John and Wendy Vittands who have lost their home in this fire were forced to evacuate early in the fire. Wendy tried to take her horses with her during the initial evacuation but firefighters would
not let her. Wendy tied her horses tied to her vehicle and was planning on leading them out with her horses following her as she didn't have a horse trailer or couldn't get them in it by herself. Firefighters would not let her do that, because they said it would take too long that way. Wendy said that the firefighter forced her to leave her horses behind so she escaped with her own life. Later John and Wendy's neighbor and horse trainer John Curry come up to the house on horseback and rescued the horses by leading them in a trail pack out to safety. John Curry obviously saved the horses lives as John and Wendy's home was destroyed. John Curry needs to be recognized for his act bravery, friendship and animal husbandry.

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Hi all, As you might recall, John Friedrich had planned a fundraiser on Monday to help pay for costs of attending the Democratic National Convention as an Obama delegate. Now that we're back in our homes, the party is still on, but with a different purpose. Funds raised will now be donated to Jon Currie, the heroic horse-rescuer. The invite is below. Hope you can join us, and I'd appreciate if you could help spread the word. Thanks again, John Friedrich
Join a celebration of our community and birthday party fundraiser this Monday, August 4th. This event was originally scheduled to raise funds to help 19th Congressional District Barack Obama delegate John Friedrich cover costs of attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver (John and Barack share an Aug. 4 birthday). In the wake of the fire, funds raised will instead be donated to Jon Currie, who heroically rode his horse through the Mount Bullion blazes to rescue John and Wendy Vittands' five horses, while his own house burned. Jon, who also rescued his neighor's donkey, had no insurance. Tre Ford and Susan Lohwasser are hosting this poolside party at their home in Midpines (5400 Colorado Road), beginning at 6 p.m. Please bring an hors d'oeuvre to share. Please RSVP here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/442yk

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News For Release: July 28, 2008
Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner Reminds Telegraph Fire Evacuees that Insurance May Cover Some Living Expenses

MARIPOSA - Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reminded residents who have been evacuated because of the Telegraph Fire in Mariposa County that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Businesses may also be eligible for reimbursement due to lost business.

"The last thing fire evacuees should have to worry about is how to pay for their hotel stays, extra food and other additional living expenses," said Commissioner Poizner. "Many homeowners insurance policies cover some additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Evacuees should check their policies as soon as possible, and if they have any insurance questions, they should call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP."

Many residential homeowners insurance policies cover what is known as ALE, or additional living expenses. This permits homeowners to maintain their normal standard of living by covering the increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or a mandatory evacuation. ALE coverage typically includes extra food costs, increased housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage costs, telephone installation and extra transportation costs to and from school or work.

Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Callers from out of state, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.

If you are a member of the public wishing information, please visit our Consumer Services.

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Thank you DarcyFitzwilliam for starting this site. My parents were evacuated Sunday afternoon and spent the next few days with me in San Diego. It was so helpful to have a wealth of detailed information available to them some 400 miles from home. Thanks also to everyone who contributed information. It certainly made a tough time easier.

I'm happy to say my parents are at home tonight, able to sleep in their own bed. My condolences to all who are not so fortunate. Keep working together as a community, extending a hand wherever you can. Take care of each other, and thanks again.

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Need semi-permanent space to rent for seven horses with a house OR where there is a home for rent nearby the horse area. Prefer area with plenty of space/acreage to accomodate a dog without causing neighborhood disruptions (the dog is very friendly to all humans but can be picky towards other canines).

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Hi, my husband is Merced PD and wants to volunteer later in the week. We're from Jerseydale and have a big 4X4 truck. He's trying to call his friend w/ Mariposa Sheriff dept. but not getting through to his cell. Does anyone know who to contact or what will be needed? What about MES? Do they need food, clothes, blankets etc?

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SPCA has been evacuated.

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I think the word didn't get out to a lot of evacuees--the shelter services are available for all those displaced by the fire EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT SLEEPING THERE.

TOP TEN REASONS TO STOP BY THE SHELTER...
1. Need updated info? They usually have a CalFire guy come in around 10 or 11 am to give an update.
2. Need some extra clothes? They're there, and PD Quik laundromat is offering to wash your clothes for you.
3. State Farm and AAA are there to talk over insurance questions.
4. Food is free and available and lunch and dinner are served to you EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT SLEEPING THERE (save some money on groceries now, because you'll need it when you get back home and have to empty your refrigerator of your spoiled food. Plus, it's hard to cook in someone else's kitchen).
5. There are neighbors of yours who may know some news for you.
6. There's games, TV, internet connectivity (4 computers!) and entertainment for you or your kids if you're tired of hanging around your (very nice and caring) friends house and feel like giving them some space for an hour or two.
7. There's diapers, backpacks, games, toys all DONATED by our local community to help out the people displaced by the fire.
8. Network, network, network. It really works.
9. Commiserate with your neighbor who lost his house. He'd really like to talk about it.
And the TOP reason to be at the shelter at least once is...
10. One of the shelter managers with the Red Cross has been to many disasters, and he's never seen a community pull together and rally like Mariposa. He says we should be proud of what we are doing for each other. I thought that was really nice to hear! Come see your townspeople!

I have been at the shelter a lot and am impressed with the atmosphere there. I would definitely go there for a break and some camaraderie if I was evacuated!

Please pass the word!--Kristin

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FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST HOMES! Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County is holding a rummage sale this weekend and is opening the doors to all who have lost homes in the Telegraph fire. Starting at 2 pm on Saturday, all merchandise may be selected by families who have been burned out and taken FREE of charge. The rummage sale will be taking place Saturday, August 2 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 8:30 am-4pm. To the rest of the Mariposa community, if you have rummage sale merchandise donations, the drop off is Friday, August 1 at St. Joseph's from 4-7pm. Thanks for everyone's support. See you at the sale! Visit the website for more details: www.MariposaHabitat.org

Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County
www.MariposaHabitat.org, (209) 966-7444 Mailing Address: PO Box 1420, Mariposa, CA 95338
Physical Address: 5320 Hwy 49N #7, Mariposa, CA 95338

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Does anyone know if the Red Cross is accepting donations to help our friends and neighbors? Or if there is anything else we can do?

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