Posted on November 20 at 11:50 a.m.

I agree with terrapin99. Very well said, thanks.

On Tea Fire Cause Is Determined

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Posted on November 19 at 6:54 p.m.

To Incredulous--apologizing for having a feeling isn't necessary, but maybe it would be appropriate to apologize for publicizing that opinion in a way that helps create a misplaced climate of anger and blame.

What helps, that's the question I keep coming back to. What helps?

On Tea Fire Cause Is Determined

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Posted on November 19 at 4:53 p.m.

Okay, maybe now some posters will re-think their knee-jerk responses here. (And I'm not a fan of Westmont, just a resident of the Mtn Drive area.)

I feel immensely fortunate that my house is still standing. If the wind hadn't shifted, it would be gone, along with many others in my neighborhood, and probably Mission Canyon, too. But I'm convinced that even if I had lost my house, revenge would not be motivating me now. Of course those who caused the fire must be held responsible for their actions. But unless their intention was malicious how could putting them in jail change anything? How likely is it that they would learn to be better citizens in jail? And I seriously doubt they had malicious intent. Stupid, selfish, short-sighted--probably those all apply. So find a mode of "punishment" that addresses the flaws in their thinking and attitudes that led to the actions. Community service? Sounds right to me at this point. But really, we know almost nothing about these kids (and to me, everyone under 30 seems like a kid). We all have a lot of mental energy for this situation--let's use it where it can actually HELP. Figure out ways to get people housed, to expedite rebuilding, to help those who suffered losses, especially those who were not insured, or underinsured, to get household items and furniture and clothing to people.

On Tea Fire Cause Is Determined

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Posted on November 19 at 10:48 a.m.

The hatred that I hear in many of the voices here is really disheartening. It's not what will help the victims to recover from this tragedy. Of course the young people responsible need to be held accountable for their actions and to make amends, as far as possible. That's a given. But hating them and demonizing them, speculating about their political views and the rest, all that feeds is the flames of ill-will. No way that can be helpful--not to the victims, not to the community, not to the hearts of those who are raging.

Let's focus on helping those who have lost so much.

On Tea Fire Cause Is Determined

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Posted on November 18 at 10:12 p.m.

I don't know about any of you, but when I was 18 I did some incredibly stupid things. No one was ever hurt, but looking back (40 years), that seems like pure luck.

It seems to me that appropriate reparation might be careers for these young people in teaching, health care or public safety.

On Tea Fire Cause Is Determined

Posted on November 15 at 4:42 p.m.

The linked list is only Montecito and county addresses, nothing from the City of SB. Should clarify that.
Thanks.

On Burned Homes' Addresses Released

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Posted on November 15 at 4:38 p.m.

Thanks so much for this clear description, Ray. My heart goes out to all who lost their houses. Mine is in the area right around the old Sheffield Res. that was passed over when the fire went north over the ridge from Gibraltar and then down into Rattlesnake. Our neighborhood was passed over, and I am very very grateful, but with so much sadness about the areas that were consumed. Just heard about four more good friends who lost houses. Now we need to come together and help each other out. How can we do that? How can those of us who were spared be of help to those who weren't?

On Tea Fire Appears Close to an End

Posted on November 15 at 4:24 p.m.

Las Canoas doesn't intersect Mission Ridge, so I am thinking they mean Mission Canyon, right? That was how I was thinking of trying to get back home tomorrow....I really want to go home.

On Some Mandatory Evacuation Orders Lifted

Posted on November 14 at 7:21 p.m.

Yikes, yeah, whatsup with whatsaname? Have you ever been on Coyote Road? Or the part of Mountain Drive that burned last night? Doesn't sound like it....

And I had takeout dinner for two from Los Arroyos last week for $20. Not exactly high end, though the food is REALLY good. I say bravo to SBBT.

And good luck to all of us, even those who already seem to have a lot of it.

On SB Bank & Trust Helps Out Those Who Lost Homes

Posted on November 14 at 12:23 p.m.

Seems like this is a time to be a little more compassionate, goleta722.

Not everyone whose house has burned is rich, either. Lots of hardworking people who bought their houses long ago when living in the mountains was inexpensive and not "fashionable" are affected. I know, because I am one of those--though so far I think my 60-year-old house (2 bed, 2 bath, no garage) is still there. Pray for lighter winds tonight, for all of us, rich or poor.

And great gratitude the firefighters.

On SB Bank & Trust Helps Out Those Who Lost Homes