Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Re: 'Evacuation complainers need to stop' - [Village News, Opinion, 11/29]

Others should have more grace on how people reacted to the stress of the evacuation. We were all distressed not being allowed to return home and make sure we still had one. Thanks to the combined efforts of firemen, law enforcement, the military and residents, most of us do.

There may have been people who “defied evacuation orders and imposed burdens on others,” but I know people who stayed and relieved the burden. My stepfather lives near Gavilan Mountain and was the only resident who stayed all week in that immediate area. He was prepared for this.

Last year he set up his own fire equipment and used this to deter the blazing fire. A fire truck came up his driveway and saw he had his property handled so was relieved to save another home. Later the firefighters came back around and he gave them some food. The firemen also used his equipment and water.

I also know of a resident who saw looters attempting to get into his neighbor’s house. He confronted them and they said the owner sent them to pick up stuff. A call was made to the owner, who said he sent no one.

When confronted with this, the men brazenly said they would loot anyway. The neighbor threatened to take matters into his own hands if they did not vacate immediately. Amazingly, the looters continued to berate but finally left.

As far as law enforcement goes, they should notify people to evacuate one time. After that, it is on the resident. We evacuated along with most of Fallbrook, but I am grateful for the men who did not and stayed up night after night protecting Fallbrook.

Leah Gerten

 

Reader Comments(0)