MiraCosta College/Evacuation Shelter

MiraCosta College was opened up as a relief station last night at midnight. All other shelters in the area, including Qualcomm Stadium are filled to capacity. Right now we only have a handful of people housed in our gym, but that could balloon quickly if the winds shift. Right now everyone is preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.

I just left our gymnasium, where 50 cots, pillows and blankets have been set up. Normally the shelter would be organized and run by the local Red Cross, but there are no more resources/staff to cover additional shelters. The Church of Scientology has stepped in to volunteer, and appear to have things well in hand. While we don't have many evacuees, we do have fire and policemen coming in for water and a chance to get out of the filthy air.

We have all been told not to come to campus, but with not much else to do, it's tough to sit at home and watch this all unfold on TV. Everyone is doing everything they can to volunteer. Our cafeteria is on standby to prepare as many meals as necessary, our faculty with certain specialties such as nursing are on call to assist those in need. Even our interim president is living in his office on an inflatable mattress.

The sky is orange, and the ash is beginning to accumulate on the ground and drift like snow. Walking and driving in it makes trails. It's tough to get around without a breather mask....and I was glad I didn't toss the unused ones from Katrina. I'm quite sure that I will use them up.

No word on the fires themselves. I was able to get back to my house this morning to check on things with no problem. My hope is that everyone who needs to evacuate has all ready done so, and that it's simply a matter of waiting for the smoke to clear.

We have a meeting at 2pm today to decide whether or not to close the campus tomorrow, and most likely the rest of the week.

More later

K