WHAT WOULD YOU TAKE? Pt. I

The Basin Complex Fire near Big Sur is 100 percent contained after a fire started by lightning on June 21 burned nearly 163,000 acres in the Los Padres National Forest. The fire fighting suppression cost to date is estimated at $77.2 million.

This natural disaster brought to mind what I would do if an emergency greater than just the neighbor’s tree landing on my house happens to my home, my neighborhood, my business.

The picturesque view of the coastline from the Weather-Cam on the deck at Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur is shrouded in clouds today, clouds as thick as smoke. It’s in the 70’s right now – degrees, not frame of mind. Kirk Gafill, general manager of the popular cliffside restaurant that his grandparents built in 1949, defied evacuation orders and, along with five employees, stamped out embers the size of dinner plates. "We know fire officials don't have the manpower to secure our properties," Gafill said. "…(b)ased on what we saw during Katrina and other disasters, we know we can only rely on ourselves and our neighbors."

He points out that Highway 1 has been closed before for rock slides and mud and other fires. However, this time, for the first time, authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order that was interpreted and used to get people out of their homes and off local roadways. On July 3rd residents were prohibited from access to the highway right of way, which meant they weren’t allowed to set foot on the road. This is a reminder that if an emergency struck next door, authorities could cordon off access to neighboring homes or offices.

Sula Nichols, a Big Sur artist who lost her main house and guest house in the wildfire, said people really came together. They initially scrambled getting trailers for the animals. Friends down south took them in. She points out that she only lost material possessions. She is ready to rebuild. “The land remains. What we put on it comes and goes, but land is there. Sadness will come and go, but this is an opportunity.” What an indomitable spirit!

The redwoods are still there, but this incredible natural event has created a huge need for donations, supplies and volunteers. Your biggest gift to Big Sur right now would be to visit, to support the lodging and restaurant businesses in this tourist area. Get a massage, feed your art collection, enjoy the awe of what nature provides. Gafill, head of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, encourages those interested in coming to Big Sur to feel free to call places you'd like to visit because with earlier cancellations they now have space available, which is very rare for July and August.

If there was a mandatory evacuation order for your neighborhood, would you leave? If not, why not?

I asked my friends what they would take with them if they only had 15 minutes to get family, friends, pets and personal belongs out of the house and the area. Answers ran from beloved family objects that are irreplaceable and full of history to practical things like matches, duct tape and water. This is the first response of a series:

Patricia Miller, my sister: “Having faced potential threats from earthquake, fire and hurricane over the years, I know this drill. Of course the breathing ones first, then the 30 year old $2.95 ceramic giraffe that lives in the kitchen and holds the wooden spoons and things, the (Peter) Shire vase, the home wrecker painting and then, if there is time and room, jewelry and paperwork. On more occasions than I can count, the vase would be in my hand before the rocking stopped.”

Judith, fellow artist: “Of course, I would make sure that my family, friends and dog were safe first. As far as saving possessions, photo albums (my kids' baby pictures, our wedding, etc.) would come first. Next, I would grab my jewelry box, which has precious, sentimental things given to me by my husband, mother, and beloved mother-in-law, who passed away. My mother has made afghans and quilts over the years, and they are treasures to me, so I would grab as many as possible. There are some pieces of wood sculpture in our house, and a pair of antique Russian candlesticks that my mother bought in Jerusalem on our family trip there and later gave to me, that I would save, and some antique heirlooms from my husband's grandmother. I'm fast when I need to be, but by now, I think I've used up my 15 minutes.”

Diane Lupke, economic development specialist: “First I would grab Ron, my husband, and make sure he was safe; then the second group would be about essentials---laptop computer, phone, chargers, identification, and any cash / credit cards I have easily accessible (hoping that we would have the systems working that support them); the third group would be mementoes of some sort, our wedding picture, pictures of family and friends, and other easy to transport things from my family’s history; next would be a few comfortable and serviceable garments; about this time--- when I am running out of time--- I would realize that what I really need is probably something much more practical like matches, a knife, duct tape, water, a battery operated radio, tent and other survival tools I really have no experience with.

“So, the answer is I am not prepared for a real emergency. And, would be woefully unprepared to live outside of my carefully crafted and comfortable existence.”

Dan Sheridan, journalist: “I'd take my old orange cat, camera, phone and beat-up guitar immediately. Then, if there were time, or room, I'd grab the external computer hard drive on which I backed up my work, a laptop and maybe some papers. I wouldn't worry about my daughter because she's 800 miles away in Chicago.”

Mark Newman, humanities professor and the neighbor whose tree fell on my house: “In this order, I would take family members; pets, photos and keepsakes and computers, including back-up devices; and then other valuables.

“Why? Family and pets are obvious. Photos and keepsakes, including jewelry are memories and items that cannot be replaced. These are often one of a kind items. The computers often have photos and also contain valuable professional and personal information and so can also be irreplaceable. Other valuables are miscellaneous items that may or may not have high dollar values.”

What would you take?