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SBCF: Fire Chief Pat Dennen - Regional Coordinator

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 01:42 PM PDT

New Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue Region VI Coordinator:
San Bernardino County Fire Chief (and BBHS Graduate) Pat Dennen Named One of Six Regional Coordinators for State's OES Department

March 13, 2009 by Catherine Sandstrom

dennenpat150v

San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen already oversees 81 facilities over 19,000 square miles and 1,000 employees and, as of March, has been appointed to serve as the state's Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue Region VI Coordinator.

This post, one of six within California, places Dennen as the individual repsonsible for the coordination and dispatch of regional mutual aid resources and rescue emergency plans for six counties, which includes San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo and Mono.

In a statement from Fire Chief Dennen, he says, "Region VI and its counties face many types of disasters, from large wildland fires and flooding, to earthquakes and other natural disasters, requiring a great deal of resource coordination and diligence. I am honored to be appointed to such a position and will do my best to meet the needs of each incident."

Other honors held by Dennen include that of Red Card Certified Type II Incident Commander, Board of Directors for FIRESCOPE, and President-Elect of the California Fire Chiefs Association—as well as being a Big Bear High School graduate.

Source: http://kbhr933.com - Article Link

Arson Fire: Chowchilla Fairgrounds - Clarke Auditorium destroyed

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 12:56 PM PDT

Arson is suspected in a $2 million fire that destroyed Clarke Auditorium early this morning on the Chowchilla Fairgrounds.

Chowchilla Police Chief Jay A. Varney said in a prepared statement that officers were called shortly before 4 a.m. Police and firefighters from the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department, the California Department of Forestry and the Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla found the building fully engulfed in flames, Varney said.
The building could not be saved.
Clarke Auditorium was the largest building on the fairgrounds.
Varney said the fire is considered suspicious and is under investigation

Source: Fresno Bee - Link

Earthquake 3.2 M - Trona California, Searles Valley

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 12:15 PM PDT

Earthquake Details

Magnitude	3.2
Date-Time	Friday, March 13, 2009 at 18:57:16 UTC Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:57:16 AM at epicenter
Location	35.972°N, 117.329°W
Depth	0.5 km (~0.3 mile) (poorly constrained)
Region	CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Distances	23 km (14 miles) N (9°) from Trona, CA 23 km (15 miles) NNE (12°) from Searles Valley, CA 31 km (19 miles) SW (225°) from Telescope Peak, CA 50 km (31 miles) NE (39°) from Ridgecrest, CA 191 km (119 miles) W (263°) from Las Vegas, NV
Location Uncertainty	horizontal +/- 0.5 km (0.3 miles); depth +/- 0.9 km (0.6 miles)
Parameters	Nph=035, Dmin=10 km, Rmss=0.29 sec, Gp=108°, M-type=local magnitude (ML), Version=C
Source	California Integrated Seismic Net: USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR
Event ID	ci14429360

LACFD: Technical rescue - Southern California Edison Truck 200' overside Angeles Crest Highway

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 02:13 PM PDT

Truck falls down embankment; man rescued
Friday, March 13, 2009

A man was rescued in the Angeles National Forest after his truck plunged down an embankment.

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. (KABC) -- Los Angeles County firefighters rescued a man Friday morning whose truck plunged off Angeles Crest Highway just before 7 a.m. at mile marker 30.

The man's vehicle tumbled 200 feet down an embankment in the Angeles National Forest, northeast of La Canada Flintridge.

Rescuers wrapped up the 50-year-old man and hoisted out of the rugged terrain into an L.A. County Fire Department helicopter.

He was conscious, but having difficulty breathing. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where his condition is unknown.

Firefighters searched the surrounding area for other possible victims for about two hours. None were found and the search was called off.

It appears the truck belongs to Southern California Edison, which will be responsible for the retrieval.

The cause of the crash is still unclear.

Source: KABC- Link

Missing person - Candlelight Vigil for Amber Leeanne Dubois Safe Return

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 09:02 AM PDT

MISSING PERSON - AMBER LEEANNE DUBOIS -

Candlelight Vigil for Amber's Safe Return - TONIGHT
Friday, March 13th at 6:00pm
Escondido High School
1535 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA

Reward for Information Announced: $60,000 Reward*
Tips 760-743-TIPS (8477)

*$50,000 for information leading to the safe return of Amber
$10,000 for information leading to the arrest of person(s) responsible for her disappearance

Amber Dubois is a 14 year old girl, Amber went missing in San Diego, California on 13th Feb.

Update: Escondido, Calif.- Escondido Firefighters fill the boot campaign to collect donations to find Amber
Escondido firefighters used their boots Thursday morning to collect donations from passing motorists for the family of missing teen Amber Dubois.
Thursday's fundraiser occurred at Lincoln Parkway and Broadway. About a half-dozen firefighters, with their boots in hand, took turns running up to motorists' windows so people could toss their donations into the boots.
The idea came from an annual Give Burns the Boot fundraiser for burn victims that area firefighters participate in.
The fundraiser has ended, but people wishing to donate can still drop off money at any of the city's fire stations.
Updated post about Amber below:
Amber Dubois left her home in Escondido, CA at approximately 7:00 am. She carried with her a handful of Valentine's Day gifts for her friends which she was going to be giving out at school that morning. Her school is located less than one mile away from her home.
She never arrived at her school that morning.
The investigation is ongoing, however, we have been advised that local police and private investigators believe that a dangerous predator may currently be in this area, and we are trying to do everything we can to get the message out.
Right now, visibility is a most precious ally. Amber could be anywhere.
The family is desperate for any help that you may be able to offer at this time. All they want is their family reunited, and Amber's safe return home.

"Escondido Police announced receipt of tips as a result of Amber's story being told on America's Most Wanted"
Volunteers needed: for Flyer distribution
and Community Awareness

Please Help Us Find Amber!
We are in continuous need of Volunteers, we will not stop until Amber is home safely.
8am - 5pm
Everyday until Amber is home safely
Organized Site Searches will Continue Every Weekend until Amber is home safely
Command Center location:
755 N. Quince Street
Escondido, CA 92025
(714) 883-6076
(Volunteers must be at least 18 and have valid ID)

Donations: for Search and Rescue efforts are gratefully received and held
in Trust for that sole purpose.
Mail to:
"Amber Leeanne Dubois Trust"
P.O.Box 1557
Paramount CA 90723-1557
Walk-in Deposits are Welcomed at:
Comerica Bank - Escondido Branch
260 West Grand Avenue
made payable to:
"Amber Leeanne Dubois Trust"

BRING AMBER HOME
http://www.bringamberhome.com/

Message from family: Thank you for helping to break through the darkness by being one of the lights that will bring our Amber home.
Amber is an intelligent and loving young lady. Animals are important to her and she was excited to be getting her lamb as a school project at Escondido High School, Escondido, CA on the day she disappeared.
She is an avid reader, good with electronics and computers, loves wolves and collects them, and, she takes time to text with her Grandmom.
She is an excellent horsewoman, a good student and artist, and believes in God.
We cannot bear the thought of life without her.
Please help if you know anything by calling
PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING AMBER
Tips: 760-743-TIPS (8477)
Thank you.

* Ht: 5'5"
* Wt: 130
* Short medium brown hair - bright blue eyes.
* Date of Birth 10/25/1994
* Last seen wearing black pants, black hoodie and black sneakers
* Last seen 7:10am Feb. 13, 2009 on North Broadway in Escondido, CA - walking toward Escondido HS (believed to have been on west side of street)

CONTACT WITH ANY INFORMATION:
missingamber@yahoo.com or call 760-743-TIPS (8477)
Please print Amber's Reward flyer to distribute and keep with you in your car:

DOWNLOAD
FLYER
(in English)
(en Español)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Tea Fire victims - Montecito couple - Fundraiser Concert

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT

- A FREE Community Concert -
DISHWALLA, THE UPBEAT, DOMINIC BALLI, STILL TIME

Tea Fire Fundraiser
March. 15 2009

Time: 12-5pm
Location: Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara
Details: A FREE Community Concert
Featuring:
DISHWALLA, THE UPBEAT, DOMINIC BALLI, STILL TIME
Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 12:00PM-5:00PM
Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara
In coordinated efforts with Santa Barbara City Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Montecito Fire, Carpentaria/Summerland Fire, US Forest Service, Cal Fire, CHP, Santa Barbara Police, Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue, and Equine Evac the community is encouraged to come together to celebrate the lives of Lance & Carla Hoffman and help assist their road to recovery. Every department will be on site to support this event in raising funds for the Hoffman's. Their finest equipment will be brought in to the Earl Warren Showground parking lot for display, giving families and the community the opportunity to express thanks for their efforts. Lance Hoffman's grandfather was a Santa Barbara City Fireman.
Santa Barbara favorites, Dishwalla, The Upbeat, Dominic Balli, and Still Time have come together with KRUZ radio to provide FREE entertainment for the community, with the desire to bring people together and encourage relief efforts for the Hoffman's through donations.
On Thursday, November 13, 2008, the lives of Lance & Carla were forever changed as they fell victim to the devastating flames of the disastrous Tea Fire in Santa Barbara, Ca, destroying 230 homes. After an unlikely escape from the fire, they were immediately taken to burn centers in southern California to begin the recovery process. An update from their family on a Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43752383254) states:
This "Lance and Carla update" is four weeks post-hospital discharge and their improvements are still quite exciting. They are able to do most things independently and although I just returned to my home last night, most of this last week I was only minimally needed. Even my job as the chauffeur is unnecessary because Lance can drive comfortably now! Their Occupational Therapy is definitely still needed, but the healing of the burns has gone well and the biggest danger is in avoiding the sun for the next year. Lance received his pressure garments for both hands and arms, and needs to wear these 23 hours/day. Carla's are arriving later this week and next. The purpose of these is to provide constant pressure to help flatten scar tissue and allow for optimal healing of the grafts. Their hope is to be able to return to Santa Barbara and find a new home, maybe as soon as next month sometime. When they check up with their doctor they'll get her recommendation about transferring their rehab needs to Santa Barbara, where Carla says she wants to live on a small island surrounded by water, or in a fire station. In reality, returning to home in Santa Barbara, wherever they settle, will be a joyous occasion! --Linda Hoffman (dated 2/11/09)
Come and be a part of this amazing community effort to help Lance & Carla Hoffman.
WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 2009. 12pm: Gates;
1pm: STILL TIME (www.stilltimemusic.com);
2pm: DOMINIC BALLI (www.dominicballi.com);
3pm: THE UPBEAT (myspace.com/upbeatska);
4pm: DISHWALLA (www.dishwalla.com)
WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
TICKETS: On sale
FREE Food & Drink will be available for purchase from Woody's BBQ with proceeds benefitting the Hoffman's recovery efforts.
Being produced by TWIIN PRODUCTIONS at twiinproductions.com 1221 Chapala Street, 2nd Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Contact: Matt Wilson, Tony Pighetti and Jeff Zampese
Official Info page: iaff525.org

CAL FIRE - TCU - Sonora - Fill The Boot Day

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 06:54 AM PDT

It's "Fill The Boot Day" Today In Sonora

Friday, March 13, 2009 - 05:30 AM

Bill Johnson

MML News Director

Sonora, CA -- Don't be surprised when you spot a number of CAL Fire firefighters at the intersection of Mono Way and Tuolumne Rd. between 9am and 3pm today.

It's "Fill The Boot" Day for the benefit of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Proceeds raised during the street-side campaign will help support MDA services and research programs including the MDA's clinic at U.C. Davis. Since 1954 firefighters around the county have raised over $200 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Source article: www.mymotherlode.com - Link
Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com

LACFD: HAZMAT - MAGIC MUSHROOM FARM

Posted: 13 Mar 2009 08:39 AM PDT

A Los Angeles County Fire Department Hazardous Material Team specialist carries hallucinogenic mushrooms from an apartment in Canyon Country. Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies busted a large mushroom farm operating from the apartment.
Brian Charles (The Signal)

Deputies raid drug stash

Disturbance leads to one of largest busts in SCV history
------------------------

Sheriff's deputies responding to a domestic disturbance Thursday discovered hallucinogenic mushrooms in plain sight and returned to arrest two alleged dealers at the Canyon Country apartment.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department hazardous materials crew, dressed head to toe in protective white suits, spent three hours Thursday afternoon removing drugs from the apartment in the 29700 block of Solamint Road.

The amount of drugs seized hadn't been determined, but it could represent one of the largest busts in Santa Clarita Valley history.

"I've never seen this much," Sgt. Richard Larue said.

Deputies arrested Arfana Hubbard, 19, of Saugus and David Dunnell, 26, of Canyon Country for investigation of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, Lt. Brenda Cambra said.

A domestic dispute between the two alleged mushroom dealers led deputies to the drug lab, Cambra said.

Deputies responded to the domestic disturbance at 4 a.m. Thursday, Larue said. When deputies arrived they saw hallucinogenic mushrooms in plain sight, he said.

Earlier reports of gunshots at the scene proved to be untrue, Cambra said. The loud banging noises heard at the time of the domestic dispute were probably slamming doors, she said.

Deputies returned at noon with a search warrant and help from a regional drug task force that included officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Crime Lab, Cambra said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team showed up to collect the mushroom, which are considered a biohazard, said Thomas Provost, county Fire Department hazardous materials specialist.

"We do this for every suspected clandestine drug lab," he said.

The hazmat-suited fire crews shuttled in and out of the apartment carrying mason jars full of mushrooms along with 15 growing containers, 21 start-up jars and eight trays of dried mushrooms ready for street sale.

The hazmat team took precautions to not contaminate the area by soaping down the surface areas of their suits and their boots for mushroom spore, Provost said.

The cleanup began at noon and lasted until 3 p.m., Cambra said.

Hubbard and Dunnell are being held in lieu of $100,000 due. Both suspects are due in Santa Clarita Superior Court for arraignment Monday.

Source: www.the-signal.com - Link
By Brian Charles
Signal Staff Writer