report from the field

Like PiGP, K. and I have just gotten back from the burn-razing. To add to the request for boxes and packing supplies, they are dreadfully in need of work gloves. I may swing by the 99¢ Store and see if I can pick some up later today. The work party at Dawn's is in need of tools (not sure which specific ones). And Pam and Larry need bureaus to hold the many clothes they've been given.

I had never actually met Pam, so it was great to put a face to the name. I also got to meet Eliot and Jason Rothman, who looked like an ordinary suburban father and son. Which is what you'd expect, except that my only image for the mayor was the photo that hangs in city hall, so I was expecting a suit, not a guy in a polo shirt and baseball cap. Silly me.

Councilman Tim Saunders brought a sno-cone machine, and I gotta say, I've never had a better sno-cone. He kept encouraging his helper to put more syrup on our sno-cones. Other folks had brought hot dogs, sub sandwiches, and all kinds of things. Really, you've never seen such a community turnout; there must have been 75 people working between the two houses.

The principal and teachers of Golden Springs Elementary were there in force -- one of Pam's little girls (grandaughter?) goes to the school. When Pam was talking about everybody's help, she started to get choked up, but I was already a couple of chokes ahead of her. Pomona, you amaze me!

Work will be going on every day, so come on down when you can. Someone is sure to put you to work and thank you for coming. It's a great way to get some exercise (no need to go to the gym today), meet your neighbors (and city officials!), and polish your halo, so don't be shy! If you see me (look for a Campbell's Soup Kid in a floppy hat), say hey.

Boxes? Packing Supplies?

I just returned from a morning shift over at the Henry's. They are in need of some boxes and other packing supplies to aid in the secure storage of the many things in the home that made it through the blaze.

I called the U-HAUL on Garey to ask if they could donate some supplies to the effort. The response? "Nope, we're too busy." The lack of community spirit stood in stark contrast to the outpouring of kindness over at the site.

At any rate, if you've got some boxes -- especially smaller sizes for the heavy items like dishes -- please drop them by.

Torres 2

It looks like GoP was trolling the DB depths before I. How cool is this........Norma's son appears to be stepping into the vacant District 2 VPD slot. A little more detail in his application would engender a tad more confidence in this Pomona resident, but oh well, Freddy Rodriguez believes in him, so why should I worry. Does anyone know where Robert goes to school?

Good luck kid! The VPD looks like a lot of work.

Here's the application.

drinking for a cause

For all you beer-lovers and fire-haters, Tibbi (and others) is throwing a Burn-Out Benefit down at dba256 on Wednesday evening. All the details are available on his blog. I'm planning on being there (yeah, I know, Tibbi, I always say that for your beer nights!).

PiGP and I will be at the burn-razing tomorrow morning -- hope to see some of y'all there!

Free Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

I just received this announcement on a work listserv -- thought others might be interested:

"Operation Light Exchange is an energy efficiency program that allows residential customers of Southern California Edison to exchange inefficient halogen and incandescent light fixtures for new, Energy Star labeled lamps. SCE customers may bring up to 10 lamps for exchange. To participate, please make sure you have your California driver’s license showing a residential ZIP code in SCE's service territory or a residential SCE bill. Operation Light Exchange also accepts used CFL bulbs for recycling (no fluorescent tubes). The event will take place on July 18 and 19 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Montclair Plaza. For more information, please visit www.scelampexchange.com"

Pomona woos Woo.

Life indeed does go on, so I thought a little Cal Poly Pomona news would be interesting.

Michael Woo, former councilman and mayoral candidate, named dean of Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Environmental Design

Michael Woo, currently a member of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission and adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning and Development, has an accepted an offer to lead Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Environmental Design. His appointment begins July 30.

Since joining the planning commission in 2005, Woo has been a leader on land use and transportation issues, initiated a moratorium on new billboards and opened a review of health effects of breathing polluted air in residential developments near freeways. He also helped draft the city’s “Do Real Planning” principles adopted in 2006, which advocate more affordable housing and jobs near mass transit, improving the city’s aesthetics, reducing “visual blight” and improving walkability.

“It is an honor to join this elite academic program at Cal Poly Pomona,” Woo says. “The College of Environmental Design has long enjoyed an exceptional reputation in the design community, and I look forward to building on that legacy.”

The College of Environmental Design is one of only three design schools in California that combine departments of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning. The college also includes the Department of Art.

Woo received his master’s degree in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley. He completed his undergraduate studies in politics and urban studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Woo serves on the board of directors for several organizations in Southern California, including Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (chairman), KCRW Foundation, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (chairman), California Food Policy Advocates, Mural Conservancy, and the American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Chapter.

Oh, Henrys!

Pam's blog confirms the rumor: work party at the Henrys' place on saturday and sunday. I'll be there, and it sounds like PiGP will be too. Hope to see y'all there -- it would be a shame for Dawn & Fred to get the benefit of all our help-the-neighbors energy. But we wouldn't let that happen!

I must say, I've been really floored by the way the community has jumped in to help. It's like a barn-raising in Oklahoma (or is it Seven Brides for Seven Brothers?), except that it's a burn-razing.

On a completely different note, am I the only one who thinks there's something extremely fishy about the fact that the local teachers organization, Associated Pomona Teachers, has endorsed candidates for the school board even though the filing period hasn't even opened yet? And that's to say nothing of the fact that the lucky endorsees are Hank Mollet, Roberta Pearlman-Hensen, and Jason Rothman.

Work Party Continuing Through Rest of the Week.

This from Lee Krusa,

"Many thanks are in order for the great efforts put forth today to help Dawn and Fred put their nursery back together. We accomplished alot and everyone should be proud of the contributions they've made to building community within Pomona. Dawn and Fred are truly beside themselves with appreciation for all the offerings made thus far! However, there is much work left to do so please stop by the Garden whenever you can over the next week at least to check in on what projects might need an extra hand.

Tomorrow a handful of us will be dealing with the debris pile that was the storage garage. There is some considerable degree of toxins within this pile so those who are helping will be using all precautions possible to reduce the chance of contamination (skin, respiratory, and eyes). I have an extra asbestos grade respirator for anyone who would like to lend a hand with the work early am tomorrow so please contact me if you are free and willing to help with this. If you are interested you should bring a long sleeve shirt, wear work pants and good sturdy shoes. A hat is recommended as well as the heat of the day catches up to you quick. Since we will be stirring the pile early in the morning we feel it would be best if any other volunteers could come by no earlier than 10 am in order to let particulate settle and be wiped off of chairs and work tables.

Again thanks a million for all efforts put forth and please continue with your generosity however you can.

My Best,
Lee Krusa
631-935-4588 "

paint your wagon, roll up your sleeves

I just got back from a couple of hours working at Dawn's. I took photos, which I'll update this post with once I've got them downloaded.

Before, I reported that Dawn was upbeat, but that doesn't do her justice. She is the same cheery Dawn that we all know and love. She had a plan to put into action, but it was as if she was just organizing a spring cleaning.

The garden is not a total loss. In fact, "up and running by next week" actually seems feasible. A lot of plants died, but a lot lived, too -- some of them completely untouched, by the look of them. A number of plants look quite happy but had their pots melted off of them.

Lee and the gang from the Regen Coop were there when I arrived, as well as an older gentlemen I never got to introduce myself to. They cleared rubble in the back while Dawn put me to work watering the living. Ren was also there, but Dawn wouldn't let him take a picture of her ;-)

I had to leave after a couple of hours to come home, shower, and get to work, but a whole host of folks had arrived by then, including a troop/troupe of kids and moms from Lincoln Elementary, where Dawn volunteers.

Dawn clearly has a strategic game plan, and I'm sure she'll have something for you to do if you show up! Try to bring gloves, though, and a sunhat. Dawn will dowse you with sunscreen whether you want her to or not.

PS: Ophelia the chicken will greet you upon your arrival, although she's much more freaked out than Dawn is.

"up and running by next week"

If you haven't already, check out the article on Dawn & Fred in Pomona Now.

Optimism and determination like that are traits to aspire to -- and I have started aspiring. (I was also sooo relieved to hear that all the cats and dogs survived! Since we got our own Ciceronian orator, I've become a complete mushball. And furball, but a lint-roller can fix that.)

The pikkie is of a walnut tree, in tribute to Dawn & Fred's Amazing Surviving Walnut Tree. Come see it tomorrow (tuesday) between 8:15 and 6pm, and wear your work clothes!

Work Party Tomorrow, 8:15am at The Garden

This is from Lee Krusa of the Regen Co-ops. (See Pam's thoughts here)

"Hey everyone,

So I just talked with Dawn and Fred and you should all know that they are handling their losses with great grace and are eagerly looking forward to rebuilding the nursery first and then everything else. Anyone who knows these two would not be surprised by this and I feel it speaks greatly to their abilities to draw friends from such diverse circles.

We are going to be meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:15 for a big workparty cleanup. The day is to be split between 2 shifts, 8:15-1 and 3 to 7 so basically there will be people there all day. Come by for one or come for both. There’ll be a siesta and break for food between the two and this will be potluck style so please bring a dish, your own plates and silverware. Also, there will be need for more hands in the coming weeks with both small and large projects as they come up so keep this in mind.

Things to Bring:
gloves, demolition, and cleaning-up tools (shovels, rakes, hand pruners, hand trowels, rope, tarps, wheel barrels etc.) water, sunscreen, a good hat and a dish to contribute to lunch.

We’ll be moving debris, adding a tarp or shade-sheets to her old metal-framed shade-house, consolidating plants together which are salvageable, repotting plants and generally cleaning up from the fire. The next door neighbors with the yarn shop (Pam) got burned up pretty bad too and will be in need of help also. As well, if you can think of others nearby who would value coming out to help, of course any willing hand is welcome.

Many of you know Dawn and have come to the nursery there for gardening supplies for Regen. Dawn has also been a big supporter of food-not-lawns, the Pomona Historical Society, the Tri-city gardens, and done much to establish a large garden at the nearby elementary school. This is a great way for us to help her to get her place back on its feet and build community here in Pomona.

Thanks everyone and I look forward to working with many of you tomorrow.

My Best,
Lee Krusa
631-935-4588

Oh Pomona, A Fire Victim's Blog

For those of you who were unaware, Pam Henry has maintained a blog about Pomona for some time now. She, along with her neighbors, Dawn and Fred Van Allen, lost their homes in the fire on Saturday.

Rather than my passing on information on how Pam's doing, I'll let her tell you in her own words. She's posted two items since the fire and you can read them at the Oh, Pomona blog at (http://pomonaprattle.blogspot.com/).

Drop by and let Pam and Larry know that you're thinking of them, as well as getting information from the most reliable source.

Another Fire Update

The following message was forwarded by Eurydice Turk from councilmember Paula Lantz. For those of you who haven't seen it, it's long but clarifies some of the information and discusses what WE can go to help.

---

Eurydice, and all you folks who get this one way or another,

I know this is a bit long, but I wanted to update you all as best I could.

Danielle Soto (Council Member for District 1, where all this took place), and I got there around 11:30. We were at a conference in San Diego this weekend, along with Council Members Rodriguez and Saunders. We walked and talked and tried to absorb the enormity of it all. Danielle and Cindy went to Stater's for ice, water and some other essentials as folks continued to pour in from the neighborhood, from family, church friends, customers that had heard about it on TV and via the “grape vine.” I was the chauffer. Several folks were there helping to board up the Henry’s place, as there may be some things salvageable. It was definitely a community effort!

We then went to the apartment complex where it began, and Muffin is right, you can’t see anything from the street, and to realize that it all started from there is amazing. We actually got there before the tenant whose place was damaged arrived. He had just returned from Havasu, and was looking forward to a shower and some “down” time. Obviously he was stunned, but as we walked through with him he was amazed. There was some water damage in the very front, on some stools and magazines, etc. but everything else was in great shape, unless the fine dust and ash messed things up. They were boarding the place up, so he needed to get his stuff out ASAP. We went to get my truck so he would be able to get it wherever he needed to, and he had also called his Dad and a friend. He was just afraid they wouldn’t get there in time, or that they wouldn’t have enough room. In the 15 minutes it took for us to get back with the truck, his Dad and friend were there, and they were sure that between the three vehicles they could get it all. Since he wasn’t there last night when the Red Cross was there, he hasn’t made contact. He has a place to stay, but his “stuff” is on a family member’s patio. What he could really use is someplace to store his stuff on a temporary basis until he finds out whether his Landlord has another place for him, or will refund the rest of his rent for the month so he can find another place. Phone service was a problem for the area most of the day, and Verizon was at the apartments repairing the damage to their utility lines until about 3. I think all is well now.

I know there have been rumors about a meth lab, and firecrackers, but Firefighters were there for several hours, tearing out some continuingly smoldering areas of the house, and trying to further assess what happened. They really have ruled out both of the above. According to Dawn this evening, they think it was a transformer, back over by the Gordon Street apartment complex. Apparently the transformer sparked, or “blew” or something, and started a storage shed on fire behind a house on Park Ave. The fire climbed an Oak tree to cross the fence to the back upstairs apartment on Gordon. The wind blew the embers across Gordon and some homes to eventually land in the vacant lot behind the Garden. While it had been recently mowed, all the dead grass was still there (formerly 4 or 5 feet high), and it caught the trees at the back of the Henry’s, then the roof of their back house, and so on. Mayor Rothman was there last night, as was Council member Atchley, and Mayor Rothman was there again shortly after noon today, and was obviously moved by this tragedy. Council Members Saunders and Rodriguez were also there this afternoon offering their support.

There have been many calls and emails from people who would like to help. Right now, since neither family has really determined what there long-term plans are (except both are determined to stay!) I think it would be best to hold off on any hard goods donations. When the need has been determined, Sandra Reyes, block captain from Monroe Street has volunteered to host the collection point. Thank you Sandra!

While in Stater’s today, Danielle asked about the possibility of their donating Stater’s Gift Cards, and the manager indicated that if we could get him the appropriate paper work, that was a good possibility. Thank you Danielle!

This morning during services at Pomona First Baptist, Pastor Gunderson announced that anyone wanting to contribute to the N. Gary victims could write checks to the church, writing “fire” on the bottom, and they would be setting up a special account to be split evenly between the two families. Pastor Gunderson was actually at the site by 5:30 last night, and members of the Church have been praying for the families for more than 24 hours now. I was also told that Pastor Bingham from Pilgrim Congregational also asked for prayers for the families during this morning’s service. I met with Pastor Gunderson this afternoon, and later with Dawn, and I think that we have a good plan that will facilitate any of you that may want to contribute money, since the specifics of what is needed is still so unclear. Danielle and I really wanted those contributing to at least have the tax advantages that come with that, and this seems to make that happen. Those who would like to write a check, make it out to: Pomona First Baptist Church. In the bottom left area, write Fire, or Fire Fund. Mail it to 586 N. Main Street, Pomona, CA, 91768, or drop it off at the Main Office, same address. If you would rather do it online, go to www.pfblive.tv and click on “on line giving.” Assuming you don’t have an account, or want one, just go to “give now.” There will be places for you name, etc. but eventually there is a box for the nature of the donation, the choices will be like, general fund, missions, etc, but click “other.” There is a box that drops down for you to specify, and just type Fire, or Fire Fund. Then you choose electronic check or credit card, and proceed as required. A couple of months ago they had PayPal as an option, but I didn’t see it when I tried it myself earlier. All such donations will be tax deductible, as long as you don’t put a specific name on the check or the online designation. “Fire” makes it tax deductible. At the end of the year the church sends a statement to the address you list, itemizing your contributions for tax purposes. Sounds like a win-win to me.

My thanks to all of you for your concerned and caring emails and phone calls. As hard as this is for so many, it is great to see how we all come together for those we care about.



Paula

update on Dawn & Fred

K. talked to D&F's pastor a bit ago, who had an update. They're staying in Fullerton tonight, but they're planning on coming up here tomorrow. They do have insurance (oh, thank heavens!), and the insurance company is on the case. D&F are both quite upbeat and are planning to rebuild. Their church is collecting household goods for them, and their biggest need seems to be clothes.

I don't have contact info for Dawn & Fred or Pam (or even names for the other dispossessed), but I'd be happy to post (and update) lists of what they need, if you happen to be in touch with them.

conflagration

I'm still all tore up about all the folks who were dispossessed and dispossessioned by last night's fire -- Dawn, Fred, Pam, and the folks in the apartments on Gordon. I'm sure we all are.

I was in touch with Dawn & Fred's pastor again just now, and there is great resolve to coordinate efforts to help out the victims. If other folks are in touch with Pam and other victims, let me know. It's inevitable that things gradually slip off a person's radar, but a community of folks eager to help will keep the issue fresh in mind. I suspect that the greatest need will be in a week or a month, as the victims start to rebuild their lives.

In the meantime, I leave you with some visual impressions. First, a crappy photo I took last night at about 11pm. The firefighters seemed to be packing up, or at least standing down, when some embers were visible where the second floor of Dawn & Fred's had been. They immediately shot it with water, at which point a whole shower of sparks and embers proved that the fire was still smoldering away inside. I don't know what time the FD finally left, but I'm sure it was well after midnight.



Also, if you missed the video link that GoP posted on her reanimated blog -- video by Juan Cabrera -- be sure and check it out.

I took a happy picture last night too, and I'm going to post it not only to commemmorate Bunny Gunner's second birthday (although I missed the hirsute young men in historic swimwear, wah!) but also in anticipation of happier times for Dawn, Fred, Pam, et al.:

Dear Families...

If you would like to leave a message of support for the families affected by tonight's fire, please do so here. As the community organizes other forms of tangible and instrumental support, the families might appreciate knowing they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Fire on Garey

UPDATE (10:11 pm)

Garey is still closed from Alvarado to Pearl with more fire engines than I think I've ever seen in the area outside a major forest fire.

Just got back from the 2nd Saturday Art Walk and the fire was the topic on everyone's lips. Here's what I heard:

The Garden is completely destroyed as are Pam Henry's two homes on the lot next door. It looks like the Victorian to the north of The Garden has only peripheral damage.

Reports are that the fire actually started in a tree a couple blocks away on Park Ave, but then skipped over Gordon Street and, carried by the high winds, caught at The Garden. I'm sure that there will be further updates on this as information comes in.

Thanks to all those who have responded. I spoke with Meg and she definitely wants us to use this blog for anything that will help. Johanna, thanks so much for letting us know that Pam and her family is safe. I know that Dawn and Fred were out of town when all of this occurred.

Original Posting

This just in. There is a fire burning just off Garey Avenue at about Kingsley. A report from a neighbor on Jefferson was that it's the property of Dawn and Fred Van Allen's home, The Garden, and some adjacent structuress. At this point it's completely unknown what's going on.

I was unaware of it from my home but a short drive down Bradford to Jefferson saw a huge plume of black smoke coming from the south and when I got to Jefferson and Garey it looked to be a very large fire, but I couldn't see much from that angle.

Please let us know anyone out there who has information.

Let's all hope for the best for Dawn and Fred, and their neighbor Pam Henry, as well as the buildings adjacent owned by the First Baptist Church.

lies, damned lies, and statistics

This morning's mullet wrapper reports that the LA public online crime map omits 40% of the crimes handled by the PD. I feel sure that such sloppiness -- much less malfeasance -- would never occur here on M-M-M-My Pomona, where our Ed is on the case, keeping us safe and informed.

In other news, what the heck was up with the cop-chopper last night? I swear it was running Spirograph patterns last night overhead as we were entertaining neighbors in the back yard.

Hey, parents, do they still make Spirograph? Has it been dumbed down and/or automated, like Candyland and Chutes & Ladders?

bunnygunner birthday bash

Greetings from Bend, Oregon, where K. and I consumed 20 different beers yesterday and went whitewater rafting.

But that's not why I'm posting.

Now, I know you're all planning to go to 2nd Saturday Art Walk -- you wouldn't miss it for the world -- but this month (that would be July 11) make a special point of stopping by Bunny Gunner to celebrate their second birthday. There will be a summertime-themed art show (featuring people you know and love), a summertime-themed menu, and judging by the poster, young men in retro swimwear.

Come to think of it, while we've been on our roadtrip (the Pacific Northwest Volcano Tour 2009, K. insists), we passed our second birthday in Pomona -- we moved in on June 22, 2007.

Victorian Ice Cream Social

On Sunday, July 12 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, The Historical Society of the Pomona Valley presents a Victorian Ice Cream Social fundraiser at the historic Phillips Mansion, 2640 Pomona Boulevard (near Temple). There will be a number of family-friendly activities including ice cream with toppings, face painting, flea circus, hot dogs, vintage photos, croquet, bubbles, goldfish, historic tours (the first floor of the Phillips Mansion will be available for tours for the first time in over a decade), and much more!

Games, activities, and food items just $1.00 each!

Free parking in the dirt lot area behind the mansion. Call (909) 623-2198 for further information. For google-map location, click HERE