Big Sur Fire Part 1 - the real story behind the north valley fire

[SuzNews727]

Thank you! It's nice when someone takes the time to watch at least one of these to just have a heads up for what can happen. And yes, no doubt there would be a large section of the north end of the valley that would be gone.

[khataroo]

P.S. Your commentary was excellent and a breath of fresh air. I wish more news was delivered by people like you. From the heart of the matter.

[khataroo]

One of my dearest friends lives in Big Sur and I have seen and felt the camaraderie that this place exudes. It was very disheartening to hear that supplies were not allowed to be brought in to help these people who have the right to stay. It's my opinion, that they were intentionally being sabotaged. It is also my belief if it wasn't for these people, there may not have been a Big Sur to come home to and that would be a very sad page of history.  To me they were the real heroes. Let them be

[MothaFuckthePolice]

good job, it's a tough issue. the firemen have to protect life first and structures second, so it frustrates many to see their homes threatened. i love big sur~ and if you're willing to risk your life to protect something you love, i guess you should be able to.

[SuzNews727]

You're missing the point. The residents that stayed were being described as liberal whackos. I was pointing out that the majority of residents, whether they were liberal, or conservative, or polka-dotted, were in agreement that their treatment was outrageous. I was not comparing bizarre and cruel, etc. with conservatives or calling liberals conservatives, or whatever. And that's residents, not residence, if you want to talk the English language.

[dusteroo]

ehhh, I hate it when "liberal" people are labeled 'conservative'.. and viseversa.....

(7:01)

"....Their behavior was described as bizarre, threatening, Nazi-like, cruel, and immoral....even by the most conservative residence..." lol - sad, how it is that people associate things that define anything else but conservatism, TO conservatism.

The political arena has ruined the English language and has brainwashed people by twisted usage of words.

just sayin'.

[231171]

@SUZ what are relations like now with the Sheriff? Does the community still trust him? Will there be any consequences?

[SuzNews727]

I haven't heard. I think most people feel they need to pay more attention at the voting booth. I've also heard that most of the residents just want to get on with things and prepare for the upcoming landslides this fire will create. I think they are also busy creating a better system for next time to prevent the same treatment from happening. I hope this is the case anyway. I also hope this story isn't forgotten or accepted as the way it is.

[231171]

This series of videos is more informative then all the silly "TV-stations" put together. THIS is how you put a story together, my god! I nearly forgot it is still possible to do such a thing on US TV. Along with many of the characters of Big Sur Suznews describes, she is one of them. Bless you!

[JONSEREDdotWS]

The problem is you were undermining their authority. This made them look bad. As anyone that saved a house with out their help makes them look incompetent.

One big point is the flue load on the forest floor was never dealt with over the years. Their fault. This made this fire and others like it more destructive. Burn it again in 8 years and see how little damage it does.

Also clear the interface a little more

[SuzNews727]

Yes, situations like this are always a good lesson on the need for fuel reduction on a regular basis (in the winter!).

And isn't it sad that they are so attached to their need to maintain authority that they are willing to let the place unnecessarily burn? When they could maintain authority and actually be respected for using logic, care, and bravery to change course midstream.

[stingrey57]

Bravo Suznews! This is such an important testament to the power of individuals up against the seemingly increasing ineptness of government bureaucracy. I'd love to see more of your excellent reporting on similar topics...please keep me informed

[SuzNews727]

Right? Can't we all say Katrina? This way of handling disasters lately is a runaway train that must be stopped. But it won't be as long as the people accept it as the way it is. Thanks for commenting.

[turbobusarail]

I was so busy staring at that smokin hot news lady I missed what she was talking about until I watched it a second time, Nice work. Anyone know what station she works for? That Chick Rocks..........Cam Newman

[dkurrasch]

HOT BABE!!!!! SMOKIN HOT!!!! That was NOT intendded to be a pun. I hear this chick can square dance too!

(Seriously, nice job Suz!)

[mrtinez666]

Suz, I was very nice to get such a personal history lesson. As we all hope the fires will be out soon and folks can get back to their lives, we need to keep in mind the winter rains may bring more devastation. With the vegetation burned there may not be enough ability for the ground to absorb the precipitation. I sincerely hope this is not the case.

Manuel Martinez

[SuzNews727]

Thanks, Manuel. It's true. People are now not only in the process of clean-up, but thinking about how to prepare for landslides. The mud there is clay, and very slick as well. But it's hard to get any vegetation in the ground fast enough, or even any sort of ground screen down. Just way too much burned.

Thanks for posting... -Suz :)

[231171]

SUZ. I think I heard once that dropping seeds from helicopters after fires is an option. If I am not mistaking that is what happened after Mt.Lemon outside Tucson burned.

[SuzNews727]

Hmmm. Makes sense. I'll pass that on but I'm sure someone is all over that. Good one.

[susiehuertaleon]

Wow Suzanne,

Thanx for taking the time to post this information.

[mcleverm01]

That was good! You look great! We were lucky that we drove up there in early Map before all he fires...

- Henry Harding, '75

[SuzNews727]

Sooo glad you made it before the fires! Unbelievable timing. I'd love to hear about what area you were in.