Middle Eastern Descent and Class Now Officially Puts You in the Back of the Bus

There is a very disturbing comment thread on the release of names of 10 young people who allegedly began the Tea Fire over at Edhat. It seems that Middle Eastern descent and classicism runs rampant but I suppose the real issue is that people are just plain mad. Why that has to bring out the worst in us is one of the mysteries of being human.

We've had our fair share of heated exchanges here at BlogaBarbara. Far from being Edhat's fault (it's just a series of comments on a news story), it's hard to swallow and hard to see why people have to be so mean-- even if we feel like we have to find someone to blame for a senseless tragedy. Cheers to Edhat for being a place where free speech is taken seriously, shame on those that take advantage of it to show their hate.

Tea Fire Decision from DA

The press release from the District Attorney's Office yesterday was carefully worded and cautious in it's approach. EdHat published the PDF.

The result of their investigation, however, will not sit well with everyone. It's hard to understand that the chain of events don't prove that the ten college students began the fire beyond a reasonable doubt. The will face criminal charges for the misdemeanors of criminal trespass and starting a fire without the property owner's permission. Also, their names will likely become known once charges are filed.

Tea Fire Faux Contractors Alert

Interesting article over at The Indy about the contractor sting. What were these yahoos thinking -- advertising and thinking they could get work without a license and not get caught?

SB Yoga Center to Provide Healing Massage for Tea Fire Survivors and Firefighters

This in from the Santa Barbara Yoga Center -- Sara

On December 7, Sunday, the Santa Barbara Yoga Center is organizing a FREE
Healing/Massage clinic for the fire survivors and firefighters.
From 12:30 pm till 6 pm

Massage/hands-on work is very important for dealing with this level of
trauma. We will have simultaneous treatments, in our three studio spaces.

Anyone wanting a treatment please call the Santa Barbara Yoga Center at
805-965-6045 or email:info@santabarbarayogacenter.com, and provide the
following info:
-- Name, phone number, email :
-- Time you wish to receive treatment

Any therapist wishing to participate (donate services) please call the Santa
Barbara Yoga Center at 805-965-6045 or email:
info@santabarbarayogacenter.com, and provide the info:
-- Name, phone number, email
-- PERIOD OF TIME you will be there (between 12:30 and 6:00)

We also have a growing "Tea Fire Relief" page on our website:
www.SantaBarbaraYogaCenter.com

Governator to Visit Tea Fire Damage or Congratulate Strickland?

It's been hard to get television coverage on the Internets of the fire. There are decent saved video stories from KSBY and even citizen video that's been great. KEYT looked totally unprepared for their coverage wondering out loud when the fire started during their coverage yesterday morning. Live feeds from FOX 11 disgusted me with their emphasis on whether Oprah and other celebrity's homes were safe. Doesn't Dennis Miller live up there? Is Steve Martin still there?

Although I feel for our local celebrities, like Christopher Lloyd who lost his home yesterday -- Fox LA's morning news team could have taken a better angle. It was like The View for news. The print and internet media led by The Indy and EdHat have been the most useful source of news -- thanks to Ed, Ray Ford and Ethan Stewart and crew for doing an awesome job.

I'd rather not get so cynical about the Governator visiting us in the coming days but it's hard not to considering the vote from the last election is still being counted and it looks like Tony Strickland is pulling too far ahead of Hannah-Beth Jackson for her to catch up with however many votes are left to count. Fridays results pushed Strickland up by 2,141 votes. Let's hope Arnold separates the victory party from the offers of help for our friends on Coyote Road.

(Remember you can click on the image to make it larger).

Another way to help...Red Cross Training tomorrow.

From the Red Cross -- Sara

This Disaster Training will be held at the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter located at 2707 State Street in Santa Barbara. To register, please call 687-1331.

This one-day free course will give you on an orientation to the American Red Cross, show you how to work in an American Red Cross Evacuation Shelter and how to work within the Mass Care arena (including feeding and bulk distribution). You will then be able to assist with the Tea Fire relief effort and future Red Cross disaster responses!

Class Dates:
Friday, November 14 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 15 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 16 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Indy, LA Times, Flickr and Local Photo Streams of Tea Fire Posted Overnight

There's an LA Times Photo stream here -- (LA Times/Michael Robinson Chavez link on the picture above).

Here's an amazing set of photos on Flickr -- even better here -- from locals. There are some more at City 2.0. Of course, there are also great photos at The Indy.

Direct Relief International is offering emergency assistance and City Administrator Jim Armstrong has called a state of emergency for the city. here's the Office of Emergency Services website at the County.

Fire Update: 1,500 Acres, 150 Homes Lost in Tea Fire

Here's a handy map which shows the fire area.

See Ray Ford's story here and check with The Indy throughout the day for more centralized information.

According to tThe Indy, current warnings are for:

The area east of Hot Springs Road and West of San Ysidro Road and North of East Valley Road

The area east of Ontare Road and West of Tunnel Road and North of Foothill Road

The area bounded on the North by Alameda Padre Serra, on the East by Montecito Street to Milpas, Milpas to Anapamu, Anapamu to Laguna, Laguna to Los Olivos, and Los Olivos to Alameda Padre Serra.