Station Fire

The "Station Fire" has burned more than 100, 000 acres (that's an area equivalent to more than 100,000 American-style football fields). Unfortunately, two firefighters died yesterday. The historic Mount Wilson Observatory and research center is at risk of being destroyed, too.

Pluots

This delicious fruit was first developed by Floyd Zaiger, age 83, of Modesto, CA. He and his family also hybridized nectaplums, apriums, churiums, and peacotunes. These pluots being sold at the Torrance Farmers' Market on Tuesday were so good that I went back to buy a second batch.

Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo is an old section of downtown Los Angeles. The Japanese American National Museum which houses a wonderful permanent exhibition about the Japanese American community in California is there. Currently, there's a temporary exhibit on Kokeshi, a toy that has been turned into an art form.

More Produce

Produce in Southern California is abundant and diverse. Have you ever had a sapote?

Fire in Rancho Palos Verdes

Yes, there is a fire in RPV, but it's not that close to where we live. We came home last night from seeing a play with friends to lots of smoke and helicopters. It's not in our neighborhood, but we collected important items to that we could evacuate during the night if necessary. It's very smokey, still. There is a lot of ash on our patio this morning. I still have things in my car ready to go, but don't think that there's any danger for us. I unpacked my computer so that I could use it. It's very hot and dry here. Last night it was still in the high 80s when we went to bed. We rarely have any evening heat since we're so close to the ocean. The helicopters are still patrolling so I feel safe. The firefighters have a tough job because of the terrain.

Timely Warning!

This banner was hung earlier this week just a few days before our latest wildfire started (or was started). We have only road in or out of our neighborhood. The fire department wants us to be prepared to evacuate if a fire starts in our vicinity.

Wildfire View from RPV

This is the picture that I took yesterday afternoon after a wildfire started in the San Gabriel Mountains. They're about 35 miles from where I'm standing, but you can still the huge column of smoke. As of today more than 600 acres have burned.