Home > Fellowship Plaza Apt. A202
In Two Weeks
On the 8th of October, major fires broke out in areas of Santa Rosa along with 12 other locations. Hot, dry weather combined with strong winds spread the fires so rapidly that many houses and buildings were burned down.
 
Victims of the houses that were burned down along with others were ordered to be evacuated from the area affected by the fire.
 
Also affected were the vineyards and acres of grapes and farms were burned in Napa Valley. People from this area also had to evacuate. From this fire, 48 people had died and 40 other people were declared missing. Over 6,800 houses and buildings were burned down.

From all those disaster, many people were heavy hearted hearing from the news of the fire damage. From the North came many black soot and ashes along with the smell of burning. Even where I reside, 150 miles away had ashes fall on my car. I heard from someone residing in San Francisco (only mere 50 miles away) said their car was covered with thick layer of ashes. From the news, it was advised to use a smoke mask and not go outside but rather to have exercise indoors.
 
Over 9,000 fire fighters were involved to put out the blazes. Many of them had put their lives in the line to do so as well. Many of the houses were burned, and so many had to be evacuated. Evacuees were numbered at over 90,000! I wondered if this was the first time if fire of this magnitude was like this scale had ever happened in Northern California. From the sky, helicopters took pictures of the houses that looked like bombs had gone off and left a very violent remainder scene behind; smoldering in the fire’s awake.
 
In spite of all this turn of events, where many of hearts were still warming, there were so much show of care and love to neighbors which was so valuable. From Australia 125 fire fighters were sent to help with the blaze, along with 10 other states that had sent in reinforcement for the fire. The fire which looked impossible to put out at first glance, were finally put at rest with the help and through unity of firefighters.
 
One thing I witnessed that showed people’s dedication was when firefighters went into smaller roads, deeper in the mountains to knock door by door shouting “anyone in there?” Also moving people to shelters bravely made me bow my head in awe.
 
Hearing the evacuation orders, one family in particular did something amazing. They left a small note of thank you on a small table along with several bottles of juice and water for them to drink. I knew they were leaving in hurry but the small care that shows. How amazing is it? Also I heard that another restaurant not directly affected the fire but nearby had given food for free. This is another amazing story. Beautiful! This shows the power of love and unity is even more powerful than what Mother Nature had brought us. One of the small reasons why the fire had gone down fast was because of the small, but thankful rain. Also the weather had slowly turned cooler. Because the power of human is limited, God had helped with this timely weather and rain.
 
The one thing that made my eyes tear was, after the fire had been put to rest, many people from the city authority came out daily to give updates on what had happened. After giving a police and fire report of the situation, a government official lady gave thanks to the firefighters. Then she finished this, “this past time was of sorrow and despair. However, we must rekindle our hopes for the brighter future!” That is so true. We cannot look back into things that are gone, but to look forward and with unity to rebuild the burned out city from start again.
 
In the Bay Area sports team, there is the Warriors – and one of the members, a World Champion Team member who’s surname is Thompson suggested in order to help with the fire relief, he proposed that in the next 3 home games, every time he makes a point he would donate 1,000 dollars! His average shootout points playing at home are 21. He is positive that he would be able to score at least 60~70 points. I thank him that he is able to raise relief fund this way. Also other famous bands, musicians and such would open a concert for the fire relief. All fire victims were awarded the best seat of the house.
 
In yesterday’s news, apparently it will take up to 3 years to rebuild all those burned out houses. To go back to the previous state, another 10years or so would be required. I pray that in unity these people would be able to witness their town renew, back into what it once was.
 
Currently the air is fresh, and the skies are clear. One of the last fires to ever erupt was in Bear Creek –literally one mountain away. At that time the air was so bad. I am not certain, but I am sure because of the frequent fire and the burning sky, my vision had somewhat dimmed. Must be from the fire in Santa Cruz? I have no clue, but I feel like in my left eye, there is something small always seems to be on my eye and come to the center of my eye then disappear. Perhaps I should go see an optometrist….
 
(October 25th, 2017)
Number Title Reference
79 ​Why?
78 In My Final Residence ((寓居處)
77 eSA (Extended Stay America) Room 210 (5)
76 eSA (Extended Stay America) Room 210 (4)
75 eSA (Extended Stay America) Room 210 (3)
74 eSA (Extended Stay America) Room 210 (2)
73 eSA (Extended Stay America) Room 210 (1)
72 ​T. J. Max
71 ​Of 3,000 Manuscripts
70 In Two Weeks
69 A Dozen Cereal Boxes?
68 Hand in Hand 2017 Campaign
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