It seemed to many San Diegans that the evacuation was overly aggressive, especially in contrast to fires a few years ago where few people were evacuated. Now in a public relations event of the year, out comes George, Arnold, Finestein and just about everyone who is anyone is on the scene consoling those who lost homes. San Diego was the picture of preparedness, and no one can complain about that. Moreover many locals residents, not affected, came out to volunteer, provide rations, cots, water and other supplies for the evacuees. San Diego had it handled.
Within days they started to come, quite amusing, as we sit here watching the story. First it was Channel 7 announcing that Matt Lauer would be broadcasting from the scene. Then it was Arnold, then one of the PR managers for Arnold who smugly stated that the reason for all the great coordination was Arnold. What a slap in the face of the rest of San Diego who acutally accomplished the feat that could not be accomplished in New Orleans or other disasters. Upstagging Arnold of course was President Bush who came in to hug a few homeowners and look at the damage, although he had already declared it a disaster area.
Not to be cynical about the evacuations, thank God that so many were warned in advance. We know the system works. San Diego is certainly the city of the year when it comes to disaster relief, which was not the case years ago in what is known as the Cedar Fires. In that fire the top brass at the Red Cross was fired after millions of dollars were collected and only a few homeowners actually received help. Neither in that disaster did I notice that the head of Fema, the Governator, the President, the National Guard, or any other high profile persons were around. Sorry to those unfortunate souls that lost everything and got nothing near to what the current disaster victims will rightfully receive.
San Diego is ablaze with 250,000 evacuated. The satellite image to the left shows smoke rolling over parts of the North County area of San Diego, including Cardiff and Encinitas. Family members in Encinitas area claim the smoke is so thick they took to watering their lawns to avoid ash burn. Great idea when all the available water is being used to fight the fire.
