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Evacuees offered Cali-style services

Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:17 PM

By Martin Savidge, NBC News Correspondent

 SAN DIEGO – This may be a disaster – but it's still Southern California.

That was clear as I watched a dog – we think it was a pug – dressed in full biker leathers navigate his way through the crowd at the Qualcomm stadium in San Diego riding an electric Harley Davidson. (The Harley was being directed via remote control). 

Martin Savidge / NBC News
A dog rides through the Qualcomm stadium in San Diego on the back of an electric Harley Davidson.

In addition to an almost overwhelming supply of food, drink, clothing toys and any personal care item you could think of, insurance company motor homes stand in the parking lot, their generators droning, offering grilled hamburgers and the chance to file a claim all in one sitting.

And then there are services I haven't ever seen offered at a disaster evacuation site.

You can get a massage or acupuncture, join a prayer circle, eat Kosher, have something custom crocheted, attend a yoga or meditation class and even get a custom air-brushed t-shirt, all at no cost.

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Comments

I just have to say as someone not affected by either this situation or Katrina, this honestly makes me sick. To know that the people in New Orleans had no food, water, anything really, and now the people of (big surprise) souther California are given accupuncture and yoga. I am in no way saying that the people of California do not deserve this, they do, it is just that it really does paint a clear picture about our government and the priorities that they have.

milwaukee, wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:37 PM)

This story isn't the norm of what is really happening. This is a heart breaking disaster that nobody should make light of.  Maybe Mark Savdige should stop and listen to the real stories and think twice before spreading the same old misleading stories about California and the people who live here. Now is not the time to make fun of anyone.

M. Ward, Sacramento, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:41 PM)

I hope these fire evacuees can continue to find the strength to cope. Having to get a massage outside of a stadium in a parking lot is just downright medieval.

Dick, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:44 PM)

I think in light of all of the losses, this is great, and something that any evacuee deserves.  This is why WE LOVE CALI!!

Los Angeles California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM)

A bit of a contrast to the response to Katrina...wonder if race/social standing has anything to do with it?  

I can't remember hearing/reading about any insurance trailer motor homes even being present after Katrina, let alone grilling burgers for evacuees.

This really comes as a shock bc I thought they and the federal gov't would wait 5 days or more before responding or seeing the disaster; after all, this was the precedent set not so long ago in New Orleans wasn't it?

Chilton Burr, Johnstown, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:47 PM)

it's a sad tale indeed

josh foxbelder (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:51 PM)

Sounds so much like New Orleans a couple of years ago... There is still such a difference in the lives of the haves and the have nots.

Chelsa, Southaven, MS (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:58 PM)

At this point in time, these luxuries are provided by other Californians; they are like-minded and, tho trivial to some, any comfort that can be given to people who have endured such tradedy is a blessing and welcome.  The shame is that Katrina victims were treated so badly by so many - in particular this GD Bush circus.

J Carroll (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:58 PM)

sigh, if only the katrina folks had it this good..or half this good

Tony Stillions, Cedar Rapids, IA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:58 PM)

As a native San Diegan who now lives in New York City, it saddens me that instead of being praised for their camaraderie, Southern Californians are almost being mocked for the "lavish" services they are receiving in a time of utter fear, worry, and anxiety that they are all experiencing. Instead of poking fun at Southern California cliches, why not praise a city for coming together like San Diego has? San Diego has truly shined as America's Finest City this week.

Jessica, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:00 PM)

That poor dog looks like he is hot with all that leather on...that's not cute....what were they thinking???...give that dog a bowl of water to drink.

leah (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:01 PM)

I LOVE CALIFORNIA!!!!!

Andrea (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:05 PM)

What a difference from Katrina, where were all those caring folks while people were starving in the Superdome?

LA Escapee, Austin, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:07 PM)

What a snotty headline and story. Have some compassion.

Pam Franzen (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:09 PM)

Yes I love your title, Martin.  Only in California.... but you can't pass up the photo of the pug.  I'm not a fan of dressing up animals, but you gotta admit, a sight of him at an evacuation site would make me smile & lift my spirits!

Stephanie Umbro, Maine (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:12 PM)

Gotta love this story. So Cal sets a new standard for disaster evacuation sites.

Bobbi, Seattle (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:14 PM)

Almost makes me want to quit my day job and become a SoCal evacuee.

Joe, Lowell, MA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:18 PM)

We Americans know how to suffer!!

Paul Ostis (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:19 PM)

Great to hear some good news about the disaster, if there is such a thing. Usually all that we hear is complaints and fault finding. And usually not even from the people involved. Good work! But then it is California.

Dartelle M. Dodge, Newport NH. (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:20 PM)

One more reason I don't live in California.  The place is burning up and they're having a 'happening'.  Now, mind you, I don't think they need to stand around and be miserable, but this is a little over the top.

Absolutely Stupified (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:23 PM)

What a contrast to Louisiana and the complete lack of a cohesive response or adequate preparation by local, parish, and state leaders.  This makes Gov. Blanco, Ray Nagin, and parish authorities look ten times worse.  Is there any wonder Louisiana is 49/50 in most meaningful statistics?  Incompetent leaders come from incompetent citizens.

Jeremy, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:28 PM)

It breaks my heart to see firefighters with their heads proped up on a curb so that they can get some much needed and deserved rest. I'm in full sympathy and compassion for all of those who have had to leave their homes and those that have lost homes, pets etc. but can't we take better care of our caregivers who are working on the front lines?

Rosemary J, Oklahoma City (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:29 PM)

Hey, nobody produces a better NUT than California!

Mike New York NY (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:29 PM)

That is just too cool! What a difference between the fire conflagration response and Katrina! Either we have learned a lot from Katrina or California is still the greatest "people place" in the world! Thanks for a positive article.

Sally Lindber, Tucson AZ (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:36 PM)

well thats just great! we had to wait in line every day just for mre's and ice when katrina came through. looks like fema has really stepped it up for our counterparts out in Cali! Heaven forbid they should miss a yoga class.

Susan B., Covington, LA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:37 PM)

It sounds more like a festival.  But why not?  They aren't surrounded by 12-14 feet of filthy water with floating bodies in the sweltering heat in a building that has no electricity, toilets backed up because they can't be flushed because there is no water, no drinking water, no food and no way to get out, no where to go if even if they could get out, because for miles all you can see is water and a dead city and seemingly no one trying to help them.  And if when the SOCAL evacuees return home and find everything in ashes at least they probably won't find a skeleton in the ruins.  
I very much applaud SOCAL's emergency response.  It seems they are doing a great job and my prayers are with the firefighters that they be kept safe. And it sounds like neighbors are taking care of each other as volunteers, temporary housing, etc.  Good for them!  I think the entire nation learned a sad but valuable lesson from Katrina and it is heartening to know that maybe no one has to go through that again because of future preparedness and a plan. A plan that SOCAL put into place pretty quickly and efficently.  Hang in there people, it sounds like you are in good hands.  God Bless all of you.

Ann, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:39 PM)

I don't think you understand that during a hurricane we have no utilities.  Any shelter available is just that.  A roof over your head.  No water or electricity.  The high humidity and mosquitoes ravage you.  Qualcomm and the Superdome cannot be compared.

Randy Digiovanni, Groves, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:40 PM)

The anti-New Orleans experience, of course.  Natural disasters always hit the poorest communities in ways that the wealthy will never have to deal with.  Don't get me wrong-- I am glad to hear the folks of S. California are comfortable, safe, and cared for; it's just amazing that the residents of New Orleans were expected to suffer in ways so much greater.  And how quickly Bush came to the call of the rich white folks...

ruby austin, tx (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:48 PM)

Nope - this doesn't sound like the victims of Katrina at all.  Comparisons between the two would be foolish.  The photo of the pug on the Harley was cute, though.

Lisa Butler, Austin TX (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:53 PM)

How things have changed since Katrina....

Amanda Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:58 PM)

Quite the contrast to the Katrina Victims' Stadium experience. I both equally love and hate this country for so many reasons.  

K (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:59 PM)

I just wonder how some people will spin this.  We could say "Lessons learned from Katrina", but there are those that will say "This is because it's San Diego and full of rich, white people."

I, personally think it could possibly be a combination of both, i'm sad to say.  But if part of this is due to improved procedures due to Katrina, i'll take what I can get.

Chris, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:03 PM)

Don't know who's offering the massage, acupuncture, kosher food, etc., but can't help but notice the difference between what's available for victims of the fire and what was available for the Gulf Coast and New Orleans Katrina victims.  I certainly don't begrudge the Californians the free services available to them -- it is devasting to lose all whether from fire, flood, or any other natural disaster, and any victims deserve our support and prayers.  And what do you want to bet that CA insurers will settle up more easily than did the ones in the Gulf Coast, even though threat of wildfires in the afflicted area is well-known and has happened before?  Hopefully the lessons learned from the handling of the Katrina disaster will positively impact handling the CA disaster, and that's a good thing.  But if I was a Katrina victim at this point, particularly one whose neighborhood has yet to be rebuilt or is still fighting an insurance claim, I would probably feel miserable all over again.  My thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the CA fire victims but also, again, to the Katrina victims.

Mary B., Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:06 PM)

Dude it's San Diego, where we do "disaster evacuations" with fun and style; excuse me but I've got to get my face painted.

steve rogers, still burning in san diego, ca (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:15 PM)

Only in California

Buzz Sparks, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:16 PM)

I know I am not the first to bring this up, but the reason California evacuation is doing so well is these people have MONEY!!!  I'm sure if the people in New Orleans had money they would have never ended up in the Super Dome.   I do feel bad for the people who don't have money and have lost everything, but for the rich I'll save my sympathy & tears for a real tragedy.

Brenda Grace San Antonio Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:25 PM)

Acupuncture and meditation at a disaster shelter? SoCal natives have mad cultural skills. Lets hope they've got some good masonary and carpentry skills too.

J.Deller, Orlando, FL (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:26 PM)

I wonder why this level of service and comfort was not given to those who were trapped in the Superdome.

Andrew, Independence, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:27 PM)

Wow.  A natural disaster happens to a bunch of rich white people and things sure are different than when it happens to poor african americans.  Great Country!
California Vs. New Orleans

tm, seattle wa (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:30 PM)

I live within eyesight of the stadium (crossing Fenton Parkway and Friars). Sounds the the stadium is the place to be, maybe I should bring my kids there for some free entertainment?

Chris O., San Diego, Ca (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:39 PM)

Wow.  I wonder what the folks in New Orleans think of this?  Staggering the difference in treatment from one disaster to another.

Susan, Seattle WA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:41 PM)

It all sounds very cute, but I can't get over the idea that the homes that burnt down were million dollar home, the people well off or filth rich, right dead center in the middle of Republican country! Contrast this with the poor black people made homeless because of Kartrina. I may be cynical, but those poor black Democrats still are waiting for relief. Keep an eye on what AllState and the other insurance companies do in CA? I bet they wont be allowed to dodge out on claims there!

Mike Brooks, Eugene, OR (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:44 PM)

I love California.  It has a little bit of everything.  Mudslides, floods, fires, earthquakes, you name it.  And yet, it's a beautiful state and I can see why people would live there despite the risks. I live on the East Coast, and have gone to CA for vacation as much as I've gone to FL.  I know CA will bounce back.  The Governator has done an amazing job.  If he had been in Louisiana during Katrina, the story would have been different.  The CA citizens are in my prayers.

Melanie L, NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:45 PM)

I think you do a great disservice with this article by resorting to basic clichés about California and its citizens. Your poking fun at dogs with outfits and yoga/mediation classes does not negate the fact that thousands of people are without homes, people have died, and lives have been ruined. Would you have written the same fluff about the stadium in New Orleans?

Jessica Coville, San Francisco, California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:46 PM)

Thats what Californian's are all about.  We dont need the federal government to come in.  We take care of our own.

Alex Mack, Anaheim, California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:49 PM)

Which insurance company was offering hamburgers and claims service on the spot?

bala ganesan (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:49 PM)

It's nice the evacuees are having such a great time, while our firefighters go for days without sleep, and sometimes given only a sandwich to eat while out on the fire lines.

Cara Sanders, Mt. Shasta, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:50 PM)

Wow - just like New Orleans during their disaster.

Diane Hayes (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:50 PM)

It's amazing all the help that can be had when you're white.

Donna, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:55 PM)

Watch and learn, America. Watch and learn.

CaliforniaNative (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:57 PM)



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