

Gillespie Field Airport in El Cajon has opened a new “Horse Camp” at Weld and Cuyamaca to handle the large livestock being evacuated around the County.

Donations of cots, blankets, pillows (new) and sleeping bags are also being requested.

Directions:

Approaching the El Cajon area from downtown on 8-East, take the Johnson Avenue exit. At the signal light, turn left on Johnson and pass stoplights at Fletcher Parkway and Bradley Avenue. Make a left on Bradley Avenue, a right on Cuyamaca, and then a left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right hand side of the road.

Traveling from the East on Hwy 67, exit at Bradley Avenue and make a left turn, crossing over the bridge. Stay on Bradley Avenue until you come to Cuyamaca and then turn right on Cuyamaca, and left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right hand side of the road.

Tips for evacuees and fire victims

Residents who have been under mandatory evacuation face many issues related to their displacement, no matter how temporary. Here are some tips for evacuees as well as homeowners looking at the possibility of rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.

Insurance
If you are under a mandatory evacuation order, you may qualify for
financial help under the "loss of use" provision in your homeowner policy. Some companies offer up to two weeks advance payments to cover such things as hotel and other living expenses. Keep your receipts.

If your home is damaged or destroyed, the policy may cover longer-term living expenses while you are rebuilding. It would not, however, cover other costs, such as mortgage payments and property taxes.

Contact the state insurance commissioner's consumer hotline for more information, (800) 927-4357. The commission Web site also has useful tips: www.insurance.ca.gov/

Mortgages

The California Bankers Association recommends contacting your lender to begin applying for "loan forbearance" to delay or reduce monthly mortgage payments. For example, Wells Fargo is willing to delay payments for up to 90 days. The mortgage term is typically extended to cover these delays.

Natural gas service

SDG&E recommends calling (800)411-7343 to have natural gas lines turned back on if you shut them off yourself. The company shut off service to about 1,600 gas customers in affected areas and will restore it automatically.

Rebuilding procedures

San Diego city, Poway and county officials are setting up local assistance centers in the affected areas to deal with insurance and utility concerns, building permits, health matters and federal and state disaster relief. Details are expected shortly.
-- By Lori Weisberg and Roger Showley

Kroc Center will keep kids for no charge this week

The Salvation Army Kroc Center will keep kids who are out of school occupied through the rest of the week at no charge. Teachers from the Chula Vista School District will be on site leading some activities and children also can watch movies, play games and basketball, do arts and crafts, or just use the library.
For a small fee, they also can use the Ice Arena, Skatepark and, if they're 16 or older, the Fitness Center.
You don't have to be a member to join in the fun, but there are space limitations.
Learn more at www.kroccenter.org
cq or go to the center, 6845 University Ave. Call (619) 287-5762.
-- JANE CLIFFORD

RV evacuation parking

We are a small church in Oceanside, but we are blessed with a few acres of property. Though we do not have the facilities to host a formal shelter, we do have plenty of room to park RVs or trailers for people who have evacuated. We would be happy to make our property available for that. Please call the church office at 760-722-3337 to make arrangements.

Also, we have a Fall Family Festival planned for this Sunday from 11:30 to 3:00 pm. If conditions permit, we will host the event but now it will be a fundraiser for the fire victims.

God's blessings,
Pastor Tim Jones

Community Lutheran Church
4507 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92057
760-722-3337 church office

Horse corral offered

I have horse corrals for 2 horses if the distance from the San Diego area is not a problem. I will board for free if the owners can pay for hay and manure removal.

Sandy McKean
38 Buckskin Lane
Rolling Hills Estates (Palos Verdes Peninsula) 90274
Work 310-615-1755
Cell 310-508-2184
Home 310-325-2966

Feed offered for large animals

We can offer feed donations for large animals if needed. Please contact either myself or Rich at 760-352-2847.

Regards:
Norma Harvey
Wilbur-Ellis Company
El Centro Branch
760-352-2847 Main Line
760-352-4095 Direct Line
760-352-2921 Fax Line

Pet help requests at the Q

Since there seems to be some confusion as to what is needed, thought I'd toss this out: As of 3:00 p.m. Tuesday - A co worker was at Qualcomm delivering hay for rabbits and met the "main pet supply person." She was able to get the following list of needs from her:

NO dog food for now - they have tons of dog food

DO NEED:

• Cat litter and cat litterboxes
• Horse hay - ideally orchard grass
• Bran mash or wheat for horses
• Dog bowls - stainless steel preferred
• Puppy pens or a way to let the dogs stretch their legs from carriers
• They even need corral type areas for the many horses showing up. Suspect that would need additional coordination with "Q" people.

She also said she was told but had not seen "50 rabbits that came in today". Hope this helps. Thank you.

Kids care packages offered

Hi--I'm with a new afterschool service club in a middle school in Humboldt County--we'd like to send care packages to children affected by the fires; we are thinking of small things that can be easily mailed like little toys or cards that can help brighten their day during this unfortunate time. The only problem is, I need to know who to send these to. Are there schools in San Diego that have students who are victims of the fires?

You can email me at cwood@humboldt.k12.ca.us
Callina Wood

San Diego Jewish Community Establishes Disaster Fund

The Jewish community has established the Jewish Community Disaster Fund to provide assistance to Jewish families and others in need who have been affected by the fires as well as to rebuild communal infrastructure if required.

Funds will be held by the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego in partnership with the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County. Relief will be provided through Jewish Family Service of San Diego and other community organizations. No overhead costs will be taken from the fund, and all dollars raised will help those in need.

Checks designated for the Fund can be made payable to the Jewish Community Foundation and sent to:
Jewish Community Disaster Fund
c/o Jewish Community Foundation
4950 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92123

Credit card contributions may be processed online at www.jewishinsandiego.org.

If you have any questions about the Fund, please contact Charlene Seidle at the Foundation at 858-279-2740 or charlene@jcfsandiego.org or consult the Foundation’s Web site at www.jcfsandiego.org.

Farmers Insurance Mobile Claims Centers

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has added 11 new centers for customers to file on-the-spot claims throughout Southern California.

In the San Diego area, customers can receive help at these locations:
· Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Regan Road, San Diego, CA
· San Marco High School, 1615 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Diego, CA
· Mission High School, San Diego, CA
· Escondido High School, San Diego, CA
· Carlsbad High School, San Diego, CA
· Del Mar Fairgrounds
· Valley Center High School, Valley Center
· Chula Vista High School, Chula Vista, CA

Farmers’ Mobile Catastrophe Claims Center Bus is currently stationed at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

The Farmers Mobile Catastrophe Claims Center Bus is a rolling customer support center equipped with top-of-the-line technology for immediate claims handling and outfitted with comforts of home such as a grill for on-the-spot meals. Farmers customers can stop by the Mobile Catastrophe Claims Bus anytime. Reporters are welcome to tour the bus as well.

Other locations of Farmers mobile claims centers include:
· NOS Events Center, 689 Southe E Street, San Bernadino, CA
· Albertsons Shopping Center, 23840 Copper Hill Dr., Santa Clarita, CA
· Simi Service Center, 3041 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA


Farmers has more than 260 claims adjusters in Southern California to assist victims of the fires.
Farmers advises its customers affected by any one of the 12 wildfires from San Diego to Los Angeles, and anywhere else these fire spread, to contact Farmers’ 24-hour claims hotline, 800-HelpPoint (1-800-435-7764) for immediate assistance.

First Responders Need Cots, Specific Toiletries

American Medical Response (AMR) is tremendously grateful for the media's help spreading the word earlier today about our need for supplies for first responders. We have been blessed by the generosity of San Diegans and have received hundreds of items that are being used by paramedics and emergency medical technicians as they return from duty.

Revised list of needs:

50 cots * Mini-shampoos * Granola bars * SOCKS!! * Lotion * Bedding * Q-tips * Pre-packed aspirin/ibuprofen/Tylenol * Eyewash * Sunscreen * Gold Bond powder * Aloe vera

AMR's headquarters on Balboa Avenue in Kearny Mesa is serving as the base for approximately 300 medical personnel, including many from other counties who do not have personal supplies with them. As they are helping treat victims, provide medical standby, set up fire camps and evacuate hospitals and nursing facilities in San Diego, it would be very much appreciated if San Diegans and local businesses could help them by fulfilling this request.

Any donations that we do not need will be distributed to fire camps and evacuation centers.

DONATIONS OF COTS AND PERSONAL TOILETRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AT AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE 8808 BALBOA AVENUE, STE. 150 (BETWEEN 163 AND I-15).

To make arrangements or for questions, email info@amr-sandiego.com.

211 hotline and Red Cross center need volunteers

We know the Surfrider community is a giving one so if you live in an unaffected area there are a few ways to help:

1) 2-1-1 is seeking volunteers to help in the next 72 hours to take calls and/or fill other roles at 2-1-1 should that be needed. Shifts are about four hours and training is available. If interested, email Meg Storer at mstorer@211sandiego.org with your name, phone number where you can be reached, your email address, and the dates/times that work best with your schedule. A 2-1-1 person will contact you directly once you send that information.

2) Individuals who wish to volunteer can go to the Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteer Center at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 5331 Mt. Alifan Drive (one block south of Balboa and Genesee) in the Clairemont area. Center hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. until further notice. Individuals can also call and leave contact information at 858-309-1261. Over 600 new volunteers were processed through the center Monday so you should probably call first.

PLEASE DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO ANY OF THE EVACUATION SITES, they are not staffed to accept new volunteers at this time as they help evacuees.

bill@surfridersd.org • SurfriderSD