tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326296301343598232024-03-12T19:09:52.402-07:00Help in San Diego: Wildfires 2007A list of people, places and things to help San Diego live through and recover from the wildfires.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-16329299178533677152007-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:002007-11-12T15:55:21.185-08:00Fire aid for FallbrookThe community aid group "Fallbrook After The Ashes" is scheduled this Sunday to host a street fair downtown to raise money for victims of the Rice Canyon fire.<br /> The fair will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Main Street. All of the proceeds will go toward helping people affected by the fires.<br /> The fair will feature a tribute to local firefighters and law enforcement, local vendor booths, live and silent auctions, live bands, food, wine tasting, a beer garden, and a children's area.<br /> Some of the featured musicians will include Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly, Raiz Music, and Fear the Fat Guy.<br /> The Rice Canyon fire destroyed more than 200 homes in Fallbrook -- half of them in the Valley Oaks Mobile Ranch off Reche Road.<br /> For more information, go to <a href="http://www.fallbrookaftertheashes.com/">www.fallbrookaftertheashes.com</a>.<br /> -- Bruce Lieberman, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-82801757847844250632007-11-12T15:34:00.000-08:002007-11-12T16:25:42.688-08:00Dealing with trauma post-fireA community forum on coping with trauma in the aftermath of the San Diego firestorms is set for Nov. 14 at the Doubletree Golf Resort in Rancho Penasquitos.<br /><br /><br />Panelists include psychiatrists and psychologists from Palomar Pomerado Health system, Alliant International University and Rancho Bernardo High School.<br /><br /><br />The event sponsored by the Doubletree and Alliant is set for 7-9 p.m. in the hotel's Heritage Ballroom, 14455 Penasquitos Drive.Union-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-49024450591045427772007-11-06T16:53:00.000-08:002007-11-06T17:17:11.354-08:00Fire donation center to closeFire victims seeking free clothes, food and household items will no longer have a one-stop place to collect those donations.<br /><br />The city of San Diego plans to close the Rancho Bernardo Donation Assistance Center, which has been operating in a vacant lot across the street from the city-run local assistance center. The assistance center in the city's RB Recreation Center will remain open to help victims get their local, state and federal paperwork processed and receive other kinds of aid.<br /><br />Sally Hales of the Hope Foundation said her organization contracted with the city to oversee the donation center, where victims could "shop" for the stuff of daily life, from toothpaste to toys. Hales said they were asked to close by noon Wednesday.<br /><br />"We would have liked to stay longer," said Hales. She said victims can still receive assistance and donations from the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church Resale Shop at 12845 Poway Road. For people wishing to donate to fire victims, city officials suggested contacting the Salvation Army, Goodwill, the American Red Cross or the San Diego Foundation.<br /><br />- Lisa Petrillo, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-50453806523134090392007-11-06T14:22:00.000-08:002007-11-06T14:27:09.167-08:00Helping Hands Disaster Relief FoundationHelping Hands Disaster Relief Foundation is sponsoring a "FREE STORE" for survivors of the wildfires to "shop" for items they need to rebuild this Saturday, November 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and Preschool in Poway. <br /> <br />DONATION DROP-OFF: We are able to accept donations on Friday, November 9th from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mt. Olive Church as well as from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. prior to the start of the Free Store. If you have donations and are unable to make it to Mt. Olive Church at these specified times, contact me at jefjaxlake@cox.net to schedule a drop-off at my house (12944 Camino Del Valle, Poway 92064).<br /> <br />VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Our Volunteer Coordinators are: Diedre Mikkelson (1accutrac@cox.net) or 858-829-1316, Sue Peterson at jstzpete@aol.com or Cindy Light at clight@san.rr.com or 858-547-0199. <br /> <br />Below are the times we will need volunteers specifically:<br />We will need drivers (with large vehicles) on Friday, November 9th at 12:30 p.m. to meet at Price Self Storage (located on Murphy Canyon Road - close to Qualcomm Stadium) to pack up trucks/vans, etc. with donated goods and deliver them to Mt. Olive Church. <br /><br />Donation sorters for Friday, November 9th from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.<br /> <br />Volunteers to help set up the Free store from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 10th. <br /> <br />Volunteers to help at the Free Store at various stations/tables to help fire victims and families (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on Saturday, November 10th.<br /><br />BOXES: If you have any boxes (moving boxes, xerox paper boxes or any larger boxes) or access to boxes, we would love to use them! Boxes can be brought to Mt. Olive Church during the same drop off times listed above prior to the event. It is easier for the families to bring their items to their car if they have boxes to transport them.<br /> <br />BAGS: Any large plastic bags (garbage bags) can be used as well.<br /> <br />MONETARY DONATIONS: We are also accepting gift cards for grocery stores, Target, Walmart, local restaurants as well as cash donations made payable to Helping Hands Disaster Relief Foundation. ALL donations will go directly to the fire victims.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-55394005768948376832007-11-05T18:48:00.000-08:002007-11-05T18:53:25.747-08:00Requests for aid in Fallbrook are shiftingThe flow of people into Fallbrook's county-run Local Assistance Center, situated at the Fallbrook Community Center since Oct. 27, has slowed significantly.<br /><br />Throughout last week, aid workers saw a flood of people seeking shelter, food and other necessities. On Monday, people were predominantly seeking help with the next stage of recovery - cleaning up their properties, obtaining building permits and getting their homes re-built, and coping with wage and business losses, said Ruth Ann Petro, a county spokeswoman.<br /><br />People who suffered lost wages during the evacuations are seeking help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Employment Development Department (at <a href="http://www.edd.ca.gov/">http://www.edd.ca.gov</a>).<br /><br />Several avocado grove owners have sought aid from the Small Business Association (at <a href="http://www.sba.gov/">http://www.sba.gov</a>) and the county's department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (at <a href="http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/awm">http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/awm</a>)<br /><br />The Fallbrook Local Assistance Center will remain open for the foreseeable future, Petro said.<br /><br />- Bruce Lieberman, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-65614250525798894822007-11-05T18:41:00.000-08:002007-11-05T18:48:07.549-08:00Senior center to offer counselingSeniors seeking counseling due to last month's wildfires will be able to find help at the Fallbrook Senior Center at 399 Heald Lane.<br /><br />The center is planning to host group counseling sessions, although the times and dates are not yet scheduled, said Phyllis Sweeney, a grief counselor at the center.<br /><br />A separate group may be set up especially for residents of the Valley Oaks Mobile Ranch, which lost 120 out of 170 homes, Sweeney said.<br /><br />Seniors who have experienced losses or were separated from friends and loved ones during evacuations are struggling with a variety of stresses, Sweeney said.<br /><br />Seniors who need counseling services can contact Sweeney at 760-731-3037.<br /><br />- Bruce Lieberman, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-86218133996955877592007-11-05T14:24:00.000-08:002007-11-05T14:29:33.357-08:00Video Memories By BevVideo Memories by Bev will replace any DVD lost in the fires, at no charge, that the company has produced. This includes weddings, special events, photo montages, slide transfers or old home videos. Bev, the owner, has kept master copies of all of her work that can easily be duplicated.<br /><br />For information, call Bev at (619) 334-7830.Union-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-75803089115856938292007-11-05T12:03:00.000-08:002007-11-05T12:11:30.553-08:00Prescription drug assistance in FallbrookA bus staffed by representatives of the pharmaceutical industry is in Fallbrook today to offer residents impacted by the Rice Canyon wildfire assistance with their prescription drugs.<br /><br />The "Help is Here Express" bus tour will be parked at St. Peter's Catholic Community Church until 4 p.m. today to help uninsured people find programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free, according to Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.<br /><br />The church is located at 450 South Stage Coach Lane.<br /><br />The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a national effort sponsored by American drug research companies. The PPA claims to have helped more than 4.3 million patients, including more than 250,000 people in California. Since its launch in April 2005, the PPA bus tour has visited all 50 states and more than 1,500 cities to raise awareness about patient assistance programs.<br /><br />The "Help is Here Express" is staffed by specialists to help low-income, uninsured or underinsured patients access more than 475 patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. For patients who have been affected by the recent wildfires, expedited assistance is available.<br /><br />When the "Help is Here Express" leaves Fallbrook, people in need can visit PPA's Web site (<a href="http://www.pparx.org/">http://www.pparx.org/</a>) or call 1-888-4PPA-NOW (toll free) Operators can field calls in more than 150 languages.<br /><br />- Bruce Lieberman, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-43560019604740811002007-11-05T10:34:00.000-08:002007-11-05T10:36:25.511-08:00La Jolla Reservation residents need helpThe La Jolla Indian reservation, one of the hardest hit by the Poomacha fire, is accepting donations of batteries, hoses, clothing, shoes, canned goods and gift cards to discount stores.<br /><br />"We're having a problem right now with shoes," said Calvin Rodriguez, who is organizing efforts at the tribe's gym on Sengme Oaks Road off state Route 76.<br /><br />Also, much of the donated clothes the tribe has received so far are too small, he said. "Most of our people are pretty big," he said.<br /><br />People interested in helping the tribe may contact Rodriguez at (760) 271-8671.<br /><br />The La Jolla band is also working with the San Diego Foundation, which has set up a relief fund for Indian tribes. More information is available at <a href="http://www.sdfoundation.org/fire2007">www.sdfoundation.org/fire2007</a>.<br /><br /><em>--Onell R. Soto, staff writer</em>Union-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-58496784751645586532007-11-01T18:47:00.000-07:002007-11-01T18:55:48.823-07:00Fallbrook aid group in actionA Fallbrook group has worked hard this week getting aid to people who lost everything in last week's fires.<br /><br />North County Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a grass-roots group based in Fallbrook that serves residents of Fallbrook, Rainbow and Bonsall.<br /><br />Established in 2005, the group coordinates its work with the North County Fire Department, said Everett Herb, a volunteer with the group.<br /><br />Yesterday, CERT had a tent set up at Fallbrook's Local Assistance Center at 341 Heald Lane - ground zero for aid for fire victims.<br /><br />CERT was mobilized initially to provide aid for pets and other animals impacted by the fire, but so many people have donated items for people that volunteers have been busy assembling and delivering care packages, said Everett Herb, a 50-year-old volunteer.<br /><br />Volunteers with the group have delivered numerous items to fire victims throughout Fallbrook but also to Ramona and Pauma Valley, said Christina Martinez, a 32-year-old volunteer.<br /><br />One CERT volunteer brought dog food, water and care packages in his pick-up truck to Palomar Mountain.<br /><br />The group has supplied fire victims with pet food, kitty litter, kennels, blankets, pet beds, collars and leashes, flashlights, batteries, diapers, dust masks, plastic buckets, gloves and many more items.<br /><br />CERT is still accepting donations. Call James Beebe at 760-728-2010 or contact him at <a href="mailto:jbeebe@ncfire.org">jbeebe@ncfire.org</a>.<br /><br />- Bruce Lieberman, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-23676792336623567182007-11-01T13:15:00.000-07:002007-11-01T13:17:11.204-07:00Members of California Coast Credit Union eligible for aid...Any current California Coast Credit Union member, whose primary residence was destroyed by the wildfires, is elegible to receive a $1,000 donation per family or household from the credit union.<br /> Membership status must date back to Oct. 21 and proof of loss must be shown by the household's insurance agency, FEMA, or a similar agency. All requests must be received by Nov. 30.<br /> For more information, call the credit union's Emergency Financial Services Line at (858) 636-3075 or visit <a href="http://www.calcoastcu.org/">www.calcoastcu.org</a>.<br /><br />--S.H.Union-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-7112086947843746792007-11-01T09:48:00.000-07:002007-11-01T09:54:01.578-07:00ABA sets up toll-free legal hot lineA toll-free legal hotline is now available for victims of the recent wildfires in Southern California. The line was created by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State Bar of California and Foley & Lardner LLP.<br /><br />Fire victims who are unable to afford a lawyer may call the hotline at (866) 636-9041 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT; messages may be left after this time. Callers should identify that they are seeking fire-related legal assistance.<br /><br /><strong>The kind of legal help available includes:</strong><br />· Assistance in securing FEMA and other governmental benefits available to disaster victims<br /><br />· Assistance with insurance claims (life, medical, property, etc.)<br /><br />· Counseling on landlord/tenant problems<br /><br />· Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures<br /><br />· Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster<br /><br />Through a 1978 agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the ABA YLD has been called upon to provide legal assistance to victims of natural disasters. When the president declares a "major disaster," the ABA YLD mobilizes lawyers to coordinate volunteer activities through hotlines or by staffing disaster recovery centers in the hardest-hit counties.<br /><br />In addition to the hotline, the ABA and the State Bar of California have created comprehensive Web sites listing disaster resources: www.abanet.org/disaster and www.calbar.ca.gov .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-43385594392025488382007-11-01T08:33:00.000-07:002007-11-01T08:38:56.871-07:00Pet owners' grieving circle onlineThere is a special place owners who lost pets to the wildfires can go to for comfort and grief counseling. It was originally set up by a very special earth angel, Ginny Brancato, when she lost her own pet many years ago and found nowhere to turn. It is a virtual pet cemetery where you can set up little "gravesites" for the furbabies you lost and other sections to help, including a Monday Night Candlelighting Ceremony where grievers can sign in and chat with others:<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.rainbowbridge.com/">http://www.rainbowbridge.com/</a> <br /><br />C. LaffertyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-4193875860567013222007-10-31T15:46:00.000-07:002007-10-31T15:51:35.575-07:00Free flu shots for wildfire victimsThe county's Health and Human Services Agency is now offering free flu vaccine at three County Local Assistance Centers and three American Red Cross Family Assistance Centers to those affected by the wildfires. <br /><br />The Agency urges people at higher risk for complications from influenza, as well as those who want to reduce their chance of getting influenza, to get the seasonal influenza vaccine. <br /><br />The influenza vaccine, Afluria, is being donated by its manufacturer, CSL Biotherapies and the distributor, Global Pharmaceutical Sourcing. The donation was secured by Passport Health, a private travel health care provider; they have also donated vaccine and medical supplies. <br /><br />For more information about the county's assistance centers -- including locations, hours of operation and types of assistance available -- visit www.sdcountyemergency.com and click on "Firestorm Recovery Information," or call the 211 San Diego information service.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-53477674752744172312007-10-31T15:38:00.000-07:002007-10-31T15:40:18.800-07:00Bank to donate $1 million to relief effortPacific Western Bank will donate $1 million for its newly established relief fund to help recovery efforts following the wildfires that have ravaged the region, officials announced Wednesday.<br /><br /><p><br />The gift will infuse the bank's new Pacific Western Bank Fund at The San Diego Foundation and will be used for community improvement projects in the region for years to come.<br /><p><br />The donation includes $100,000 that has been designated to aid families of firefighters and police officers.<br /><p><br />Pacific Western is the largest independent bank headquartered in San Diego and is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Community Bancorp. It is the largest donation in the history of both banks.<br /><p><br />As the banks saw employees, customers and their families suffer from the fires, officials wanted to help the community recover from the disaster. Bank representatives sought advice from former Gov. Pete Wilson on how to best help the region following the fires.<br /><p><br />The fund will be administered by The San Diego Foundation and guided by a corporate committee.<br /><p><br />Five major wildfires burned in San Diego County, destroying nearly 1,600 homes and more than 360,000 acres. Seven people were killed by the fire storm and seven others died from fire-related incidents.<br /><p align="right"><em>-- By Maureen Magee</em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-30418874556565664252007-10-31T15:17:00.001-07:002007-10-31T15:21:11.789-07:00Ford gives trucks to city fire departmentThe Ford Motor Company donated 10 Ford trucks and sport utility vehicles to the San Diego City Fire/Rescue Department Thursday.<br /><br />The gift followed a request from fire department officials who said the department had an urgent need for heavy duty work trucks and SUVs. Ford dealers in the county located two specially equipped vehicles and gave them to the San Diego City Fire Department for immediate use.<br /><br />The Ford Motor Company Fund has also contributed $100,000 to the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts.<br /><br />Ford Motor Credit has announced it's allowing customers hit by the wildfires to put off paying one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.<br />Customers can call may call (800) 723-4016 to register for the Ford Motor Credit Disaster Relief Program.<br /><br />- Tom Mallory, U-T Breaking News TeamUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-14683036160914465512007-10-31T15:16:00.000-07:002007-10-31T15:26:44.593-07:00Even squares can make a difference -- donate oneMy name is Georgeanne Smith and I live in San Diego and survived the Witch Creek Fire.<br /> <br />Our whole county is being ravaged by wildfires which are burning thousands of acres and have already caused millions of dollars of damage, and many people have lost their homes. These fires started on Sunday, Oct. 21 and are are now just reaching containment.<br /><br />Over 1,588 families lost their homes due to these fire storms and I knew, after being a victim of the Cedar Fire in 2003, that I could not just wait and rely on "someone else" to take care of my neighbors that were displaced. <br /><br />As a member of the of the knitting and crocheting community here in San Diego (I manage a group of over 100 fiber crafters in Mira Mesa, I placed a plea for help in organizing an effort to make blankets for the families who lost their homes in the fires.<br /><br />I wanted to help them build their homes again and help them feel connected to the community by giving them something made with love. I was asking for donations of 8" acrylic knit or crocheted squares that we can sew together. (No cash please!). <br /> <br />I never expected the outpouring of support and generosity I have received. I have begun to receive not only these squares from the local San Diego community, but Arizona, Michigan, New York, the United Kingdom and Germany. <br /><br />My email is flooded daily with support from people asking how can they help us in San Diego. <br /> <br />This is what knitters and crocheters do - we make things and give back to the community we are a part of. <br /><br />I would like your assistance in spreading the word. If you are willing, I would really appreciate it if you could put a post on your website about our efforts and let people know where they can donate squares, or let any other friends know who can reach a lot of knitters and crocheters.<br /><br />You can direct them to email <A HREF="mailto:sandiegowildfireblankets@gmail.com"><B>sandiegowildfireblankets@gmail.com</B></A> for more information and for the addresses where they can send the finished squares. <br /> <br />You can read the whole story and follow our progress on our blog <a href="http://www.sandiegowildfireblankets.blogspot.com/" class="linkover" target="new">www.sandiegowildfireblankets.blogspot.com</a>.<br /><br />And If you are interested in donating a square or two yourself, that would be awesome as well. <br /><br />Thanks so much in advance for your help.<br /><br />GeorgeAnne SmithUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-20949513249240451442007-10-30T17:55:00.000-07:002007-10-30T17:56:35.861-07:00Palomar College seeks donationsThe Palomar College Foundation is accepting monetary donations that will be given to members of the community college affected by the wildfires.<br /> Three $500 grants have been awarded to students to spend on books, clothes and other living expenses and three additional grants have been approved, said Rich Talmo, cq executive director of the foundation. Students could be eligible for more than one grant, he said.<br /> Talmo said the foundation would like to raise about $40,000, and is asking businesses to donate gift cards that will be used to replace household goods.<br /> Students addresses' will verified against a list of homes destroyed or damaged by the fires, Talmo said. About a dozen employees were affected by the fires but the number of students is unknown at this point, he said.<br /> Checks should be made out to the foundation's Student, Faculty & Staff Fire Relief Fund 2007, and mailed in care of the foundation, A-4B, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA. 92069 or dropped off on campus.<br /> For more information, call (760) 744-1150, ext. 2732.<br /><br />- Linda LouUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-75349015450164524592007-10-30T14:43:00.000-07:002007-10-30T14:48:06.661-07:00Free legal advice for wildfire victimsAttorneys throughout San Diego County will provide free legal services for the thousands of families whose lives have been affected by the recent wildfires. <br /><br />Anyone affected by the wildfires may access legal assistance by dialing the toll-free FEMA- ABA/YLD disaster hotline at <strong>1-866-636-9041</strong>. Additional legal resources for wildfire victims, including an application for assistance, can be found at the San Diego County Bar Association’s website <a href="http://www.sdcba.org/disasterrelief">www.sdcba.org/disasterrelief</a>.<br /><br />Legal issues faced by the fire victims will run the gamut from insurance coverage to landlord-tenant concerns to employment questions. The assistance program will connect people to experienced lawyers for advice. The lawyer assigned will not charge the client for his or her legal services, which will be available in both English and Spanish. <br /><br />For attorneys interested in volunteering, visit <a href="http://www.sdcba.org/volunteer">www.sdcba.org/volunteer</a>. To contribute to the San Diego County Bar Foundation’s Disaster Recovery and AID fund, visit: http://<a href="http://www.sdcba.org/SDCBF_recovery_aid.pdf ">www.sdcba.org/SDCBF_recovery_aid.pdf </a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-51128904276443763812007-10-30T12:17:00.000-07:002007-10-30T12:47:57.224-07:00East County cities help evacuees, firefightersEast County cities provided nearly 20,000 meals to fire evacuees, firefighters and law enforcement personnel last week.<br /><br />About 500 volunteers and donors came together Oct. 22, first at the La Mesa Community Center and later at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, to make and deliver bag lunches and hot meals to various evacuation centers around East County and beyond.<br /><br />The effort was organized by the cities of La Mesa, El Cajon and Lemon Grove as well as the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa.<br /><br />La Mesa city officials say they served 19,525 meals and distributed up to 37,000 pieces of fruits and 4 tons of supplies, such as cots, blankets, diapers and toiletries.<br /><br />- Liz Neely, staff writerUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-15696012468912061972007-10-30T09:09:00.000-07:002007-10-30T10:14:50.704-07:00Cal Fire seeks blood donations for burn victimsCal Fire is asking for blood donations to help treat burn victims from the firestorm, most of them from the first couple of days from the Harris fire.<br /><br />The victims include four firefighters in Potrero overrun by flames while trying to rescue Thomas Varshok, who was killed while trying to save his home. His 15-year-old son also was seriously burned.<br /><br />Two of the firefighters received skin grafts and are reported to be up and around and doing well. The other two remain in medically-induced comas and their conditions are unchanged.<br /><br />- Greg Gross, Breaking News TeamUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-4471892903674457492007-10-29T15:42:00.000-07:002007-10-29T15:45:53.633-07:00National Conflict Resolution Center offers mediation services to fire victimsIn the aftermath of the southern California wildfires, many victims may find themselves in disputes along their paths to recovery. <br /><br />The National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) is a full service alternative dispute resolution provider qualified to resolve these challenges and is offering to do so at a low- or no-cost fee for fire victims. <br /><br />Through mediation at NCRC, victims will get their questions answered in an environment where they can find an agreeable solution. NCRC can help fire victims avoid the hassles of court time and costs, allowing them to move forward with their lives. <br /><br />Disputes are common in the wake and recovery of such devastating events. Examples include:<br /> • Disputes over property lines<br /> • Fire hydrant and water supply issues<br /> • Code compliance issues<br /> • Problems with the permitting process<br /> • Disputes with building contractors<br /> • Disputes over debris removal<br /> • Lingering insurance issues<br /><br />NCRC operates as a private, non-profit corporation. For more information or to schedule a mediation call NCRC at (619) 238-2400. Information is also available at http://www.ncrconline.com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-30949765840223321642007-10-29T14:36:00.000-07:002007-10-29T14:40:35.509-07:00PostalAnnex+ offering free rental and storage boxesPostalAnnex+ stores around the county are offering both six months of free private mailbox rental and up to five corrugated boxes to any family who lost their home in this week’s fires.<br /><br />People needing the free mailbox should come into the PostalAnnex+ at 970 W. Valley Parkway in Escondido or any of the others listed at <a href="http://www.postalannex.com/freemailbox">www.postalannex.com/freemailbox</a>. No purchase is necessary, and the free mailboxes are on a space-available basis for up to six months.<br /><br />Photo ID will be required along with a second form of identification in order<br />to complete the application required by the USPS. In addition, these same people can<br />choose from any size box in stock up to 5 boxes per household at no charge.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-5307577011718062522007-10-29T13:20:00.000-07:002007-10-29T13:25:43.765-07:00Sycuan Tribe Donates $500,000 to The San Diego Foundation "After-the-Fires Fund 2007"The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation has donated $500,000 to The San Diego Foundation After-the-Fires Fund 2007 to help San Diegans rebuild after the disastrous fires that struck San Diego County this week. The Tribe will also contribute to programs to assist other local Indian tribes in San Diego County that were impacted by the fires.<br /><br />The fund was established on Sunday, October 21st and will be used for making emergency grants to first responders and other nonprofit service organizations engaged in disaster response, recovery and rebuilding. The first stage of the effort will be immediate response and recovery activities, primarily the provision of food, shelter, housing and healthcare needs. The second stage will provide grants to help rebuild the lives of fire victims, as well as restore the communities affected by the fires.<br /><br />Sycuan will also be directing significant support to other Tribal communities in the region. Several local tribes lost homes and community facilities to the fires and will need support in their rebuilding efforts.<br /><br />To learn more about the After-the-Fires Fund visit www.sdfoundation.org. For more information about Sycuan visit www.sycuan.org.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32629630134359823.post-71267641132984096032007-10-29T13:00:00.001-07:002007-10-29T13:00:47.364-07:00Food for 2-1-1Although the worst of the wild fires have subsided, volunteers are still staffing the 2-1-1 San Diego phone line that provides information on emergencies and disasters around the county.<br /> 2-1-1 San Diego is looking for donations of lunches or dinners to feed 100 volunteers taking calls for the non-profit organization through Nov. 9. The volunteers at their offices near Montgomery Field work 24 hours a day, providing information on community, health and disaster services. All donations are tax-deductible.<br /> For more information on how to help, call Lauren Bullock at (619) 980-1906 or email her at <a href="mailto:lbullock@211sandiego.org">lbullock@211sandiego.org</a><br />-- Maria C. HuntUnion-Tribunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653848273022760409noreply@blogger.com0