Los Angeles Fires

[Saint John]

I can't imagine not living in CA. :p

you and me both! i'm a native and love this state. there is something to be said for the coast, redwoods, deserts, and mountains. though i may venture to the pacific northwest at some point.

Ditto. Born and raised in SoCal, and wouldn't trade my life here for anything.

And yes, I have seen nearly every state in the country up close and personal.

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

;^)

I moved to SilverLake in L.A. in 95. Where I live, the population was around 75% latino and the avg. house was 220,000. Now the population seems to be around 50% white, the avg. home goes for 1.2 million. I've never been harrassed by anyone or had a crime committed agianst me or my friends. All the latinos I see are working 6 days a week at jobs no one else will take. There are jobs available but if people don't want to work, let them go to people who need them. We keep bitching about illegals using up all the money for social services but nationwide whites are still the largest group on welfare.
Overall, California's not a perfect state but it could be a lot worse.

Believe me, I've been to California a few times and loved it. The problem is that there are certain parts of the state that are just completely overrun by gangs. The 18th Street gang alone has 25,000 members. That's just insane!!! I know that there are many cities and suburbs that are beautiful, but there are also ones that would scare the people of Fallujah!!! The budget is fucked and at times you don't even have power!!! I'm quite certain I could live in a place like Laguna Beach or any other number of suburbs, but as a whole I think the state has far more problems than any other.

[tammy]

It's Sunday night and the air is still heavy with ash in the valley...awful! I woke up early Sat. morning smelling smoke and thought it was our house (we live 10-15 miles from the fires here). Um, I'd gladly move out of SoCal (if it weren't for the other half's job)...no fresh air in the SF valley even when there aren't fires...too crowded, dirty, too much cement & not enough green...and too many child molesters living all over! It's really a city for singles, not families.

[Lula]

I have a wonderful friend who lives in Yorba Linda, CA....her family had to evacuate yesterday, they stayed with friends last night.

I spoke with her earlier today and they were headed back to their home to assess the damage, haven't spoken with her since...hope all is well.

I just can't imagine.

i was thinking about her i hope their home survived.

[Since 78]

Smokey in the OC! And for those Cali haters STFA! It will cut down on the SMOG! Thanks!!

[Andrew]

you CAN'T use ocean water to irrigate... it's salt water... salt water kills living things...

And forest fires don't?!?!?! I'd rather have a few acres of dead trees than a million acres, ruined homes, and displaced people. With all due respect, that was a really dumb comment.

we have the BEST firefighters fighting these fires. they're risking their lives to save people/animals/homes.

Yet they have a record about as good as the Detroit Lions.

Babe, live in bushfire country for a couple of years, then open your mouth, 'kay? Until then, shut yer trap. Some of us live with this, and ignorant 'outsiders' telling us how it should be done gets... I'll be polite and say 'tired'. Do you really think people just sit in this sort of country, shrug their shoulders and say 'oh well, nothing we can do' and let it burn? Every solution you could pull out of your arse has been considered. A few acres of dead trees? You aren't serious, surely? If it was only a few acres then there wouldn't be these sorts of fires. It's hundreds of thousands of square miles, and the reasons people LIVE there is bush/plantlife/whatever Americans call it
And like I said, even if you could fresh-water irrigate, it would make the situtation worse not better, by encouraging the undergrowth that acts as fast fuel and kindling.

Bingo.

Tassie is as dry as a dead dingo right now, with enough rain here and there only to help fuel that undergrowth a little further. Very worried about the upcoming summer (if it ever arrives...bloody cold here)

[Andrew]

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

John, I think the world of you, but you'd have to be semi-retarded to view a state that has 3 MILLION illegal immigrants, 500,000 gang members, rolling blackouts and the inability to put out a fucking fire as anything but the worst state in the union. That place is absolutely beautiful, but is inhabited by the worst people per capita. There are just way too many gangs, fugitive criminals (the numbers on that are staggering) and illegals. The place will be completely destroyed in less than 2 generations. It's a shithole.

Seriously dude, you need to STFU before you dig yourself into a hole you'll never get out of. Talk about ignorant.

I put up facts, dude. You want to ban me for that go right-a-fucking head. If you think that having 3 million undocumented lawbreakers and 500,000 thug gang members makes a state a great place to live then so be it. But I think I'm entitled to my opinion and I'll continue to voice it until further notice. And please don't worry about me digging myself into any holes. I like subterranean life.

Facts? Fuck me....

But don't worry about taking this opportunity to back down with any grace. Just keep digging. And for the record, I'm not about to ban you for being ignorant... it is up to you how you present yourself.

[Saint John]

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

John, I think the world of you, but you'd have to be semi-retarded to view a state that has 3 MILLION illegal immigrants, 500,000 gang members, rolling blackouts and the inability to put out a fucking fire as anything but the worst state in the union. That place is absolutely beautiful, but is inhabited by the worst people per capita. There are just way too many gangs, fugitive criminals (the numbers on that are staggering) and illegals. The place will be completely destroyed in less than 2 generations. It's a shithole.

Seriously dude, you need to STFU before you dig yourself into a hole you'll never get out of. Talk about ignorant.

I put up facts, dude. You want to ban me for that go right-a-fucking head. If you think that having 3 million undocumented lawbreakers and 500,000 thug gang members makes a state a great place to live then so be it. But I think I'm entitled to my opinion and I'll continue to voice it until further notice. And please don't worry about me digging myself into any holes. I like subterranean life.

Facts? Fuck me....

But don't worry about taking this opportunity to back down with any grace. Just keep digging.

Drew, all you had to say was "SJ, please stay out of this thread" (or just "Stay out of this thread.") and I would have. But your abrasive "STFU" comment seemed unnecessary. That said, I will politely apologize if I have offended any Californians and remove myself from this thread. G'day, mate.

[Arianddu]

Tassie is as dry as a dead dingo right now, with enough rain here and there only to help fuel that undergrowth a little further. Very worried about the upcoming summer (if it ever arrives...bloody cold here)

I know the feeling - I was up in the Adelaide Hills last week; all the trees are showing signs of water-stress, but there's been enough light rain recently that there's new green undergrowth shooting up everywhere. First three hot days and bang - perfect fire conditions.

Seems to be the same all over the country - I've got friends in Canberra who are two streets back from a pine plantation and seriously worried, given what happened the last time the ACT went up. Everyone's reservoirs are down, and there just seems to be enough late rain coming in to encourage quick growth, but not dampen things much.

As for Hobart still being cold, when it gets to 37+ degrees here in a few weeks, I'll look at your weather forcasts and curse you Then I'll remember I can go swimming in the ocean without getting cold well into late May!

[peridactyl]

dan... you have NO idea what you're talking about. first off you CAN'T use ocean water to irrigate... it's salt water... salt water kills living things... unless you live in the ocean. we have the BEST firefighters fighting these fires. they're risking their lives to save people/animals/homes. if you knew anything about our santa ana winds you would know that trying to put out a raging fire that is being fuled by dry brush & 70+ mph winds is pretty damn tough. embers are flying & staring fires everywhere. the wind is changing direction. these men & women are workin 24+ hours. most of them were in los angeles fighting the sylmar fire when the orange county fire started in corona.

for those that dis california... you can go fuck off now. }:C)

Absolutely you do! Did you know those guys have flown over to Australia on more than one occasion when we haven't had the manpower to deal with our bushfires (a fifth of the country went up in flames)? No words for how much respect I have for these people.

Bless you! I love Australia and it's honest down-to-earth people. My dearest friend, an Aussie expat to LA, just passed away and I miss his booming insults (he was a dear) so much. And you are right, firefighters are international nowadays. They are unsung heroes.

Thanks for the kind words and support.

[peridactyl]

I have a wonderful friend who lives in Yorba Linda, CA....her family had to evacuate yesterday, they stayed with friends last night.

I spoke with her earlier today and they were headed back to their home to assess the damage, haven't spoken with her since...hope all is well.

I just can't imagine.

i was thinking about her i hope their home survived.

I just heard over 1000 homes have been lost between the three fires. This is truly tragic.

[Arianddu]

dan... you have NO idea what you're talking about. first off you CAN'T use ocean water to irrigate... it's salt water... salt water kills living things... unless you live in the ocean. we have the BEST firefighters fighting these fires. they're risking their lives to save people/animals/homes. if you knew anything about our santa ana winds you would know that trying to put out a raging fire that is being fuled by dry brush & 70+ mph winds is pretty damn tough. embers are flying & staring fires everywhere. the wind is changing direction. these men & women are workin 24+ hours. most of them were in los angeles fighting the sylmar fire when the orange county fire started in corona.

for those that dis california... you can go fuck off now. }:C)

Absolutely you do! Did you know those guys have flown over to Australia on more than one occasion when we haven't had the manpower to deal with our bushfires (a fifth of the country went up in flames)? No words for how much respect I have for these people.

Bless you! I love Australia and it's honest down-to-earth people. My dearest friend, an Aussie expat to LA, just passed away and I miss his booming insults (he was a dear) so much. And you are right, firefighters are international nowadays. They are unsung heroes.

Thanks for the kind words and support.

Just hope you get those fires under control quickly and safely: insurance can cover property, but no insurance in the world is going to bring back a life. Fingers crossed no one is hurt.

[peridactyl]

dan... you have NO idea what you're talking about. first off you CAN'T use ocean water to irrigate... it's salt water... salt water kills living things... unless you live in the ocean. we have the BEST firefighters fighting these fires. they're risking their lives to save people/animals/homes. if you knew anything about our santa ana winds you would know that trying to put out a raging fire that is being fuled by dry brush & 70+ mph winds is pretty damn tough. embers are flying & staring fires everywhere. the wind is changing direction. these men & women are workin 24+ hours. most of them were in los angeles fighting the sylmar fire when the orange county fire started in corona.

for those that dis california... you can go fuck off now. }:C)

Absolutely you do! Did you know those guys have flown over to Australia on more than one occasion when we haven't had the manpower to deal with our bushfires (a fifth of the country went up in flames)? No words for how much respect I have for these people.

Bless you! I love Australia and it's honest down-to-earth people. My dearest friend, an Aussie expat to LA, just passed away and I miss his booming insults (he was a dear) so much. And you are right, firefighters are international nowadays. They are unsung heroes.

Thanks for the kind words and support.

Just hope you get those fires under control quickly and safely: insurance can cover property, but no insurance in the world is going to bring back a life. Fingers crossed no one is hurt.

So far I've not heard of any human loss. But fires are always horrible. i think of the wildlife...

Keeping fingers crossed for you guys having a safe season this year. I hear your worry.

[StoneCold]

There's been a few looters arrested. Low life scum. Jerry Maguire?

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me ... 5217.story

November 17, 2008
As news of weekend wildfire evacuations spread in the Southland, thieves took note.

In Porter Ranch, a man accidentally left open the rear sliding-glass door of his house and forgot to activate the security alarm when he evacuated the area Saturday morning. When he returned at about 12:30 p.m., he found two women packing their car with what he said were his family's belongings, Los Angeles police said.

The man, whose name was not released by police, flagged down three police officers temporarily assigned to the area. The officers checked the man's identification and confirmed that he owned the two-story house on Stewarton Drive, then handcuffed the women and began to question them, police said.

Gina Rios, 19, of North Hollywood and Sabrina Devens, 32, of Sherman Oaks told police they had come to the neighborhood to meet someone.

"They said they were waiting for a friend, Jerry," Officer Sandy Acevedo said Sunday, recounting the previous day's incident.

"Jerry who?" Acevedo asked.

"Jerry Maguire," the women replied.

As in the movie starring Tom Cruise?

"They said that it was a real person," Acevedo said. "They were unable to give us a phone number or address or any kind of other information."

Officers searched the women's pockets. Rios was found to have $43, allegedly taken from a nightstand in the house, and keys to the family's Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes, Acevedo said.

Officers also found numerous items allegedly taken from the house -- including a crystal fruit plate, an Xbox, a Louis Vuitton bag, a Coach wallet and Polo sneakers -- inside the women's green Infiniti sedan.

Police arrested Rios and Devens on suspicion of burglary and each were being held Sunday on $50,000 bail.

Acevedo said she hoped other residents, should they have to evacuate, remember to lock all doors and windows and to activate alarm systems.

"He was very lucky that we were patrolling in that area," Acevedo said of the Porter Ranch homeowner.

LAPD Sgt. Tim Walters said Sunday that three looting arrests were made to the east in the Mission Hills police division Saturday. He said he could not remember whether looting arrests occurred during previous fires in the area.

"Folks are generally devastated by this stuff, and they stay away," he said. "But you have your opportunists."

Walters said he was concerned that some residents were leaving doors and windows either unlocked or open because they mistakenly believed that would help firefighters enter and defend their homes.

"I know there's a rumor going around that the department wants the doors open so they can get in, that it's easier. They don't. It actually makes it easier for the fire to spread if the doors are open," and wind blows in with sparks, embers and other fire debris, Walters said.

Walters urged residents to lock their homes to prevent looting.

"If the fire department needs to, they'll get in," he said.

[treetopovskaya]

landslides

you CAN'T use ocean water to irrigate... it's salt water... salt water kills living things...

And forest fires don't?!?!?! I'd rather have a few acres of dead trees than a million acres, ruined homes, and displaced people. With all due respect, that was a really dumb comment.

we have the BEST firefighters fighting these fires. they're risking their lives to save people/animals/homes.

Yet they have a record about as good as the Detroit Lions.

[Tito]

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

John, I think the world of you, but you'd have to be semi-retarded to view a state that has 3 MILLION illegal immigrants, 500,000 gang members, rolling blackouts and the inability to put out a fucking fire as anything but the worst state in the union. That place is absolutely beautiful, but is inhabited by the worst people per capita. There are just way too many gangs, fugitive criminals (the numbers on that are staggering) and illegals. The place will be completely destroyed in less than 2 generations. It's a shithole.

Seriously dude, you need to STFU before you dig yourself into a hole you'll never get out of. Talk about ignorant.

What are you talking about foreigner, that number is accurate.

[Arianddu]

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

John, I think the world of you, but you'd have to be semi-retarded to view a state that has 3 MILLION illegal immigrants, 500,000 gang members, rolling blackouts and the inability to put out a fucking fire as anything but the worst state in the union. That place is absolutely beautiful, but is inhabited by the worst people per capita. There are just way too many gangs, fugitive criminals (the numbers on that are staggering) and illegals. The place will be completely destroyed in less than 2 generations. It's a shithole.

Seriously dude, you need to STFU before you dig yourself into a hole you'll never get out of. Talk about ignorant.

What are you talking about foreigner, that number is accurate.

Foreigner? I thought he was an Australian.

[Voyager]

I understand that California is by far the most fucked up state in the country, but is it asking too much to run some irrigation through these fucking forests? Especially considering the state borders the God damn OCEAN!!!

The other issue in the California wildfires is what is called the 'wildland urban interface'. This is another fuel issue. There are aesthetic, spiritual, and cultural reasons to want homes surrounded by forests, but this can create 'fuel continuity', so that a fire can spread through the forest up to the house. Some 'fireproofing' can be done by including firebreaks and considerable distance between the building and the forest. How much of a difference these sorts of firebreaks can make is the subject of ongoing research.

http://www.fsc.yorku.ca/drupal/jpodur/? ... awildfires

[Voyager]

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

John, I think the world of you, but you'd have to be semi-retarded to view a state that has 3 MILLION illegal immigrants, 500,000 gang members, rolling blackouts and the inability to put out a fucking fire as anything but the worst state in the union. That place is absolutely beautiful, but is inhabited by the worst people per capita. There are just way too many gangs, fugitive criminals (the numbers on that are staggering) and illegals. The place will be completely destroyed in less than 2 generations. It's a shithole.

Seriously dude, you need to STFU before you dig yourself into a hole you'll never get out of. Talk about ignorant.

What are you talking about foreigner, that number is accurate.

Foreigner? I thought he was an Australian.

True... this is an Australian forum. Us USA citizens are the foreigners.

[Voyager]

"Most fucked up state?" Talk about a loon...

John, I think the world of you, but you'd have to be semi-retarded to view a state that has 3 MILLION illegal immigrants, 500,000 gang members, rolling blackouts and the inability to put out a fucking fire as anything but the worst state in the union. That place is absolutely beautiful, but is inhabited by the worst people per capita. There are just way too many gangs, fugitive criminals (the numbers on that are staggering) and illegals. The place will be completely destroyed in less than 2 generations. It's a shithole.

I have to agree with you (not about John being retarded). I visited Los Angeles twice last year, and I could not believe how fucked up it is. I love the city itself, but because of the illegal immigrant population it has been completely ruined. I went into a Sprint store and they had to go get a manager who spoke English to talk to me. The radio station playing on the speakers was in Spanish. The WalMart had only Spanish DVD movies in the checkout lanes. I bumped into a guy on the highway in stop-and-go traffic, and when I pulled up alongside of him, he said "No speaka English... please no calla police" and took off racing away. These millions of illegal immigrants have literally taken the city over. There is graffiti everywhere. Over 90% of the top 100 most-wanted fugitives are illegal immigrants. I called the mayor's office to complain about it and they dumped me into a Spanish voice mail. Go figure.

It was cool seeing Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but I would not want to live there.

[Saint John]

I have to agree with you (not about John being retarded).

Let me very clear that I respect John's opinion very much and that I was not referring to him as much as I was being a smart ass.

I visited Los Angeles twice last year, and I could not believe how fucked up it is. I love the city itself, but because of the illegal immigrant population it has been completely ruined. I went into a Sprint store and they had to go get a manager who spoke English to talk to me. The radio station playing on the speakers was in Spanish. The WalMart had only Spanish DVD movies in the checkout lanes. I bumped into a guy on the highway in stop-and-go traffic, and when I pulled up alongside of him, he said "No speaka English... please no calla police" and took off racing away. These millions of illegal immigrants have literally taken the city over. There is graffiti everywhere. Over 90% of the top 100 most-wanted fugitives are illegal immigrants. I called the mayor's office to complain about it and they dumped me into a Spanish voice mail. Go figure.

It was cool seeing Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but I would not want to live there.

This is much of what I was referring to. I promised Andrew I would stay clear of this thread, but I felt the need to clarify my comments that may have seemed directed at johnroxx.

[Voyager]

Let me very clear that I respect John's opinion very much and that I was not referring to him as much as I was being a smart ass.

I know.

[Tito]

This fire isn't going to effect Cain's or Schon's house will it? Not sure where they live.

[bluejeangirl76]

This fire isn't going to effect Cain's or Schon's house will it? Not sure where they live.

I must be in a good mood. I had a killer reply for that by my soft side said "No don't post that, you monster, that's just horrible." (my asshole side flipped the soft side off with both hands and and stomped away, but at least she shut up)

[Sarah]

This fire isn't going to effect Cain's or Schon's house will it? Not sure where they live.

Dunno where Jon lives but Neal is in the bay area... not even close...

[Don]

This is my friends complex right before the flames hit ( shot from the 91 freeway as they were leaving)




This is yesterday at their neighbors building about 30 feet from the beginning of their building.

[bluejeangirl76]

This fire isn't going to effect Cain's or Schon's house will it? Not sure where they live.

Dunno where Jon lives but Neal is in the bay area... not even close...

I read Marin County... is that right?

(and how does Tito not already know where Jon lives? )

[Deb]

So sorry for your friends, Gbot. That's awful.

Only Cali friend I haven't heard from in days is Indyjoe. Where is she? Tree, is she by any of the fires?

[Tito]

This fire isn't going to effect Cain's or Schon's house will it? Not sure where they live.

Dunno where Jon lives but Neal is in the bay area... not even close...

Thank god, they're safe.

[Rhiannon]

I'm reading about fire tornadoes? I didn't know such a thing existed...

[stevew2]

This fire isn't going to effect Cain's or Schon's house will it? Not sure where they live.

You know exactly where they live.That Malibu s been parked outside Frigas ranch many a night,dont bullshit me dick bobbler