Bush is going to visit on Thursday (San Diego, Santa Ana: relocate, showing)

[american_life]

Has it been announced where?

[18Montclair]

As If the fire werent enough.

[Sampaguita]

In response, I guess, to his sluggish response to Katrina? I'd rather he stay in DC & do his job instead of coming out here to tour at great cost to the taxpayers.

Here's what gets me (from the Washington Post 2005):

In 2000, when jet fuel prices were lower, the GAO estimated that flying Air Force One cost $54,100 per hour, or $60,250 in today's dollars.

Excluding security and aircraft costs, the White House has estimated that staff costs on presidential trips average between $22,000 and $59,000

Anyone want to do the calculations adjusted for 2007 and tell us how much Bush's trip out west is going to cost?

[UB50]

The trip is going to cost too much! He should stay home and show Americans how to conserve!

Not only that -- what is the purpose of showing up on the 5th day of this whole thing? Is he going to come with the "Mission Accomplished" banner and hold a press conference talking about the great FEMA response to this disaster?

Frankly, I don't even think Chertoff needed to show up this time. And I think we should all count our blessings that Michael Brown wasn't involved in the emergency response.

[UB50]

I just read this: FEMA faces wildfire, Katrina comparisons - CNN.com

and it made me ill! Where was FEMA on Monday? Those evacuation centers were set up by whoever was in charge in San Diego -- not FEMA! Everything moves smooth in California because we know we are going to have disasters.

Anyway, I hope people in other states don't count on FEMA stepping up to the plate in any sort of an urgent way if there is an emergency. FEMA shows up later! Days later!

[Sassberto]

I don't want this thread to turn into a Bush-bash thread, so let's try to stay on-topic as much as possible.

IMHO FEMA is a resource - but should not be expected to step in and deal with emergencies. They are a support resource at the discretion of the state and local government. In that way, our region showed how things are supposed to be done. Local and municipal governments communicated and coordinated closely. State government was onsite quickly and continues to be onsite. Technology was widely utilized to great success. And of course, our expert firefighters stepped up in a way that is inspirational to me.

FEMA has provided needed resources but I don't want to see the federal government stepping in unless it is a last resort. The ability of the county, state and city governments to work together and handle a crisis is a testament to the self-sufficient and hardy nature of California's people.

Over the next few weeks we will hear a lot of Katrina comparisons - and in my office today it was a topic on many's minds - but almost universally there was no dispute that our leadership stepped up, handled the situation, and made us all very proud. That is a rare thing in such a divided world we live in.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by american_life

Has it been announced where?

Actually, it hasn't been announced due to security reasons. That won't be publicly revealed until tomorrow by the Administration.

[Over60]

I didn't want to start yet another thread on the fire subject, so maybe somebody could answer these (pretty naive, I admit) questions:

Just because the winds seem to be dying down at this point, is this any reason to rejoice? How long does this darn Santa Ana season last anyway? Could the winds blast through the area in another week or so, and cause even more damage? (Of course there's probably little left to burn.)

Now for a really dumb question (keep in mind I'm a total greenhorn out here): As everybody knows it's inevitable that the annual Santa Ana winds will likely cause major havoc, why in the heck haven't brighter minds than mine (that would be almost everybody) come up with some preventive measures?

Let's say it's the end of August/early September. Couldn't there be a way to douse the lands closest to the houses with ocean water before those vicious winds kick in so as to keep them moist in the event of the worst scenario? Maybe on a daily basis? Wouldn't this be cheaper in the long run than having to later delcare this a Federal Disaster area -- which will require shelling out the big bucks? Or...because of the cinders that the winds toss hither and yon, would this just not be worth the bother?

Most of us are smart enough to eat right and exercise in order to prevent diseases...why can't we do the same regarding the whims of Mother Nature? Especially since we know we can pretty much count on her to sic the area with "mighty winds"?

Maybe we could all try to make contact with her a month or two prior to her "due date" (usually in October?). Make nice-nice....send out positive thoughts and affirmations. Might that be a solution? (It couldn't hurt!)

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by Over60

Just because the winds seem to be dying down at this point, is this any reason to rejoice? How long does this darn Santa Ana season last anyway? Could the winds blast through the area in another week or so, and cause even more damage? (Of course there's probably little left to burn.)

Santa Anas can be predicted days, even weeks out. They almost never last more than a few days at a time, although on occasion they can happen more frequently. So barring a major, unexpected event, yes, the worst should be over. A few years of Santa Ana experience and you will get the idea.

Originally Posted by Over60

Now for a really dumb question (keep in mind I'm a total greenhorn out here): As everybody knows it's inevitable that the annual Santa Ana winds will likely cause major havoc, why in the heck haven't brighter minds than mine (that would be almost everybody) come up with some preventive measures?

There are thousands and thousands of acres of scrub in San Diego County. Almost all of it is bone dry. Creative attempts at brush clearing have been used. Goats have been used to clear hillsides. Most houses in SD have tile roofs. Some houses have roof sprinklers and other fire suppresion systems. In some areas these systems are mandated by building code. Older houses often do not have these technologies in place.

Originally Posted by Over60

Let's say it's the end of August/early September. Couldn't there be a way to douse the lands closest to the houses with ocean water before those vicious winds kick in so as to keep them moist in the event of the worst scenario? Maybe on a daily basis? Wouldn't this be cheaper in the long run than having to later delcare this a Federal Disaster area -- which will require shelling out the big bucks? Or...because of the cinders that the winds toss hither and yon, would this just not be worth the bother?

What do you suggest? Dumping water on houses via helicopter? Within an hour any water doused on a home will have evaporated in the 90+ plus temps and strong winds. It's implausible even with unlimited funds. Homes are not sponges, and the clay soils and hard, brittle brush native to San Diego county does not absorb water readily.

Originally Posted by Over60

Most of us are smart enough to eat right and exercise in order to prevent diseases...why can't we do the same regarding the whims of Mother Nature? Especially since we know we can pretty much count on her to sic the area with "mighty winds"?

I don't think anyone is naive enough to think it's possible.

I will assume you new to Southern California and wildfire season. After this all passes by, do yourself a favor and take a ride into the East County backcountry. Look at the thousands and thousands of acres of rugged, impenetrable head-high sagebrush, ironwood, and scrub. You will realize quicky that fire prevention occurs at the micro level - the individual house. Do not underestimate the destructive capacity of a wildfire in the wide open backcountry. It is an unstoppable force which cannot be controlled without favorable conditions and a lot of luck. It is not a question of if it will burn, it is only a question of when. We haven't seen real rain in a long time, and unless that changes, it will only get worse.

Google the term "defensible space" or "shelter in place" for more information about Fire ecology and wildfire prevention. Modern Fire prevention is focused around fuel reduction, brush clearing, proscribed burns, fire-resistant building materials, and home-owner supplied fire suppresion systems.

[Over60]

I will assume you new to Southern California and wildfire season.

Am still living in Northern CA. Just trying to get a feel for what's ahead of me, if and when I relocate.

Thanks for your informative reply, Sassberto. Yeah, there's a lot I didn't know about all this; sounds pretty grim to me.