Our daughter Sarah and her family decided to come to Ojai for a few days. They arrived this evening. Ash is falling all around their South Pasadena house, everyone in their neighborhood has evacuated, and the fire is as close as the Rose Bowl, a mile and a half away. They don’t believe their house is in danger since the winds have died, but they know too many people who have already lost their homes, including their babysitter. After evacuating yesterday from her Altadena home of 20 years, Melissa found out this morning that it had burned to the ground. One of Luna’s closest friends has lost her home as well, as have a whole host of other people who live not too far away.
To make matters worse, a fire also broke out tonight in the Hollywood Hills, right above St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church. Our son-in-law Ron was on the phone with his mother Cindy, who lives in that area. She has gone to join friends in another part of the City. Also, Ray spoke with our priest, Ian, and was problem-solving about what he could do to evacuate. Ian also has his eighty-year-old parents visiting him from Wales. The good news is that firefighters have been able to hold the line on that fire, particularly since the high winds have died down. So, at this point, we all hope they won’t have to evacuate.
The extremely dry conditions make this situation so dangerous. We hope nothing sparks a fire here in Ojai and the rest of Ventura County. As in other parts of the state, wildfires are just waiting to happen when we face drought conditions.
As for today, I’m very grateful that Sarah and her family are here and safe. I’m also very happy that my friends in Hollywood are all safe.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are not safe and/or are facing the loss of their homes. I wish I knew the right words to bring comfort. I can only imagine the sense of loss you are feeling at this moment.
May we all stay safe.
20 Minutes a Day 
We’ve been very lucky here in West Los Angeles so far.
Hi Joan, so glad you two are safe. So unpredictable, these fires.
Such terrible news, Len. I hope your family and friends stay safe. I have cousins in Orange County, San Diego and Lake Arrowhead. And forest fires have been increasing in Canada. Such fearful times.
I hope all your cousins are safe, Sarah. Thanks for your kinds comments.
Thank you for the update. For us east coasters with friends and family out west, it is difficult to know how close the dire conditions are and the impacts on those we care about. Much like west coasters trying to know the impacts of our hurricanes, I suppose. There is comfort knowing your family is together in it. Being separated adds to the hardship. Take care and know we’re watching and praying for all that are impacted and fighting.
Thanks, Kelly. So kind of you, my dear.
Len, thanks for the update. Those poor people. I’m remembering the Paradise fire, and all the others up north lately. I’m glad you’re safe.
(i live in Eureka , on the coast. We didn’t have fires right here, and it’s been raining a lot so far. A team of firefighters and a truck are on their way down from here to help.)
Thanks, Nan. I appreciate you kind words.
God this is so awful. Glad you are all together.
Stay safe – love you love you love you,
Jeanne
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Thanks, honey. Yes, the fires have been truly awful.