No sympathy here
The wildfires burning in the county have necessitated a huge Cal Fire incident command at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah which means that the Fourth of July fireworks show has been canceled. (Not only are the fiaigounds occupied but it would be a little weird to say the least to shoot off fireworks in the middle of a wildfire crisis.) As we have reported, fireworks shows are very expensive. A group of local businesses came up with the approximately $20,000 to put on this year's show and they're consulting on what to do next, whether to have the show later or save the money for next year.
Anyway, the group put an $8,250 deposit down with a company in Sacramento (which shall, for the moment ,remain nameless) and earlier this week the organizers called them to say that the show could not go on and see about getting that deposit back.
The initial response thus far has been, "So? You booked it you bought it." Even after explaining that this county is in a state of emergency and that we have a serious crisis on our hands, there was no sympathy.
I'll let you know if they change their minds. Then I'll print their name.
Meanwhile, I have to say that the way Cal Fire gets these incident camps set up is pretty impressive. The initial team of abut 50 people swoop down and organize everything. And they buy locally, which is great. Everything from pens and paper to tents and baked goods is being purchased in Ukiah wherever possible. I got a call from a reader who was worried that the community needed to donate food and water to the firefighters, and while I am sure they would accept donations, you shouldn't worry, they are being fed by the state.
Comments
They need to call the supporters and tell them their money went up in smoke like the rest of the county. Having the show under these circumstances would be a slap in the face to all the firefighters who are coming in from around the United States to protect us.
Posted by: s | June 27, 2008 08:19 PM