I am Sad, Someone Hurt My Beloved Santiago Canyon!

As everyone is aware this has been a tough week in Southern California. For me and my community that hit was a little too close to home, as we live in the great community of Portola Hills! Abeautiful neighborhood that is set up against the Saddleback Mountains where the Santiago Fire was taking place.

On Sunday 10/21 I was having a family over for dinner and with the winds of the previous night, I had thought maybe tonight wasn't the best night for a get together but went ahead anyways. So my family came from both San Diego and Riverside. As the night continued, we looked from my backyard to see smoke begin to appear off in the canyon and then my Sister-in-law got a call from a friend in San Diego saying there were was a fire down south.

So the family went on their way home and my sister called saying the toll road was closed and they were going to have to go around to get up into Riverside. Then my brother called from San Diego as we always do to tell me they were home safe and sound but the fire was getting a little too close for comfort. But all feeling pretty secure that all would be alright.

Monday I awake with smell of smoke in the air and turn on the news to hear the fire has traveled south west towards Foothill Ranch. Foothill Ranch, that is just over the rim, oh my. My brother calls to say they will most likely be evacuated as it was getting close, but at the moment all was fine. How odd is this we are both talking about being evacuated and we live 50 miles apart.

As the day progress and the feeling of uneasiness and pure wonder begins to fill the neighborhood as the sky get's darker and the flames begin to creep away from Foothill Ranch into Whiting Wilderness Ranch and over the ridge targeting Portola Hills.

Cars packed and after a very restless night of no sleep, but having a very secure feeling we would be OK, I awoke to the sky out my backyard clear (well smoke filled) but no flames present, ahhh we were safe! (My brother was evacuated but safe and sound at a friends house) The Santaigo fire had crossed the canyon road and moved towards an Canyon, but a little too close to another neighborhood Santiago Canyon Estates and our beloved historic Cooks Corner a little biker tavern that has been a central part of this canyon community. Ahhh, we are going to be OK was the thought but I also have several friends and clients who live in the estates so that feeling only lasted a moment.

Tuesday Morning!

As the day progressed it was as if the we were all addicted to the same show, watching from backyards making sure all was safe then running to the front yard and hoping everyone else was safe as the fire began to travel up the canyon.

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As I am on the phone checking in with my sister, who is asking of course how is it going I reply it is getting better Portola seems to be out of the path the only concern really is if the winds pick up" we hang up and I turn around and oh my I guess we aren't quite done here in Portola Hills. In a matter of seconds the hill that was on fire the night before, decided to wake back up and this was the view from my backyard.

The incredible Orange County Fire Authority did an excellent job of easing down this side of Portola Hills and all was calm. As the news broadcast continued it seemed with each hour we were hearing a special place in the canyon that we all loved was in the path of the fire. To date we still don't know what the complete damage is, but I can say that overall the communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills were very blessed these past few days.

Yes, it is odd, driving down the street and seeing fire up on the hill, or even a helicopter parked in the middle of the park or having to show I.D to get back home, or even now 2 days later as I turn around I can see flames up on the hill, I will take this feeling of gratitude any day over the feeling of fear.

We have a lot of clean up and help to provide in the Saddleback Valley and all of So Cal. over the next few months and I am certain this community will come together as I don't know anyone who doesn't think this area is a little piece of heaven, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Orange County.

Here are some pics of our beautiful area before someone had the thought to actually hurt it!

Previously I wrote the article Saddleback Valley-Outdoor Activities-Get out and Enjoy! which will provide a great persepective on how special this area truly is.

The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guarenteed.