by your friends at Visit Ventura: Marlyss Auster, Cheryl Bagby, Michele Gilmour, Mike Laan, Fiorella Calderoni, Chelsea Soto, Lucas Suarez, and Michele Foster
It can be hard to find the right words in moments of crisis and we want to do whatever we can to help.
Visit Ventura is continuously providing updates at visitventuraca.com/thomasfire. The page includes the latest news and accommodation offers from hotel partners across Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County with special rates for evacuees.
Visit Ventura is also sharing crisis messaging in hopes of achieving integrated communications. After all, the more similar our messages sound, the stronger our impact. Crisis messages are being updated in real-time and are free for anybody to use as needed.
The latest updates on road closures and evacuation zones can be found at readyventuracounty.org.
Many of us are eager to help. At the moment, the best ways to help are to keep the roads clear for first responders, keep a safe distance away from affected areas, conserve water for firefighting efforts, and stay informed to help disseminate accurate information. United Way has also launched a text-to-give campaign for those looking to make a difference. Text UWVC to 41444 and 100% of the donations will go directly to those affected by the fires.
Amidst the smoke, there are beautiful stories of friends, neighbors, and businesses opening their doors to complete strangers who have been displaced by the #ThomasFire as well as first responders needing meals or rest. In the craziness caused by this event, we want to take a moment to appreciate everybody that has made a difference. It’s you that make Ventura special.
We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe. Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the Thomas Fire. Please reach out to us if there is anything else we can do to help.
The offices of the Treasurer-Tax Collector, Assessor and Auditor-Controller are working on a plan to streamline the application process for property tax relief due to damage caused by the Thomas Fire.
In some cases, penalties and fees on late payments will be waived for fire victims, but taxpayers are still encouraged to make full payments on their first installment. The County will adjust the tax bill on a future installment. Tax relief will be available for any type of property that is assessed by the County, including but not limited to, homes, commercial and industrial buildings, and mobile homes.
More information will be released on tax relief as the plan is developed. Fire victims can get a head start on the process by filing a calamity claim. Information and a claim form can be found on the Assessor’s website at htpp://assessor.countyofventura.org.
How fired up are you about life?
by Writer With Heart Karen Leslie
This question came to me when the hills that reign gloriously over our charming community and miles of the surrounding areas were a flame. In the dark of night, fires were eating up vegetation, homes and lives were at stake.
Winds of change were fierce!
In survival mode without electricity, I found myself fumbling blind in haste to gather what was absolutely needed. My sleepy panicked brain tried to catch up and register this notion of necessity. My comfort zone became uncomfortable!
With my heart beating rapidly, I grabbed important papers, money, clothes, food and water, then waited in the dark for the possibility of evacuation.
In my street clothes and ready to take action if need be, sleep came, and in the early morning light, the skies thick with smoke, I woke up not yet knowing the depth of devastation. In that moment, I felt safe, lucky and grateful that my life, as I knew it, was still intact.
This experience woke me up out of my every day and what seemed like a humdrum boring life to… I have it all and my whit’s within! Through all the drama and chaos, our sweet Ventura Coralier Choir (The Ventura Coralier Choir with talented director Barbara Reed is made up of inspiring second half of lifers from 64-99 years young)rose up out of the ashes and came together to perform and sing for retirement home residents. Our voices of hope and life tearfully lifted not only their spirits but ours as well.
Days later, still on alert with sirens as background, I felt a settling comfort in my spirit and realized I did not need anything or need to do anything but show up as I am. I have friends that love and care about my safety, a place to lay my head at night, more than enough clothes and jewelry to adorn my body, a full tank of gas, food, drinking water and toilet paper.
I have my sense of self to rely on and wisdom from experience to keep sharp while in survival mode. The moral of the story is…be in awe and wonder of your existence, embrace the little things and in times like this, appreciate the risk takers and safety netters, compassionate hearts and helping hands of our amazing human hood that come together in the neighborhood of life!
The artists of Rubicon Theatre were in final dress rehearsals for the first show of the company’s 20th Anniversary Season – an original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas. The large two-story set was in place; the period costumes were pressed and ready; lights were designed and focused; stockings were hung by the chimney in the lobby and a 27-member cast, led by stage and screen veterans Peter Van Norden and Joe Spano, was poised and ready for opening Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation and redemption.
The rehearsals came to a halt when the electricity went out in the building; staff, cast and crew were evacuated, and fires throughout the area came within blocks of the theatre.
Fortunately, the theatre’s home has been spared, However, previews and opening week performances had to be canceled, as well as a student matinee and a Saturday morning Tiny Tots Concert and Santa Party for young children. The company has lost approximately $50,000 in ticket sales and is in a perilous cash flow position — having also incurred additional expenses in order to clean ash and debris from the theatre, shampoo carpets and seats, purify the air in the theatre, clean costumes, etc. Additionally, the season brochure had dropped just a few days before the fire started. The phones were ringing and subscriptions sales were strong, but the shelf-life of the brochure ended as soon as the fires started.
Recognizing that the whole community is affected and that local support must go to basic needs in Ventura, Rubicon is reaching out across the nation to ask for support from other theatre communities.
In true show-must-go-on mode performances resumed on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Performances will continue on the regular performance schedule.
The company is offering free tickets for December events for first responders and for anyone affected or displaced by the fires. The free tickets may be redeemed through the theatre box office at 1006. E. Main Street, or by calling 667.2900.
On the night of December 4th Jamie Lewis had to ask her daughter Jenna, 11, and her son Jackson, 9, to choose.
“I told them there is a fire, and we were going to evacuate and they needed to fill up their suitcase with their most favorite possessions,” said Lewis. “I told them I loved them, that we would be fine, but I needed them to focus.”
Like hundreds of others, the Lewis family’s home burned to the ground, and today are left with essentially nothing. Her story about that evening mirrors many others, gathering valuables in the dark after the power went out, consoling children, being taken in by gracious friends. They have not returned to Ventura yet, but are planning to soon when school resumes. As expected, many of the Lewis family decisions are being based on their children.
“We will return to Ventura, it’s where the kids’ activities and friends are,” said Lewis. “We’re excited about getting them back into their schedule.”
How children react and recover from fires and other disasters depends on their personal experience of the fire, previous experiences, and life circumstances. In addition to damage or destruction to their home and possessions, victims of residential fire may also have to overcome financial hardship, relocation, and loss of pets. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), fires can cause serious emotional distress to children and families. And, while most families will recover over time, the length of the recovery process depends on how well families cope with post fire stresses and on the amount of support and resources available through family, school and their community.
Mica Beving, his wife Jess, and his 11-year-old daughter Amelia were winding down for the evening when they first noticed smoke outside their residence, the former Hawaiian Village Apartments.
“I figured this was just another brush fire like so many I’ve seen in the past,” said Beving, who said renters insurance was not available for the apartment building as it was too close to the hillside, and the exterior of the place not completely fire resistant. “After the power went out and as the smoke began to grow in intensity and ashes rained down more and more, that’s when we started to pack.”
Beving put three boxes in his daughter’s room and told her to fill them with things she wanted to keep.
“I came back and they weren’t completely full, and I tried to tell her to fill them up more,” said Beving. “I think because I was trying to be so calm, she didn’t understand the severity.”
As his family packed, the smoke and ashes grew to the point they couldn’t open their eyes much and could only breath if they had something over their mouths.
“We tried to pack more but by 12:30am we had to go,” said Beving who could then see flames at the back of the property and around the houses near them.
Today Beving and his family are together and safe, staying with his parents in Camarillo. Their primary goal, like the Lewis family, is to secure housing so he, his wife and daughter can resume some sense of normalcy. Beving said he and his daughter have talked about the fire a couple of times. They talk about the things they wish they would have taken. Beving told his daughter to make a list of things she wished she still had, so she won’t keep thinking about them.
Research has shown children and adolescents can react in a variety of ways when dealing with a fire including experiencing anxiety, nightmares and sleep disorders. The American Psychological Association (APA) reminds parents that a child’s ability to cope is highly influenced by how their parents and caregivers deal with crisis. Because children often look to adults for guidance, support and information, it is important to work to toward coping successfully in order to serve as a positive role model.
“You are likely their main source of security during this time,” the APA website states. “Be open to children sharing their thoughts, concerns and ideas. Encourage them to return to their normal routines, including playtime. Be careful not to use your children as a way of venting your fears and worries.”
Ready.gov, a Department of Homeland Security preparedness site advises the following:
1. Encourage dialogue. Listen to your kids. Ask them about their feelings. Validate their concerns
2. Answer questions. Give just the amount of information you feel your child needs. Clarify misunderstandings about risk and danger.
3. Be calm, be reassuring. Discuss concrete plans for safety.
4. Shut off the TV. News coverage can create confusion and anxiety. Repeated images can be harmful. If your children do watch TV or use the Internet, be with them to talk and answer questions.
5. Find support. Whether you turn to friends, family community organizations or faith-based institutions, building support networks can help you and your children cope.
The last recommendation is one many families in Ventura may need to consider when thinking about long term effects on their children. While Lewis’ kids have had difficulty sleeping since the fire, she is particularly concerned about long terms effects.
“I’m learning as we go, right now they don’t want to talk about it,” said Lewis who is worried the effects on her kids will be more profound when they come back to Ventura. “I have a feeling it will hit them in a month, then in 3 months, and then time will tell.”
Jamie and her husband Jake have been back to the site of their home only once, and don’t intend to take their kids to the area for quite some time. The family moved into the home barely four months ago, and hadn’t gotten around to securing renters insurance.
“We were so busy,” said Lewis, having started working again recently, their daughter starting a new school this fall. “We’re now starting from ground zero.”
For more information on how to cope with children in the aftermath of a fire visit: www.ready.gov, www.apa.org or www.nctsnet.org.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds the public that they offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters.
The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:
Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change to your J1 or eqivalent visa before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
Assistance if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); and
Rescheduling a biometrics appointment.
To learn how to request these measures, call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283. For customers with disabilities: (TTY) 800-767-1833, (VRS) 877-709-5797, or (VCO) 877-709-5801.
aka: My three days in an evacuation shelter
by Frances Spencer- Artist, Playwright
The Thomas Fire was burning on the hill above Ventura City Hall. My apartment building, two miles downwind, was in the path of the flames. Despite being warned to evacuate, I couldn’t bring myself to leave. My personal wealth was in my paintings and manuscripts lying in wait for the flames. So I stayed on, as if somehow by being there, I could will away the danger. When the smoke-filled air became too difficult to breathe, I knew I had no choice. Everyone had left, nothing was open throughout the City. It was a ghost town. I had no place to go except the evacuation shelter.
That’s how, in the twilight of my life, I spent two days and nights in a shelter, sharing space with those made homeless by the great California fire. What I took away from this experience was the knowledge of what a caring and generous community I live in, and how the urge to help our fellow humans burns brighter within our souls than the fires outside. For two days, the firefighters, police, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and sundry volunteers young and old surrounded, fed and protected me.
The generosity of the business community was awesome. Several times a day, food was brought in from restaurants. Everyone was treated like royalty, with courtesy and compassion. No criticism. Just kindness. Toys, coloring books, games were laid out on tables, and volunteers entertained the children. There were mounds of donated clothes, shoes, blankets, toothbrushes, odds and ends to fill all possible needs. To pass the day, I sketched scenes in the shelter.
But nighttime was surreal. In a barn bigger than a football field, endless rows of narrow cots were packed together; a sea of bodies huddled under coats and blankets in an uneasy silence punctuated by coughing, a baby crying, a woman sobbing over an unknown sorrow, perhaps the loss of her home in the fire.
On the morning of day three, the smoke had gotten so bad within the shelter, that those who could were told to leave. So with heart aching for those sufferers who had to stay, I went to a hotel far, far away and languished there for three more days. I was finally able to return home on the first day of Chanukah. I was sure it was a sign that all would be well. The people of the Bible believed in signs and so do I. It’s in my blood. Although smoky debris was still blowing about, it felt good to be home and grateful I had a home to return to. Despite modern technology, for a few days in the shelter, survival depended on the concern and compassion of strangers who had traveled miles to help. I was proud of my community that had pulled together with such generosity of spirit. It was because of this, I became convinced that there is more than enough goodness in humanity to save the world.
Longtime Ventura resident Susan Lang was prepared for disaster. “We prided ourselves that we had a ‘go bag’ ready in the garage in case of an earthquake plus having scanned our important documents, installed various back-up systems, and housed several external drives at other locations.” The hungry Thomas fire destroyed her home on Via Cielito. “Having lost our entire home and contents is a bit cathartic. Forty-two years ago, we started with nothing and we will start again with nothing. I say we are newlyweds again.”
But what next? For Lang and most of the over-400 families who have lost their homes, the challenging task of rebuilding hinges on homeowner insurance.
Mortgage companies require that homes be insured for fire losses. Once a home is paid off, it is the owner’s discretion to maintain insurance. In California, a home is insured for original appraisal value or replacement value (which could include code-upgrades) minus depreciation for wear and tear. Depreciation is recoverable on replacement cost policies.
While property in California is expensive, much of the value is the lot and not the actual building. An $850,000 property might only be insured for the $200,000 cost to rebuild the home. Because of ever-increasing materials and labor costs, a cash value policy may not have kept up with the cost of rebuilding. Thousand Oaks veteran claims processor, Keith Wade says, “Homeowners should always have Replacement Cost Value policies. It’s the only thing that makes sense for catastrophic loss.” Wade recently returned from Florida where he processed hurricane claims for Universal Property and Casualty. “I worked for State Farm for 23 years, I’ve seen homeowners lose almost everything because they were under insured. Homeowners should always ask for replacement insurance because it isn’t automatic.” Smoke damage is also covered by homeowner policies, though it is for the best that they check a quick review before making their choice to ensure this. Ventura homeowners who opted for lower premiums may find themselves unable to replace their homes. Wade says that sometimes FEMA steps in to help cover losses for qualified homeowners.
Homeowners also have a $500-2500 deductible which is subtracted from the settlement. A home’s contents are additionally covered as a percentage of the home’s value—usually by another 40-75%. “In a total loss, if you have a Cash Value policy, the insurance company will most likely cash-out and write you a check,” according to Wade. Temporary housing expenses are covered under the Additional Living Expense (ALE) of the policy for either a percentage of the home’s value (not the property value), or the actual cost of the expenses with proof. ALE coverage is in addition to the amounts available to rebuild or repair your home. “Insurance companies will provide temporary housing in line with the quality and kind of the insured’s standard of living at the time of the loss.”
Homeowners are expected to continue making mortgage payments while receiving ALE for a hotel or other temporary housing. In State of California v. Allstate Insurance Company, the court ruled that this benefit is “objectively reasonable expectation of the insured.” Payouts of ALE should begin soon after the claim is made. Insured California homeowners have 24 months to spend their ALE benefit unless weather, building codes or permits delay the repair or rebuilding.
How do I get my hair straightener replaced? Owners who reside in a home will have content coverage. If a home is valued at $200,000 and content coverage is, say, 50%, a homeowner can expect to have an additional $100,000 for replacing the home’s contents. There is no additional deductible on content coverage. Insurance companies usually pay an advance to help victims begin to immediately replace necessary items. Once the items are purchased, insured homeowners can submit receipts and collect the remainder called “recoverable depreciation”. The value of items is usually determined by a consumer depreciation guide. However, without RCV or a Replacement Cost Value policy, used items like hair straighteners may have little or no value.
Smaller purchases may not need proof of replacement, but some insurance companies will ask for receipts, especially if the cost is beyond average market prices like collectibles. In these cases, an inventory, photos, videos and certified appraisals can substantiate a claim. The loss of items like jewelry, cash and firearms can be excluded (not covered) or covered under separate policy limits.
California Department of Insurance is at the Poinsettia Pavilion to answer your questions and have the following handouts: So You’ve Had An Accident What’s Next, Residential Property Claims Guide and Home Inventory Guide.
by Dr. Brent Caplan and Dr. Tiffany Caplan-Central Coast Center for Integrative Health
The Thomas fire has caused tragic loss in our community. However, it is inspiring to see the community come together to support each other through this difficult time. One important thing to keep in mind is the health impact of the wildfires. We are not only inhaling smoke from trees and bushes, but also contaminants from houses, including toxic paints, plastics and chemicals. This can lead to oxidative damage and inflammatory destruction of our cells and tissues. The good news is we can take certain precautions to avoid the negative impacts of the smoke on our health.
HEPA Air Purifier
High efficiency (HEPA) air purifiers are a great way to improve your indoor air quality. You can put HEPA air purifiers in the rooms you spend most of your time in (i.e. living room, bedroom) or take one with you as you move around your house. Before you decide which purifier to buy, you should check out this ultimate guide to the best air purifiers in India to make sure you’re the buying the best one for your needs.
Stay Indoors
Make sure to keep windows closed and avoid spending excessive amounts of time outside. Do not exercise outside until the air quality clears up. Instead, exercise inside your home or at an indoor gym. If using your car’s air conditioning or heat while driving, set it to recycle the air from inside your car.
Particulate Mask
When going outside into a smoky area, wear a particulate mask (N-95 or P100). Dust masks and bandanas are ineffective against wildfire smoke.
Water, Water, Water
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of clean water. In some regions, loss of water pressure and water supply from fire-related power outages has compromised water sanitation. If you are in one of these regions, utilize bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least 1-minute before drinking or using it to cook.
Vitamin C
Inhaling smoke and ash will wreak havoc on your body and cause oxidative stress. Taking vitamin C is a great antioxidant that will combat this and help flush toxins out of your system.
Olive Oil
Research indicates that olive oil may counter the detrimental effects of exposure to air pollution. Utilizing extra virgin olive oil on salads or other foods may help your body combat the effects of the wild fire smoke.
1. Obtain a complete copy of your residential insurance policy, including your declarations page.
The law requires your insurance company to provide this to you free of charge within 30 days of
your request. Ask your agent or insurer representative to explain your relevant coverages.
2. Take note of your Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits and manage your ALE expenses in
recognition of a long rebuilding process.
3. Track all of your additional expenses that arise from having to live in another location away from
your home.
4. Document all of your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy
limitations. Ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in the policy being cited.
5. Get at least one licensed contractor’s estimate or bid on the cost to rebuild your home just to get
a reasonable sense of the actual cost as compared to your coverage limits (for more
considerations on contractors, view the CDI’s electronic brochure Don’t Get Burned After a
Disaster and check the website for California’s Contractors State License Board.
6. Call the Department of Insurance Hotline for help at (800) 927-4357. Consider insights from
consumer advocates.
7. Understand you can purchase at another location, and still receive full replacement cost
benefits. You also have the right to rebuild using your own contractor. In order to reduce the cost
of rebuilding, you might also consider a community wide development.
8. Assess your situation, do not rush into any decision about contractors, lawyers or public
adjustors – consider your mortgage/employment/financial situation, your age, children’s schools,
your willingness to deal with construction issues (no matter who your contractor is). Of course,
move forward if you have obtained multiple bids from reputable licensed contractors, are certain
you want to rebuild, are sure of the rebuilding costs and your insurance limits and want to be
sure you are a priority for your selected contractor to start the rebuild. The Contractors State
License Board (CSLB) has publications that can help you identify and avoid problems before
they occur. Contact CSLB at 1-800-321-2752 to obtain a free copy of their publications and/or
verify the licensing status of a contractor.
9. Do not assume you have inadequate coverage based on general information you are hearing
about building costs or other general comments. The adequacy of your limits needs to be
addressed on a case specific basis to determine how much it will cost to rebuild your home
and whether your limits, including extended replacement cost coverage if applicable, are
adequate.
10. Evaluate whether you will need a public adjustor or attorney to help you with your claim. Note
that for long rebuilding processes you are likely to use your entire ALE limits and if you are also
reimbursed by your insurer for your entire personal property loss or your full personal property
limits, then there may be no need for the assistance of a public adjustor or lawyer to help you
obtain full settlements for either of these coverages.
Public adjusters require a percentage of the claim settlement for their services. Make sure you
understand what they charge and the services you are paying for before you sign a contract.
Also, a public adjuster cannot charge a fee for payments already received from the insurance
company, so you should consider getting as much advance payment as possible from the
insurance company (without signing a final release) before hiring a public adjuster. This way the
fee may only be charged for the additional moneys the public adjuster gets for you, Public
adjusters are required to be licensed by the California Department of Insurance. To verify a
public adjuster’s license, call us at 1-800-927-4357 or check the status online by name or by
license number. Practicing without a license is against the law.
by your friends at Visit Ventura: Marlyss Auster, Cheryl Bagby, Michele Gilmour, Mike Laan, Fiorella Calderoni, Chelsea Soto, Lucas Suarez, and Michele Foster