After reading some of the not very well thoughout comments being made about the people who did not evacuate, I had to write this response.
It is sad to believe that anyone could protect your home from crime better than you in the town of Wrightwood. Judging by the slow response times and overall lack of a law enforcement presence here, you are but left to protect yourselves here. The police have mostly been hanging out near the Grizzly and on the main strip next to all of the coffee shops in town. Besides that, I have seen them driving up and down highway 2. That is really it. They are not doing any meaningful patrols of the town. It is up to good neighbors such as myself that did not leave to look over your houses. You cannot attack us (the people that did not evacuate) when we are looking out for you.
As for the garden hose comment, I think most people understand that they will not stop the fire with one. Just because people stayed does not mean that they were ever going to rely on garden hoses. Instead, they figured that everyone else left for naught. Though it got scary as helicopter hill burned, some people kept the faith. The fire-line held over at Pacific Crest. The position of those that did not evacuate has been vindicated.
Some people on this forum have gone as far to say that those who stayed only got in the way of the Police, Fire, and Medical personnel. This could not be a bigger lie. Those who stayed have offered their own assistance. The gas station stayed open to provide fuel and other supplies. Also, the Jensen's Market stayed open to make them sandwiches. Even the cafes stayed open to make them coffee. Were it not for those people staying, the first responders would not have these comforts.
I will say this too. The police have acted with a bit of a chip on their shoulders as well. Some old men hanging out at the gas station after it closed the other day told me a story. They said that the police came around and told them to leave the area because they didn't want any problems. Sad. I would certainly have shown greater respect to my elders than that. Also, the police tried to shut down The Brewery on it's first night open. They told people to leave. Yet, the people proudly held their ground and stayed. Please do not misconstrue this as an assault on those who put their lives on the line every time they put that uniform on. This is simply a critique of how they mishandled a few situations. Beyond that, they have not really gotten in the way of those who stayed behind.
So in closing, I say that I do not regret staying here with my family. We are all safe and well. The air is cleaner up here than down the hill. I have not had to sleep in any parking lots or pay large hotel fees. My heart goes out though for those who have. May your own personal recovery be swift from this disaster. Surely a fundraiser must be made to help those who need it.
Yours Truly,
Sarajevo
