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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

Hey, when we evacuate and shelter we do it right!  
So. Cal style!!

Lisa (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 6:58 PM)

This article makes it sound like a party down in San Diego and is in very poor taste.  The author is also rubbing the devasting living conditions that Katrina victim's experienced after their catasrophe in their face, all the while not acknowleging that hundreds upon thousands of Southern Californians are destrought over being left homeless.  Not everyone in Southern California is rich! Appalling coverage!

Teri Brown Lompoc, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:03 PM)

Having lived in an affluent neighborhood devastated by tornadoes in 1999, there can be no comparisons drawn between the volunteer, donation, mobilization efforts between these California fires and the aftermath of Katrina.  (Please note, I am not citing devistation and destruction)  A large portion of population affected in the Katrina disaster were disenfranchised, without the benefit of personal and financial resources of folks in our neighborhood and of our fellow Americans in Southern California.  This is not to say that the pain of losing your home and precious mementos, leaving pets behind, worrying about loved ones welfare; is not a dreadful scenario that we pray none of us will never have to endure again.  But, please let's not make comparisons between the two.  That said, we should all hold up the efforts and cooperation in California as a benchmark for all of us in times of dire straights.  It was also apparent early on that there was a united and proactive front between all of the local, state and federal agencies.  When the inevitable Monday morning quarterbacking began it did not appear to be substantiated...would that Louisiana and Mississipi had had the benefit of hindsight

Paula J. Gross (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:05 PM)

This is why I love San Diego.  Instead of panicking in a disaster, everyone takes care of each other and really thinks of the little things (toilet paper, massages for the stressed evacuees, toys for the kids, even special food for those with dietary restrictions).  This really is one of the best places to live.  

K Davis, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:06 PM)

I'll bet the folks in New Orleans feel loved.

Dale S. (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:08 PM)

We live in a disgusting two class nation..........the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'.  Evacuees of Katrina couldn't even get decent meals, bedding, clothing, etc...

This makes me want to throw up!!!!

Michele C. Tucson , Arizona (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:13 PM)

well, after all this is southern california and who wouldnt want a massage after having your million dollar home burned down? I suspect after living like refugees in Qualcomm stadium this is totally appropriate.

Orange County California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:15 PM)

What a far cry from what the Katrina victims had to endure.

Stuart Phillips, Eugene, OR (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:17 PM)

This doesn't really surprise me. It is further proof of the rights and privileges that the haves get to keep while the have nots get treated as (at best) second class citizens during equally massive disasters. The victims of Katrina get blamed for staying in New Orleans when the city was hit and, as implied, they deserve inadequate shelter, food, medical care, et cetera. The people of southern California remain behind and have to be housed in emergency shelter, but they get emergency boutiques that cost them nothing. Where is the justice?

Bill

Bill, Colorado Springs, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:19 PM)

Gotta love SoCal!!  As I sit at my desk watching the ashen sky, not wanting to go out into the smoke filled air, reading about the pug at the Q brought a smile to my face :)

San Diego Lover, La Mesa, California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:21 PM)

You've got to be kidding me!  Who pays for all of the massages and custom crocheted items?

DawnBSeafordDE (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:25 PM)

Given what many of these folks face upon returning to destroyed neighborhoods--let's hope FEMA can deliver this time.  Meanwhile, who is helping the Katrina victims 2 years later?  A moment of calm before personal storms?  Bless the folks offering comfort.

Anne, Boulder, CO (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:27 PM)

Yoga, massages, and acupuncture?  And they still have the nerve to ask us to pray for them?  They should be ashamed of themselves and feeling grateful that they weren't left sitting on rooftops.  

Anonymous, Sioux Falls, SD (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:38 PM)

You sure this wasn't a Dead concert you were at?  In all honesty and humility, God bless the people affected by this awful event.  I pray that there is no further loss of life and property.  However, a somewhat cynical side arises from my jaded self; when do the Jesses Jacksons' and/or Al Sharptons' claim that the  predominant 'white' people of Southern Cal. were better treated and assuaged of their dilemma than the 'black' people of Louisiana and Mississippi of their own Hell during Katrina?  The pontificating will most assuredly come as much as I am assured that Al Gore will blame this tragedy on global warming.  By the way; what is the difference between a politician and a political activist?  Only one is voted into a position of power.

Ken Hamilton (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:47 PM)

If you remember, the New Orleans stadium was cut off by water which made it impossible for anyone to get in to help in their time of need.

This stadium seems to be out of harms way with open access for help to arrive and set up.

Sam (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:50 PM)

I am very upset at the story and the majority of these comments.  This in NOT the federal government taking care of our neighbors, this is us, ordinary citizens, pitching in and helping each other.  I am very sorry that this isn't what Katrina victims received during & after their disaster but they should be upset at the local & state governments for not jumping in right away.  We certainly didn't wait for the federal government to come help us.  Our local government has been OUTSTANDING!! And they deserve all the compliments & accolades that they have been receiving.  Excuse us if we are trying to make a very bad and scary situation a little easier on our children.  And don't bring race into this. Our city is as diverse as you can get and every one is pitching in and helping and being helped.  This is   us helping our neighbors.  Where were all the caring folks in that part of the country during Katrina???  That is where your anger should be directed, not at us.  

Barbara, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:59 PM)

How come the firefighters aren't benefiting from the gourmet food, massages, etc.?  Why are they relegated to sleeping on curbs & in the streets?  

Just wondering, Reno, NV (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 7:59 PM)

The DIFFERENCE is that we're not RAPING, SHOOTING and LOOTING!

Anonymous, Southern CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:00 PM)

Many miss the point.
When people hurt and need help, others offer what they have. Sometimes people don't "just" have water, but they can provide a service.
I have family that went through some terible times in LA. after the storms, but after a few days there were helping other in whatever way they could. And many down there still don't have their feet on the ground yet, no matter their race.
So thanks to those who can ad a little comfort to those who stand to lose a lot.

MLP, Boise, ID (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:02 PM)

Southern Californians have come out of the woodwork to take care of their own. All of these extras that you read about (well except for the trailers of insurance agents of course!) have come from other Southern Californians who have taken the time to come down and help out in any way they can. If that means dressing your pug to make people smile, dragging your portable massage table and setting up under a tree, or packing up the yarn ball and creating beanies for the cool night, so be it! Good looking out Southern Cali.

Alana, Anaheim, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:02 PM)

You know, if there's one thing Californians have in common, it's this: they know how to make lemonade from lemons. They're positive people...and also, they're prepared. Many in New Orleans had people offering to help them evacuate, but insisted on waiting for the government to help. Why? Be self-reliant, like the Californians. It's not always a matter of money, but a matter of having some sense. Also, Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco versus Arnold Schwarzenegger? Right there, you can see which state got the better deal. I sympathize with the Katrina victims, but the Californians will have rebuilt by the time New Orleans gets its act together. God helps those who help themselves.

Lauren Day, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:04 PM)

God bless the people of California!

Pamela New Hampshire (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:06 PM)

"Yoga, massages, and acupuncture?  And they still have the nerve to ask us to pray for them?  They should be ashamed of themselves and feeling grateful that they weren't left sitting on rooftops."

In response to this blog, all I have to say is that some of us do not have rooftops left to event sit on because everything we own, all of our memories and everything we have worked hard for over the years was burned the ground in the blink of an eye. Have some compassion for your fellow Americans and stop making fun of people just becasue they are from Southern California. Californians deserve to be prayed for as much as anyone else.

Stacey, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:06 PM)

I can't believe those morons who think the government is providing those services!It's the Californians taking care of each other!

California Native Stuck in Seattle (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:06 PM)

What I love about Califronia is that we take care of our problems ourselves.  It has nothing to with race or social status.  We did not wait for help.  When a prison and hospitals needed evacuating your will notice the school buses that were used.  When rooms for the patients were needed our Governator got on the phone at took care of the problem.  Yeah California can be a place of kooks butr when the going gets tough we dig in.  Just look to how we have reponded to large earthquakes and similiar fires in the past.  Wedid not sit around a wait for someone else to do it.

T. Bray, Plymouth, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:06 PM)

Look at the pictures of the people in Calif. Most are not white. Calif sent more(and is still sending)to Katrinathan any other state(Texas has done good too)I do not think those in Qualcom with no place to go are all "rich". Do you think they act that way because they are rich, or are they rich because they act that way?

Robert, Huntington Beach, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:07 PM)

Southern California Republican?! And as far as people with money using it to save themselves...what the hell is wrong with that?  You people need to check the facts and put your brain in motion before you put your mouth in gear.

Ken Hamilton (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:07 PM)

What does this article say about California? It says that Californians take care of their own and don't sit around waiting for FEMA to come bail them out.  It doesn't have anything to do with being white.  It has everything to do with lending a helping hand to your neighbor.  

V8, Laguna Niguel, CA. (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:08 PM)

   An "8 on the Richter Scale" quake right about now would probably put out a lot of the fires, but might also dampen the high spirits of the partying evacuees.......

SPOTTERRON Lockport (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:09 PM)

To all of you complaining about the luxury services provided the evacuees in San Diego, you should know that it is the people of San Diego taking care of themselves and their neighbors.  The federal government has not provided any of the relief at Qualcomm Stadium.  Everyone who is able, is pitching in to do what they can.  This situation can in no way be compared to Katrina.  The fires started slowly and grew to enormous proportions, but we had time to mobilize and get everything to the evacuees at Qualcomm.  It is a very devastating situation here for many people who have lost everything.  People all over San Diego are pitching in to help.  Shame on all of you who are making false claims that the people who lost everything here are being better taken care of by the federal government.  And by the way, several of the people volunteering out there at Qualcomm also flew to New Orleans to lend a hand there.  Stop criticizing and maybe you can learn a lesson in case it ever happens in your town.

E. Peterson, San Diego (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:11 PM)

Instead of being angry at a Californian who wants to give of his or her time and resources to help another Californian ask yourself why others do not do this where they live... be it New Orleans or San Diego or anywhere that someone is in trouble.
Of course FEMA is not giving massages and yoga classes, get a grip and look at the people who are helping.
If we could get past the roadblocks to offer a firefighter even the slightest bit of comfort of course we would BUT WE CAN'T!
Don't blame us for helping just figure out what you can do for your community when it needs it.

JS, Laguna Niguel, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:12 PM)

Hey Mike in New York: After 9/11 the country was behind your town.  Now that people have lost everything except their lives, you take cheap shots? You reinforce the stereotypes we out here have about crass, soulless New Yorkers.  By the way, ever had a real massage? When you are stressed, tired and anxious it would, duh, make you feel better and be better able to cope.  And as for the firefighters getting the same treatment as the civilians?  Well, duh, one group volunteers to do one job and is ALWAYS greatly praised for it by the locals, while the civilians just lose their homes, cars, pets, equity.

Steve, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:15 PM)

That's why we LOVE IT here!!  CALI is the place!!!  I felt sorry for the Katrina victims and even though I'm a member of the African American Middle Class I bit the bullet and sent bucks to New Orleans.  Californians sent mega bucks down to New Orleans to help out - these are people who struggle to make ends meet.  We Californians felt the pain and isolation and did not hesitate to help out our people in need.  I'm happy to see us handling our business here in Cali.    

Linda, Fontana, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:15 PM)

The reason the Californians in distress are recieving quality care is that the state had disaster preparedness superior to that of New Orleans. This should drastically contrast the Republican approach ( be prepared and plan ) versus the Democrat approach ( hope the Feds pay for it, you already spent the money on feel good no product stuff.

Jann Messer, Seattle, Wash (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:15 PM)

While its wonderful the evacuees and home owners are being treated rather well; that doesn't change what has happened in CA.

And, where were all those helpers (ie insurance, FEMA etc.) when the folks in Katrina were living on roofs, begging for help, drowning and starving. Why no special services at the superdome?????????

I have to agree, that things are different when the disaster victims are white. I am causasian so I can say that without bias.;

Sully smite (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:15 PM)

Get a grip folks!  I am from California and have lived in San Diego and I know that it is a multi-cultural, basically middle class kind of town!!  I am sure that the folks who lost multi-million dollar homes are NOT at the Qualcom, but have paid for rooms and are staying at the Hotel del Coronado, etc.  Give these people a break!!  I am proud to be a Californian watching these folks band together, take care of one another and doing it in GRAND California style.  BRAVO!!

Becky Beatty, South Glens Falls, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:16 PM)

You bleeding heart idiots.  I think you have no idea what what it is to lose everything in your life and have no place to live.  Give em free hand jobs for all I care.  It's their lives that were destroyed, and they should be felt sorry for, not ridiculed by people that have probably never had a massage in their lives.  What happened to the victims of Katrina has no bearing on what happened to these people.  Also, remember that these people LISTENED when they were told to evacuate.  Funny things happen when you listen.

Nick Baker, Philadelphia PA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:17 PM)

FEMA isn't making all this good stuff in Calfornia happen.  California didn't just figure out how to respond to disasters since Katrina.  We plan meticulously and get plenty of practice every year during fire season.  Our public safety officials are awesome.  In 2004, FEMA reported that California fire response was a model of interagency coordination.  Give credit where credit is due.  FEMA is doing much better than they did in Katrina, but it's a secondary role.  What you're seeing is Californians taking care of Californians.  Also, because the Gulf Coast didn't evacuate to the extent we now know they should ahve, the relief situation in Katrina was far worse, with people stranded in utter devastation.

MaryLou (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:19 PM)

Does it not occur to any of you that the type of disaster involved is drastically different?  

With Katrina, power was out, land was flooded and surrounding states were similarly affected.  While the fires are devastating, most shelters have power, are accessible by car and all of the surrounding communities are completely untouched.  

I'm not saying there weren't racial aspects to the Katrina situation, but it seems to me that those of you who can only see this as a prime example of the government not caring about minorities and the poor should look at the entire picture.

Jane Doe, Midwest (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:19 PM)

I just hope all of these people don't decide to pack up and move to Texas.  We have enough la-la land idiots around here.

Give me a break.  I'm glad these people are safe and they deserve to be comfortable in such a high-stress time.  My heart goes out to those who lost any or everything, but can we please put our feet back on the ground and get in touch with reality?

Born-n-Bred Texan (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:21 PM)

Many of the services people in California are volunteers giving their time, and resources. The victims of Katrina did not have people in their area willing to do that. They all came out of places like California and other States that gave from the bottom of their hearts to help fellow Americans. Stop and look at the reality of the situation.... many of you STIL have a home, or a job to go to tomorrow. Sadly like Katrina many of these people are in need. The media is the reason that makes you all takes sides. This is a disaster, and like Katrina we all need to give to those who are less fortunate. If you had nothing to return to, how would you be feeling right now?

WL, San Diego, California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:21 PM)

Everyone else, including the visiting Easterners, has remarked at the amazing support private individuals have given to the rescue efforts.  You have to make it look tawdry. The dog provided a laugh for folks who had to face very serious issues. Lighten up. Bet I could find something to ridicule in your home town.

Bob Foster (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:22 PM)

Some people seem to be missing one important point: those giving massages, leading yoga classes and meditations, giving childrens' magic shows, etc. are also evacuees.  They are sharing their talents to make this ordeal a bit easier for everyone, not being air-headed idiots as some make them out to be. Personally, I admire and commend them all.

Jody J, Phoenix (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:23 PM)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the people of California giving, sharing and giving hope to each other.  The fact that the good people of New Orleans and the other gulf states were the victims of this administration and were treated in the worst manner possible does not have anything to do with the example in human compassion being shown to the world by the good people of Southern California.  I for one think it is great and shows that a disaster does not have to become another disaster like New Orleans.

Ron Welling, Gladewater, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:23 PM)

The services offered to the people who were evacuated at Qualcomm Stadium are by volunteers in the community. San Diegans pull together to help each other out in times like this.  Much of the food, water and entertainment are the result of local businesses that contributed and ordinary citizens who just wanted to help out.  

Sandra P., San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:23 PM)

Ok first, I'd like to say that comparing Katrina to these wildfires is pointless. There is no comparison. They are completely different.

Second...

We have fires every year in California. Why do you think we elected Mr. Freeze as our governor? "Cool down california!"

Joebobmcgee, Irvine, California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:23 PM)

It's foolish to compare Qualcom and the Superdome.  There are many people in Southern California that have not been severely affected and can volunteer their efforts and resources to help the evacuees.  They still have access to the things they need.  The hospitals are open, the airports are open, most of the highways are open, most of the Targets and Walmarts are open.  They are helping their neighbors and I think they should be applauded.  The government has nothing to do with a massage therapist setting up a free service at Qualcom.  And I bet the clowns and magicians coming in to entertain the kids are volunteering.  I don't think the government, Republican or Democrat, is interviewing and hiring clowns for this disaster!  Californians are showing people why we should all be proud to be Americans.  I'm sure there were plenty of people in New Orleans who would have helped after Katrina IF they could have.  In SoCal, it's neighbor helping neighbor.  New Orleans was devastated and had no electricity or water or sewers.  The water and electricity are still working in So Cal...of course they are going to have it better.  Black or White or Hispancic, rich or poor, Republican or Democrat, why would you ever want anything else for them?

SS, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:25 PM)

Folks, let's not get caught up in the drama and the recriminations.  The real difference is that the devastation in New Orleans precluded the type of response seen in San Diego. The floodwaters did not permit the flow of goods or people in an orderly fashion.

Paul McDonnell, Riverside, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:27 PM)

All of the commenters who are trying to make this about race and money instead need to realize that this is part about lessons learned from Katrina, part a pitch in and help atmosphere, part the fact that unlike New Orleans there is somewhere local to congregate and help out (safely- which they did not have in New Orleans at least initially), and part the fact that San Diego is not as geographically isolated as New Orleans.  Oh, and part of this is that the government in California is more responsive to all of its constituents than some other states and that they do react in a crisis.  Finally, what does it matter that these people they are trying to cope in their own way?  Does it hurt you or the fireman- will it help if they sob and cry and give up? Grow up and mind your own store.  

Dean, Irvine, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:27 PM)

We here in California may be rich but we also take care of each other and don't expect the government to do it for us.  We have a problem, we solve it together.  My sympathies to the Katrina victims - you were treated badly.  I can't even imagine what you went through.  But to compare the two disasters isn't fair. Nor is it fair for the rest of the country to criticize how we Californians get through our natural disasters.  It may be foreign to you but that's what makes our state the best. I'm proud to be a native Californian.  Maybe the rest of the country could learn something from us, huh?

Marianne, Orange, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:28 PM)



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