Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

From the inside

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.

Insurance understanding is key to recovery

by Sheli Ellsworth

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.

Protect your health during the California fires

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.

Ventura Land Trust was very lucky

by staff

One week ago, Ventura was forever changed by the Thomas Fire. Ventura Land Trust was very lucky. No one on our staff or Board of Trustees lost their home, our office at the Poinsettia Pavilion still stands and many people have stepped up with offers of love, support, and assistance.

Please know, that our hearts are with all of you. We love this community and for the past 15 years have worked tirelessly to protect what makes it beautiful. We know that it will be beautiful again!

Our thoughts go out to the more 7,000 brave first responders, firefighters and every day heroes from around the country who continue battling the relentless flames. We are humbled by their bravery and have faith that they will soon bring the fire under control.

Today, we are taking time to clean the ash from our office, assess the damage to our preserves and, most importantly, count our blessings. In the coming weeks and months, as our community heals and the rebuilding begins, we will need your help. Burned areas will be cleared, trees will be planted, wildlife will return and eventually, the rains will come bringing an abundance of wildflowers.

Keep an eye on our website for future opportunities to help us heal the land. We are forever #VenturaStrong.

Just a very few Ventura Heroes

by Victoria Usher

Battling the fires in Ventura has been tough to say the least and one of those neighborhoods just south of Arroyo Verde was no different. The reason that the entire neighborhood didn’t burn was because of all the efforts of everyday citizens who were out there for more than 10-12 hours fighting hot spot fires all over the neighborhood. A few of those great citizens heroes were Eric Jarl (who stopped ten foot tall flames under his back porch at 4:00am after driving all night from Stockton), Mark Perry who helped knock down fence fires , Robert Washington and his friend Sean Ardouin and lastly George Brown.

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Dunn (suggested by Lyn Fairly)were driving around looking at the fire damage when they came upon a couple who were digging into the ruins of a burned-out motor home and horse trailer. The horse trailer was actually the man’s work shop, he was making jewelry as his business and they lived together in the motor home. Everything they owned including their business was completely lost in the fire. The trailer and the workshop contained gold, silver, jewelry, precious stones, pearls, and the tools needed to make the jewelry.

Their 10-year-old daughter’s toys that she’d bought for Christmas with a $100 shopping spree that she’d won with the firefighters were all gone because of the fire. Then on top of everything else they also lost their dog. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, their daughter Patti, and their son in law William decided to spend the greater part of the afternoon helping them dig, rummage, and try to rescue some of that material and they were successful to a point. They gave them some cash for the night and directed them to the perfect place to ask for assistance and then both families exchanged their phone numbers. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are Ventura heroes and they now have some new friends too.

Hooray for Hector Andrade, the Poinsettia Pavilion’s caretaker for more than 20 years. On Monday night, as the fire raced down Ventura’s hillsides, Hector, his wife, Joanne, and son, Hector, Jr., saw it coming and turned on the sprinklers, grabbed hoses and shovels and fought back the flames. With danger closing in, Hector refused to leave until the firefighters arrived. He stayed across the street and once they allowed him to return, he was back at it putting out hot spots and protecting the building throughout the night. We are convinced that if it were not for Hector and his family, the Poinsettia Pavilion would be nothing but a memory.

These are the unsung heroes you usually never hear about but if not for their efforts we would have lost many more homes. Also, a huge thanks to all the firefighters who did show up! I believe you saved a lot of Ventura. Hats off to these heroes!

The alarm

by writer with heart, Karen Leslie

For many Venturians, the morning wake up alarm in the wee hours on Monday
wasn’t with a yawn at dawn and the smell of coffee. Instead, in a state of shock and disbelief,
they were yanked out of their dream state into a nightmare. With eyes burning, lungs filled with
smoke and terror abound, the core and foundations of not only their homes were shaken, but for
many, life as they knew it had been turned to ashes. With just enough time to grab a child, they
were escorted out of harm’s way by our hard working police officers and firemen and taken to
safe havens.

Still days later, many evacuees cannot return to their homes that still stand and
some families can only revisit what was left of their lives. Even in the darkness of the soul moments,
a rising up of the human spirit becomes palatable, resilient, tenacious and strong!

With new eyes of insight, we realize happiness cannot be bought or worn and that it is enough
that lives were saved. With hearts overflowing, we reflect and rebuild new foundations with
gratitude and compassion for our fellow human beings.

Together, we stood in the eye of the storm with open hands for the good of all and our community.
Because when it is all said and done, it is about the love of friends, neighbors and family that matter most.

Our Ventura cup runneth over!

We are Ventura – Part I

“No volunteers needed today.”

by Jennifer Tipton

On Thursday, Dec. 7th I visited the Ventura County Fairgrounds, one of three shelters set up by the American Red Cross.

The billboard at the entrance read “Thomas Fire Evacuees Proceed to Garden Street Gate”. At the main parking lot were firetrucks from our neighbors in Los Angeles, Tehama County, Susan River and Hanford (to name just a few), search and rescue vehicles, campers and RVs seeking refuge. Members of the Santa Maria Fire Department, there since day one said they had very little sleep. One emphasized, “this town has been so kind, we’ve never been treated so well!”

A fire fighter from Riverside showed me 2 large boards, one mapping the fire’s activity and the other tallying vehicles and personnel. Currently there were 12 helicopters, 28 hand crews, 471 engines, 26 dozers, 2509 total personnel and 7 water tenders (these carry 1200-3000 gallons of water each).

At the Garden Street entrance, a sign read “no volunteers needed today”. Walking up to the main building, another sign read “no donations needed today” – in only 2 days the need for help and donations had been met!

Outside the main building were mobile medical clinics, a long line of portable toilets and a large portable shower. There were cases upon cases of bottled water stacked against the outside of the building. Michael, a volunteer, told me, “the water is literally overflowing”. Large boxes of assorted clothing were available for those in need.

Inside the main building security officers stood safeguarding the occupants and sign in sheets were required before entering. I braced myself for heartache but surprisingly the energy was upbeat!

Fred Mariscal, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, made it clear, “everyone is welcome here, we don’t even ask for ID!” There were 225 evacuees in the shelter, 450 when it first opened and once as many as 600. “It’s always changing”, Fred said.

Looking like a small city, evacuees were referred to as “residents”. Hundreds of cots stood side by side, some with personal blankets and pillows and some with only the American Red Cross blanket waiting for yet another displaced neighbor. A baby changing station was loaded with supplies, WiFi was available and many of the mobile phone providers were present with stations to charge phones. Resources were available for advice and guidance and barbers were giving free haircuts!

Face painting was provided by McKenna Sullivan age 19 evacuated from her home in Carpinteria Wednesday, staying with Merrick Brunker, also age 19. Merrick lives below Foothill and North Petit, right under the mandatory evacuation. McKenna told me, “we’re here because I wanted to help.”

The Medical Reserve Core (an emergency response group comprised of doctors, nurses and numerous others) were inside the building. Marcie Marino, an E.M.T. for 17 years said, “I am amazed with all the donations, this community has really come out to help!” The greatest medical attention provided was to splint a finger.

Ventura County’s Behavioral Health staff were present with printed information such as, “Tips for Survivors” and other related topics. “Sometimes it takes 3-5 days until it really hits you”, said Mary Burau, Clinic Administrator.

The Salvation Army coordinated the food. Randy Stokes alongside his wife Jaime, both Cadets volunteered. Randy said, “lots of restaurants are reaching out to help.”

I met resident 96-year-old Charlotte Marchetti, a Ventura homeowner in Clearpoint, where she has lived for 40 years. “I don’t know what happened, they woke me up Monday night about 9:30 and said you have to evacuate, it happened so fast, this was the only place I could think to come!” Charlotte was sitting on her cot looking quite calm, and added, “we didn’t have time to grab anything except a little cash, cause I didn’t know if my house would still be there…”

“Is it?”, I asked.

“Yes, it is!”, she beamed.

Charlotte didn’t know when she could return to home, “they won’t let us back in until they check gas lines and wiring.”

Veronica Estrada, a volunteer with Gold Coast helped with transportation to doctor appointments, dialysis (there were two dialysis patients), refills from the pharmacy and oxygen needs, all services coordinated with the Health Department.

Leaving the fairgrounds, I felt a renewed sense of hope, amidst the disaster was an enormous spirit of compassion.

We will recover, and we will rebuild because We Are Ventura!