New Malibu Fire on November 24, 2007

We started off today with plans to leave Anaheim, CA and our 4th annual trip to Disneyland, then we turned on the television in the midst of the red flag warning through 3:00pm today.



To our surprise, not the first fire, not the second fire, but the third fire in Malibu, California this year -- and it has been burning since 3:00am this morning. The fire started in an area of Corral Canyon or Latigo canyon in an area that may not have burned since 1993.

We then ate a quick breakfast and headed on our way home.

As of this post, 35 homes had burned -- there is a large amount of support, including the famous DC-10 airplane - the 10 Tanker Air Carrier supporting the fire. In fact on our way home we were able to see it, in the picture below approaching its second drop.



As of now, the 1500 acre blaze is buring north and west, directionally towards our home. The fire fighters are attempting to stop the fire at Kanan Dume road. If not, the fire could come fairly close here -- although we would likely still be in the clear, even if it does.

These photos were taken during our drive home from Anaheim to Newbury Park today.

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Malibu and Santa Clarita Fires - Aftermath @ Malibu Pres

Well, it seems that things are slowing down a little bit on the Malibu and Santa Clarita fire front. The Malibu fire which took Malibu Presbyterian Church from us is up in the 90% range in terms of containment.

Unfortunately, I have been frustratingly disconnected and grossly misinformed the past two days in terms of the fires. The main reason is that I am currently up in Mountain View, CA on business for a couple of days. The news up here is not very good in terms of coverage. I have been used to watching KCAL 9's live coverage and staying up on what exactly has been going on.

However, some news and developments on a couple of fronts...

Good news?

Malibu Pres's website is back online @ http://www.malibupres.org Check it out now.

Pepperdine Univeristy offered up Elkins Auditorium last Tuesday night so that University Ministries (a Malibu Presbyterian function) could hold their Tuesday night service.

Also, the Malibu Performing Arts Center is where this Sunday's service (one service only @ 10:00am) will be held for Malibu Presbyterian.

Eric Smith, the Youth Director at Malibu Presbyterian posted some high-quality pictures on this site (http://www.esmithdesign.com/mpc/) that include Rev. Greg Hughes, Michael Mudgett, and Ross McMeekin. Great photos, part sad, part upsetting, part amazing.

Screen shot of the browser from esmithdesign.com:

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Malibu Fire Photos from Pepperdine University

Speaking of today's fires in Malibu, as Ashley and I watched the television this morning and the awful events happening there reminds us too much of the fire back in 1996. Based on that, I came across this collection of photos that I took back during that fire from the Pepperdine University Campus. They are a close-up view of what things may look like during today's fire.

Warning, these are scans and somewhat grainy -- they were taken back in 1996. These are not photos from today's October 21, 2007 fire.

Photo taken from the Towers Residence Hall when the order to evacuate to Tyler Campus Center was given around 2:00pm. Lots of smoke.

Photo of the mountain and canyon behind Pepperdine and the Towers Residence Halls as the fire quickly comes towards campus.

A Super Scooper fire fighting aircraft fills up from the Pacific Ocean as the photo is taken from Alumni Park.

Picture from Tyler Campus Center around the Fountain outside of Elkins Auditorium as flames burn the hillside next to the President's house.

Closer photo of the hillside next to the parking lot near Smothers Theater.

Hillside photo number three.

Aftermath of a hillside in Malibu.

Another hillside in Malibu looking down towards Point Dume.

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Malibu Fire near Pepperdine - October 21, 2007

I hate Santa Ana winds. Absolutely hate them -- today is a good reason why, among others. This morning, Ashley and I were woken up abruptly at 3:00am when a few events in close succession happened. The 60-80+ mph winds (yes, hurricane force) near our home -- some 10 miles from Malibu in the same Santa Monica mountain range -- awoke us as the large gusts moved our patio furniture around our back yard.

Then, afraid that our sun umbrellas would become flying objects -- I went out side and took them down. After coming back inside and jumping in bed, our house alarm went off due to a loose door flexing with the wind. Then, after that the power went off, on, and then completely off. The funniest part of that is that one of the LED flashlights that my dad gave us -- did not work. Ironic given how their claim to fame is the batteries last so much longer than standard flashlights. The final moment before we went to sleep was a big thud -- which this morning was one of the trunks on our brush cherry tree sheared off. I did not like that tree anyways. :-)

The most upsetting episode for us this morning when our aunt called shortly after 8:00am and told us she was concerned about us to driving our to church in Malibu today. We do attend church at Malibu Presbyterian Church (back online!) in Malibu, where we have attended / been a member since 1993. While she did know it was on fire, after turning on the television to see it catch on fire shortly thereafter -- effectively a total loss in this disaster. That is obviously really devastaing and upsetting, regardless of how much I know the place is just a structure, and that the people and their relationships with Christ are what really matter. Yes, it is a sad sight for us to see for a place with so many great memories for both of us.

Malibu Presbyterian Church fire on the front page of CNN.com.
The church and the people have served the community for such a long time, and provide a lot of support during the disastrous 1993 fire. The community and the people will rebuild the structure no doubt -- as it is of importance to so many people (including Ashley and I), students at Pepperdine, families, and children who attend the functions and preschool there. The most fortunate part is that this occurred before the first service of the morning at 9:00am started, and everyone was able to get out safely.....

.....earlier this year, back on January 9th a quick sweeping fire took Suzanne Sommers and a couple of other homes in the Malibu area. I reflected on some memories from my experience in during the Malibu fires on campus in both 1993 and 1996. (I posted some photos from 1996 here: http://www.somelifeblog.com/2007/10/malibu-fire-photos-from-pepperdine.html)This fire resembles the 1997 in the way that it happened so quickly -- estimated at 5:00am by many news outlets -- and moved so quickly before the fire departments could set up.

In both cases I evacuated to the Firestone Fieldhouse or the gymnasium at Pepperdine University and spent the night with a face mask to block the smoke and particles, sleeping on the floor of the gym. The fire in both cases did come down into the campus, but mainly burnt around the periphery -- the President's house, and the horse stables were slightly damaged.

The great news is that Pepperdine has a great evacuation and preparation plan given the number of fires in the past. The students have been evacuated to the two safest buildings on campus -- the Tyler Campus Center and the Firestone Fieldhouse.

People will need to be prepared for perhaps some more of this over the next few days. This is still just the beginning of a 3-day stretch where we are expecting more Santa Ana winds. Santa Ana winds and the chaparral landscape (Ceanothus megacarpus and Rhus laurina) in the area do not mix well for us. Generally, they tend to build up their fuel and burn every 10-14 years. It had been 11 years since the last major fire. So, continue to brace and pray....

Late breaking new that the historical landmark of the castle is engulfed in flames....The fire is mainly around the Las Virgenes, Malibu Canyon, Pepperdine, Serrah Retreat, and Hughes Laboratory areas.

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Eat at the Coral Beach Cantina in Malibu, CA

A great little restaurant located between Point Dume and Zuma Beach on the Malibu coastline is the Coral Beach Cantina. It is located on the short hill between the two on Pacific Coast Highway and the fare is Mexican. Hidden behind a wall of plants it is right next to Zuma Sushi and has both indoor and outdoor seating.



Until this past weekend, Ashley and I had completely forgotten about this place. We do not think we had been there in about 8 years – our loss. Which in itself, sounds kind of funny since two of the guys I spent a lot of time with in college absolutely loved the place – for good reason.

So, last Sunday we reacquainted ourselves with the Coral Beach Cantina in Malibu. Heading down to it at 12:30pm, we were pleasantly surprised that given the 85 degree weather in Malibu there was not a wait of an hour. Sitting down, we were quickly brought out the chips and salsa. Pretty good, just as I remembered.

Then looking at the menu, I was pleasantly surprised. The prices were more reasonable than I anticipated. So low, that several of the Mexican restaurants in the Thousand Oaks area charge more for similar meals. The Coral Beach Cantina could charge $3-5 more per plate and still do well, at least in my opinion.

I had one of my favorites, the carnitas plate and Ashley had a carne asada burrito. We were both satisfied in our meals, both in food quality and value.

If you are cruising through Malibu, checking out the sun, stars, and cars – consider the Coral Beach Cantina, you will be glad you did!

The Coral Beach Cantina and Bar is located at:

Coral Beach Cantina
29350 Pacific Coast Hwy # 310
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-5503

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Sunday in Malibu, California – Star sightings and more

I forgot how much I enjoy sunny Sunday afternoons in Malibu, California. Since we go to church at Malibu Presbyterian, it is a frequent opportunity for us. Today was the first day in some time where the weather cooperated – in fact it reached a high just north of 90 degrees.



That being said, I think everyone had the same idea that we did. A 90 degree day in early March is a great opportunity to really enjoy Malibu and hang out. Especially at the Cross Creek Market, where parking was pretty problematic for the center. We were heading to Marmalade Café, which is just a great overall place to eat – salads, sandwiches, soups, and tons of entrees that can really be enjoyed.

Afterwards a stroll over to The Coffe Bean & Tea Leaf provided some sun rays, relaxation and entertainment.

To that point, the stars were out.

Our first encounter of the day is that we ran into Matt Leinart, with a baby and girlfriend. (Brynn Cameron? Maybe not.) That were heading into Marmalade Café just as we were heading out, I did a quick double-take as he was a bit shorter than I imagined. His player card at ESPN.com lists him at 6’5”, but on Sunday in casual Malibu, I would say he might be 6’3”, but closer to 6'2". Well, then again Shaq is listed at 325lbs, I don’t think so.

Then for the odd sighting of the day, a well known or visible site for anyone who has been to Hollywood or Universal City and has seen a billboard. Across the parking lot coming towards us was a Mary Kay pink Corvette with the plate ANGLYNE rolling towards us. A quick glance at the license plate and you knew what was coming your way. That’s right, it was Angyline Angelyne – the lady from the billboards in Los Angeles was driving towards us. While we peered briefly into the vehicle to confirm it was her, she waved nicely to us and was on our way.

Quite surprising, indeed. What a day in Malibu, I feel there will be many more this year!

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Top California Beaches with FREE Wifi - Google Maps Mashup

Yesterday, I read a post on Geek About "Top 10 Beaches with WiFi access" which was a slightly different spin on a Wired article by Marty Graham from earlier this month. While I found the information somewhat interesting, it was not particularly all that useful to me for a couple of reasons.

1. No actual or approximate locations were given where the WiFi access could be found. Cities such as Buenos Aires, Argentina are what I would call rather expansive.
2. No mention on whether the WiFi access was free. Especially important if you are either a) cheap, like me or b) never know which provider you will run into.

I can related to both authors, as I always have my laptop with me while traveling -- if for nothing else to capture my pictures from my Canon Powershot G7 and send a couple of photos to family and friends.

That being said, I present a more targeted Google Mashup (sorry for the iFrame) of the Top California Beaches with FREE WiFi access and the approximate locations in those beach cities where you should be able to get the access close to the water. Do not forget your Panasonic Toughbook, else sand and laptops may not mix. For a larger map, without the embed -- please click here.

And finally, yes the list is central and southern California heavy -- no bias intended.

Avila Beach, CA
Avila Beach lies in a bay formed by Point San Luis, which leads to a pleasant climate and warmer ocean compared to other beaches on the Central Coast. Average temperatures vary little during the year, ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit from November through April, and from the 50s to 70s from May through September. Average annual rainfall is 18 inches. Along with much of the California coast, winter is the wet season, with more than 70% of the yearly rain falling from December through March, while summer brings drought conditions.
WiFi: Mr. Ricks, On the Boardwalk

Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa means beautiful and that it is—flat, sandy, miles long—ideal for sunbathing, volleyball and surfing. Hermosa has one-and-a-half miles of the prettiest, cleanest beach in Southern California. It’s only 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south with the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH to the locals) running down the middle. Situated right on the Pacific Ocean, Hermosa's average temperature is 70 degrees in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter. Gentle westerly sea breezes take the edge off what can be high summertime temperatures in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the county. The same breezes help keep the smog away 360 days of the year.
WiFi: On the beach

Huntington Beach, CA
It is known for its long 14 km (8.5 miles) beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing. The waves are a unique natural effect caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the island of Catalina, and waves from distant hurricanes. Because of the curve of the coastline at Huntington Beach, the local beach actually faces southwest. In summer, the southwest-facing beach often has very strong surf from hurricanes off the Mexican coast.
WiFi: Irby Park

Laguna Beach, CA
Located on the beautiful California Riviera in South Orange County, California, Laguna Beach is a picturesque seaside city with a village atmosphere. An artist colony, Laguna’s many art gallery’s and art festivals attract visitors year round and make Laguna a wonderful place to work and do business. The World renown Pageant of the Masters, Festival of the Arts, Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Festival not only showcase fine art but are the heartbeat of Laguna as the canyon, the historic town’s restaurants, shops and gallery’s and it’s Main Beach bustle with excitement.
WiFi: Diedrich Coffee - 180 N Coast Hwy

Long Beach, CA
Downtown Long Beach (as seen to the right) has been showcasing Long Beach as a First Class City within California. The R.M.S. Queen Mary has been located in Long Beach since her retirement in 1967 and now serves as a hotel, convention center, and tourist attraction. The Aquarium of the Pacific, a world-class research facility, is a popular tourist destination. Long Beach also has the largest municipally owned marina in the country with 3,400 slips. Downtown Long Beach also offers cruises to Catalina Island, restaurant and club nightlife, promenade development, and festival entertainment.
WiFi: Pine Ave, beginning at Ocean Blvd.

Malibu, CA
The City of Malibu is a 27-mile strip of Pacific coastline; a beachfront community famous for its warm, sandy beaches, and for being the home of countless movie stars and others associated with the Southern California entertainment industries. Most Malibu residents live within a few hundred yards of Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1), which traverses the city; the city is also bounded (more or less) by Topanga Canyon to the east, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and Ventura County to the west. Its beaches include Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach, Malibu State Beach and Topanga State Beach; its neighboring parks include Malibu Creek State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
WiFi: Malibu Lagoon, Malibu State Park

Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach, incorporated in 1906, is a city in Orange County, California, 10 miles south of downtown Santa Ana. The Current OMB metropolitan designation for Newport Beach and the Orange County Area is Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 70,032. The area code for Newport Beach is 949. The city is home to several well known communities and recent annexations including Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, San Joaquin Hills, and Newport Coast.
WiFi: Newport Beach Walk, 2214 West Ocean Front

Oceanside, CA
Welcome to Oceanside! The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to step inside our spectacular beachfront community. Centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Southern California coastline, Oceanside is among the region's best places to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities. Considered the gateway between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles, our near-perfect climate invites visitors to revel and relax at the 3.5 miles of white sandy beaches Oceanside offers. Step back in time by visiting the historic Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the "King of the Missions", and Heritage Park. Whatever your preference, recreational opportunities in Oceanside