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Just had a knock on the door and was greeted by two 18-year-old guys in DC hoodies. They had a couple laminated cards and they were selling something (usually magazine subscriptions) door-to-door in order to “get points to win a contest.” The prize? In this case it was apparently a trip to Cancun. One of the kids was from Georgia, the other from “Palo Alto.” If they roll by your house leave a note in the comments.

For more on what this whole “teen sales crew” thing is all about, check out this story from the New York Times.

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Lowell Ponte, a Carlsbad-based writer, former radio host, and avid local garage sailor wrote today about the fires in San Diego County for a site called Newsmax.com. In his article he mentions thinking about putting on a mask and going outside to play in the ashes:

In an odd moment yesterday, I thought it might be fun to go outside with my dust mask, lie down on our ash-covered driveway, and move my arms to make a snow angel. I pondered whether the fragile ash could be formed into a snowman.

Sadly, Mr. Ponte was unsuccessful in both missions. But at least Lowell hasn’t lost that wacky sense of humor.

[Link: Newsmax.com]

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Florida-based writer Joyce Levi wrote a guest column for TCPalm.com, a Florida newspaper site, in which she recounts her recent visit to Carlsbad during Firestorm 2007.

Monday morning. I awakened to a rather large, strange-looking cloud over the ocean toward the south — deep brown to gray — and I thought, “Thunderstorms today.” I quickly learned that the cloud was smoke, and there was now a “serious” fire some 30 miles east of us in Ramona and Poway. . . . Some people have left the Grand Pacific Palisades where I’m hunkered down (familiar term). The resort has opened its doors to evacuees, along with their animals, even though this is a no-pet facility. Emergencies call for new rules. Elevators here are closed due to erratic power concerns.

It’s always funny to read what other people think about our community and our California brand of disasters. Florida has storms that march into the State, lay waste to every single thing that stands in it’s way, and then disappear back into the sky. Yet, after surviving her week in Carlsbad Joyce comes to this realization: “I don’t like fire. I much prefer Florida hurricanes.”

And you know what? So do we, because Florida is about as far inland as you can get.

[Link: TCPalm.com]

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Legoland was closed this week due to the fires, however, they are re-opening on Friday October 25.

LEGOLAND California will not open for business today out of respect and consideration for the firefighters as well as victims of the many fires currently burning in San Diego County. . . .We are saddened by this situation that affects so much of California at this time and our thoughts and prayers go out to those families affected by the fires. . .

Carlsbadistan visitors who travelled across the county to visit the park will finally be able to tomorrow. And, since school is out for most everyone what better time to hit the park. Enjoy.

[Link: Legoland]

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As the sun burned through the smoke around 11 AM this morning Carlsbadistan’s Village came alive with shoppers, people out to grab a bite to eat, and school kids happy to be out of class in spite of the terrible destruction in other parts of San Diego County. As a guy on the Seawall said, “In the mountains this would be a snow day.”

Yes, but in Southern California, it’s a fire day and it seems like everyone is making the most of it, albeit in appropriate garb.

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After two days of wind protection from the smoke of the Rice fires to the north and the Witch fire to the south of Carlsbadistan, the clear blue skies gave way to heavy smoke and ash falling like light snow. As the sun came up this morning over Agua Hedionda Lagoon southern skies were dark orange. To the north it looked like a normal foggy morning, however, a few deep breaths let it immediately be known that this is not fog.

After spending the day indoors yesterday because he could not work Carlsbad resident Craig Hammon, of Hammon Constuction decided that a tour of North County was in order. “At about midnight, after watching all the news all day I decided it was time for a motorcycle ride,” he said. “I mentioned it to my wife and I was surprised that she said, ‘Go ahead, just don’t get killed.”

Hammon said he rode from Carlsbad down to the Del Dios Highway in Del Mar out to Interstate 15 and then back again and didn’t see any flames. “They were doing a really good job of keeping all the roads in the fire areas blocked,” he said. “The only place I saw flames was out on the 15 in what looked like the Pala area.”

So far no fires have crossed the border into Carlsbad proper. We will update the site throughout the day. For an interesting Google Map of the fires click here.

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This evening (October 22, 2007) Carlsbadistan’s seawall began filling with motorhomes as residents from the fire threatened cities escaped their homes thanks to what the media are calling Firestorm 2007. By 8:30 PM there were at least 12 motorhomes with associated trucks (motocross bikes in the back), trailers, and cars camping out in the shadow of the Enicina Power Plant just south of Tamarack.

David and Kathryn (pictured left with their five dogs) evacuated from Fallbrook earlier this afternoon. “We came out through the backgate at Pendleton,” Kathryn said. “If they hadn’t opened that gate I don’t know what we would have done. I guess we would have just burned up. There was no other way for us to get out.”

Both were happy to have their motor home and a place to stay while the fires rage in Fallbrook. “There isn’t a motel room available between Mexico and Orange County,” Kathryn said. “I learned my lesson after the last fire in East County and I got a motor home for times like these.”

“It really teaches you to value what is important,” David added. “We’re here, out of the fire with our dogs and nothing else really matters. I figured if there’s going to be a fire there’s no better place to be than right here between two bodies of water.

“And this place is even better because it’s where we first met,” Kathryn said throwing a smile David’s way.

In the past we’ve complained about all the motor homes clogging our seawall all summer, now we’re sure Carlsbadistan is happy to welcome anyone who has been displaced by the fires. If you know anyone who is looking for a place to park their motorhome, the seawall is open and there still are a few empty million dollar, ocean view parking spaces.

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