San Diego Fires (October-November 2007)

Letters from Executive Presbyter, Rev Dr Clark Cowden

: Response to California Wildfires; New: Videos of Interviews with; Rev Dr Clark Cowden; Rev Neal Nybo; Rev Dr Jack Baca

: San Diego firestorm

Need Help - Can Help

If you need, or can offer: food, clothing, shelter . . .: Please e-mail: OfficeMgr@PresbyterySD.org
or call: 619 224-2490

Emergency Funds

Fire Relief Fund - PSD - Presbytery of San Diego: call: 619 224-2490 - e-mail: mBorgman@PresbyterySD.org
Designated Funds can be given through your Presbyterian Churches.: Put Fire Relief - PSD in the check memo.; (Churches may also be administering their own Fire Relief Funds.)

News links

BLOG: Rancho Santa Fe Fire Village Church
City of San Diego
SignOnSanDiego
Gmap of fire areas
CNN.US: e-mail Web@PresbyterySD.org to suggest better links - thanks!

In the news — SignOnSanDiego Sat 27 Oct 07: At a special service at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church on Thursday night, people sang hymns and prayed for strength.; . . .
In Rancho Santa Fe, Village Community Presbyterian Church has served as a kind of ground zero for fire crews and support services (services tomorrow at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; 6225 Paseo Delicias).
In the news — SignOnSanDiego Fri 26 Oct 07: 57 RBCPC families lost homes to Witch fire; RANCHO BERNARDO – Inside the sanctuary, where the air hung heavy with the acrid smell of spent smoke, they hugged and kissed as if they hadn't seen each other in a lifetime. [. . . whole story is about RBCPC]

Shelters

Chula Vista Presbyterian Church - Family Life Center: click for contact info
Faith Presbyterian Church: click for contact info
Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church: click for contact info
Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana: click for contact info
La Jolla Presbyterian Church: click for contact info
Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church: click for contact info
Solana Beach Presbyterian Church: evacuated
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido: click for contact info

Letters from Executive Presbyter, Rev Dr Clark Cowden

7:00 a.m. PDT, Friday, 26 Oct 07
We’ve a Story to Tell
It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of the first week of our trial by fire. One of the things we have learned this week is that everyone has a story to tell.
There’s the story of the 21 people from the Fallbrook Presbyterian Church who were evacuated from their homes. They were looking for a place to go, so they drove up the freeway to Orange County, and just showed up on the doorstep of the San Clemente Presbyterian Church looking for a place to stay. The people in San Clemente immediately opened up their homes and welcomed them in with warm hospitality. People have still not been allowed back into Fallbrook.
There’s the story of the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church which called a special worship service for last night and ended up with a sanctuary packed full of people. People wanted to be together to talk about what they had been experiencing this week. They brought the city manager and five firefighters up to the front of the sanctuary, and everyone spontaneously rose and gave them a standing ovation. They asked for prayer for fire fighters who were still battling the blazes, some of whom have been awake for 36-48 hours straight.
There’s the story of the Reality Changers, whom the church invited forward at the service last night also. Reality Changers is a ministry of the Presbytery of San Diego to low income (mostly Hispanic) teenagers. These are students who come from families where no one has graduated from college before. These students not only learn about Christ, but they are given hope and skills to go to college. They now have students receiving full ride scholarships to places like Harvard. Their reality is changing. They worked the night shift at Qualcomm Stadium this week, making sure people were warm enough, and setting up for breakfast in the morning.
There’s the story of the shelter at Qualcomm Stadium. It’s hard to believe it is already closing down today. After housing 12,000 people just 4-5 days ago, enough people have been able to return to their homes or find other housing, that they don’t need to keep it open. That and the fact that the Chargers have a home football game on Sunday.
Everyone has a story to tell. From the 54 families of the Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church whose homes have been destroyed, to those who have a layer of soot on their patio furniture, to those who look up at the dark haze in the sky, to the students who got an unexpected week off from school, to those who were glued to their TV sets, everyone has a story to tell. That’s part of our identity as followers of Jesus Christ. We have a story to tell, that is part of a larger story, about how God breaks into our world in unexpected ways, in unexpected times, in unexpected places. We are called to lovingly share this good news with people around us. At one of our presbytery gatherings yesterday, someone asked what group of people we wanted to focus on helping. Rev. Bill Neely, our Presbyterian Disaster Assistance representative from Greenville, North Carolina said, “Everyone Jesus loves.”
And then there is my story. I moved to San Diego four weeks ago. Why is this happening to me? I did not anticipate that I would be caught up in this story, but here I am. Probably most of us did not anticipate this, but here we are, so what will we do? We are called to be God’s missional people, sent into the world God created and loves. God has a mission and God’s mission has a church. Someone has said that life is what happens when you are making other plans. I understand that now.
The motto of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is “Out of chaos, hope”. That is part of the message of the gospel. That is part of our story. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says, “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.” We are a resilient people. We will learn things about ourselves and Christ that we never knew before. We will learn to talk about things with one another that we wouldn’t have shared otherwise.
People have called from all over the country asking what they can do. One thing you can do is tell your story. I have a story. You have a story. We all have a story. Other people need to hear them because these stories can bring hope out of chaos.
Clark Cowden Executive Presbyter ClarkCowden@PresbyterySD.org
619 244-2490

6:00 a.m. PDT, Thursday, 25 Oct 07
Yesterday, the Revs. Neal Nybo, Ray Sparling, and Joe Farrell convened a gathering of about 25 members of the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church to begin organizing to meet the needs of this hard hit area. One of their members, a city councilman, is opening up a “one stop shop” near the church for returning homeowners to register for city services and report damage to their property. It’s amazing to see a group jump to life so quickly when some had just returned to their homes the day before, some were still evacuated, and one person was there even though a tree was still leaning on the roof of her house. Some of those present had lived through the fires four years ago, so they had learned some valuable lessons from that tragedy. Our representatives from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance were very helpful to us in this meeting.
I drove from there with the Rev. Jan Farley to the Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe. This community is still evacuated, so we had to stop at the military roadblock and get permission to enter. They let us through because the Village church has become the command center for many of the fire fighting units in the area who have come in from all across the state. We had stopped at the grocery store and purchased more food, drinks, ice, batteries, ibuprofen, and sore throat lozenges for the fire fighters. When we arrived at the church, we met the senior pastor, Rev. Jack Baca, who has now returned to his manse, after there were fires on three sides of the house. Volunteers were at the church providing food, cots, air mattresses, and TVs for the fire fighters to watch the disaster coverage. The Presbyterian church has showers in their rest rooms for the fire fighters, which they appreciate. One firefighter drove their truck over 24 hours straight to get here, then promptly laid down on the ground and went to sleep! Today, the church will become the main check-in point for people as they return to their homes and as they report damage and sign up for city services.
Yesterday afternoon, the Presbytery of San Diego’s secretary/receptionist and her husband were allowed to return to their home, so we are thankful for that. Today, we are hosting a meeting in the northern end of the presbytery and one in the southern end for church leaders to share what is going on, what is needed, and coordinate our efforts for moving forward. It has been said that “Rome burned while Nero fiddled.” Rest assured, that is not happening here.
What is NOT needed here is donations of used clothing. What IS needed here are gift cards from stores like Target, Penneys, and Home Depot, that can be given out to people so they can buy the clothing, personal, and household items that they need. Yesterday, Wal Mart donated $1 million to the fire relief efforts.
Firefighters said last night that they anticipate that the fires will be contained by next Wednesday, October 31st. The winds are dying down and the temperatures are coming down, but the areas where the fires are burning are still not safe. One evacuated homeowner said, “The hardest part in all of this is not letting the panic get to you."
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and offers to help. A special thanks goes out to all the people and churches who donate every year to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, whose proceeds are put to use in disaster situations like this. Please know that we appreciate your gifts!
Clark Cowden Executive Presbyter ClarkCowden@PresbyterySD.org
619 244-2490

7:30 a.m. PDT, Wednesday, 24 Oct 07
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Like you, I have watched the news of the fires with distress and concern as to how we as Presbyterians might respond. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the many calls and e-mails expressing your desire to help. Our response will be ongoing and long-term, but for now here is what I believe we can do.
First and most important is to pray. Pray for those who have and will lose their homes that they will overcome the grief and loss. Pray for those who have been evacuated that God will surround them with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Pray for those who are responding to this disaster that God will use their skills and protect them.
Second, call your family and friends to check on them and offer your home if you can to give them shelter and safety.
Third, have your people gather to share their stories and listen with a compassionate heart.
Fourth, you can gather people together to assemble emergency clean-up buckets and hygiene kits for those who have been evacuated and those who will be returning home. The items needed for these are listed below.
And fifth, the presbytery will be hosting two Fire Relief Response meetings on Thursday, October 25. One will be at 10:00 am at the: Solana Beach Presbyterian Church
120 Stevens Ave.; Solana Beach [contact/Gmap]
The other meeting will be at 2:00 pm. at the: Faith Presbyterian Church; 5075 Campanile Drive; San Diego, 92115 [contact/Gmap]
(Both meetings will take place this Thursday, Oct 25). At these identical meetings, we will be sharing the most recent information we have about the extent of the damage and what you and your church can do to help. We want to hear from you what needs you know of and what skills your people can share.
If you can’t come to the meetings on Thursday, please call or e-mail us with any important information that you have.
Grateful to be serving with you,
Clark Cowden Executive Presbyter ClarkCowden@PresbyterySD.org
619 244-2490

7:30 a.m. PDT, Tuesday, 23 Oct 07
Here is the latest information that we have learned:: Over 200,000 acres have burned already and it is approaching 300,000 burned acres; Over 300,000 people have been evacuated from their homes - this is the largest evacuation in the United States since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; 25,000 customers are now without power; All schools remain closed today; Many roads are closed; People are encouraged to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel can move around easily; People are encouraged to stay indoors because of the poor air quality; Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar has declared a state of emergency for San Diego county and six other counties; President George W. Bush has declared a federal emergency; Fortunately, the loss of life has been minimal, as people have responded quickly to their evacuation calls; Most of the injuries are to firefighters - please keep them in your prayers; The weather is not cooperating - winds are still expected to blow from 40-60 mph today; The weather and the winds are still unpredictable; Mandatory evacuations are still in effect for parts of Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, Scripps Ranch, and areas from there towards the coast; About 8,000 - 10,000 people spent the night at Qualcomm Stadium. The situation there is very orderly and proceeding well. Plenty of volunteers showed up yesterday and last night, and we are grateful for that.; This morning is one of the most critical times of the fire.; Local residents are being asked to reduce their power usage and cell phone usage today.; Damage assessment teams will begin going out today as conditions permit
Needs:: The Qualcomm Stadium location is in need of food, water, cots, and pillows. Please take these to gate A3.; Other sites have been set up for evacuees at Chula Vista Presbyterian Church, Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church, La Jolla Presbyterian Church, and Faith Presbyterian Church. [see above]; You can also contact the Red Cross and other relief agencies to see what they need.; The greatest need right now is assisting those people who have been forced to evacuate their homes - their food, water, shelter, etc. Because the fires are still out of control, nobody has been allowed back into the burn areas to assess the long term damage, and what will be needed in the most affected areas. As this information becomes available, we will do our best to share it with you. In the meantime, please pray for firefighters, emergency personnel, medical workers, and evacuees.; Donations are being accepted to the Presbytery of San Diego Fire Relief Fund. As we move forward, the presbytery will be coordinating with local congregational leaders, community relief workers, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance workers to do everything we can.
Times are tough, but people are responding in amazing ways. The community has been very resilient and we know this will continue.

Clark Cowden Executive Presbyter ClarkCowden@PresbyterySD.org
619 224-2490: Isaiah 43:2 click

10 a.m. PDT, Monday, 22 Oct 07
Dear Presbytery of San Diego,
You are all aware of the dangerous situation going on right now with the fires in our area. There is a great deal of concern for people across our community because of fires that have happened in the past, and the fact that they are not contained at this point. Information is changing by the minute, so by the time you read this, the situation may have changed many times. We want you to be aware of some things that are going on:: 1) We talked to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance first thing this morning, and they are sending two people out here as soon as possible to help coordinate the relief efforts that are arising as we speak.; 2) We are contacting other local agencies such as the Red Cross and the mayor's office so that we can help communicate to people where they can get help from.; 3) The Presbytery has a special Fire Relief Fund that was set up when the fires happened a few years ago. Individuals and churches that would like to make financial donations to this fund can do so by contacting the presbytery office. The funds will be administered by the Presbytery Council.; 4) Our presbytery office staff have prayed for all of you this morning. In times like this, we are reminded how dependant we are on God, Who is in control when we are not. Isaiah 43:2 says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fires, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
God does not keep the fires from coming into our lives, but God is with us as we walk through them, promising to give us what we need.; 5) A few initial reports: we know that Chula Vista has opened up their family life center for people needing assistance. We know that Rev. Bruce Humphreys from Rancho Bernardo got his family out of their home in the nick of time shortly after 5:00 this morning. The home probably did not survive, but everyone is safe.; 6) You can get more information by contacting the presbytery office at www.PresbyterySD.org or 619 224-2490.
Our prayers are with you and let's stay in touch.
Clark Cowden Executive Presbyter ClarkCowden@PresbyterySD.org

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