May 8, 2009 at 23:27
It is just about 11:30 PM ET and a marine layer (fog) has rolled in over Santa Barbara’s south coast. While the flames are still burning strong in the hills the winds are much calmer than forecast giving firefighters some reprieve from the hot and very dry conditions (less than 20% humidity yesterday) that along with offshore winds, helped fan the devastating flames yesterday. Evacuation orders remain as posted earlier.
Just before 8:00 PM PT the local, state and U.S. agencies fighting the Jesusita Fire released a statement with the following facts to date:
Fire Status:
- 8,600 acres burned
- 10% contained
- Damage assessment in progress – initial estimate of 80 homes have been damaged or destroyed
- Approximately 12,204 properties evacuated (mandatory evacuation orders); affects approx. 30,500 people
- More than 11,524 properties under evacuation warning; approx. 29,000 people affected
- Residences threatened – 3,500; commercial properties threatened – 100
- 3,455 personnel on scene: 428 engines, 78 crews
- 14 air tankers and 15 helicopters
- 11 firefighter injuries to date
- Cause under investigation: Tip line – 805-686-5074
- Air quality warning remains in effect
- Estimated costs to date $3.2 million
May 8, 2009 at 11:36
The below map shows my location (the yellow house icon on the Westside). The yellow shaded area is the Jesusita Fire evacuation warning area and the police icon-framed orange area is the mandatory evacuation area (Santa Barbara’s Eastside) as of May 8 at 11:30 AM PT. (SBARC Fire Map – County Information Page)
May 7, 2009 at 11:11
Increased winds fanned the flames on the evening of May 6. (more photos)
May 6, 2009 at 17:05
The winds have picked up and the smoke is arcing over downtown. (more photos)
From Santa Barbara Barbara Amateur Radio Club (the creators of the fire map) update:
Fire situation rapidly growing critical. Active flame fronts are visible on the east and west flanks from just above Foothill Road to Camino Cielo Road. Suggest everyone maintain highest possible alert level. -W7HUT
May 6, 2009 at 09:01
The fire started in the hills right by one of my favorite hiking spots: “Inspiration Point.” more photos | fire updates | fire map
May 1, 2009 at 09:55
May 1, 2009
Matt Polka, President
American Cable Association
One Parkway Center, Suite 212
Pittsburg PA 15220
Dear Matt:
Network neutrality is an issue that I am passionate about both as a broadband operator and a ‘net’ user. The Internet gained immense popularity as a platform for free speech that was accessible to any person. The relatively inexpensive cost to post one’s message forced a major shift in media control, allowing upstarts to be on equal footing with media giants in the then new electronic landscape. The Internet caused innovation, allowed small businesses to compete with very large ones and ultimately kept many small cable operators from falling into bankruptcy in a time when large MSO’s and programmers were eating into video profits.
Today there is a serious threat to the very structure of the Internet that made it so successful. ISP’s around the nation are clamoring for more control over their pipes, claiming the need for more control over the traffic that passes over their networks. However this control, if not defined properly could lead to the downfall of the independent operator.
ESPN 360 is a perfect example of how large media stands to take control of the Internet from end-to-end If network neutrality is not embraced. ESPN’s model is to charge ISPs a fee for each and all subscribers, for access to its content. ESPN is the first of what will be many, to demand payment from ISP’s for access to their content. Imagine if Google began demanding payment from ISPs for subscribers’ searches. Or the reverse: Cox started charging small Web sites like americancable.org in order to be accessible to its subscribers.
It behooves small [cable] operators to support network neutrality for their own survival. I imagine that few ACA members are large enough to be in the position to demand payment from a large media outlet for access to its subscribers and will therefore be likely to be asked to pay for access to corporate media’s content. Small operators are at a tremendous disadvantage in a non-neutral environment. I urge the ACA to openly support network neutrality on its Washington agenda. Please see my attached article from MultiChannel News.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Levi C. Maaia
Vice President, Full Channel
