The Gold Coast Veterans Foundation is a local organization with the motto “serving those who served us.” The nonprofit helps U.S. military vets throughout Ventura County, some of whom are homeless or impoverished — those who have fallen through the cracks of the VA and other national support systems. Its headquarters are in Camarillo.
I spoke with GCVF Executive Director Bob Harris on Wednesday morning, Nov. 6. I had questions on photos…he was concerned about the intense winds whipping by, and the dark cloud of dust and ash swirling overhead. He said it sounded like a jet turbine outside.
It wasn’t long before we both learned that the cause was the Mountain Fire, which had just broken out that morning in nearby Somis.
So far, the fire has burned more than 20,000 acres and is barely contained. Thousands have had to evacuate; 132 structures (including many residences) in Moorpark and Camarillo have been destroyed, and area schools are closed. It’s a dreadful feeling and, sadly, an all-too-familiar one: Many of us remember a similarly windy day seven years ago, when the Thomas Fire began its widespread devastation in December 2017.
The Mountain Fire is another stark reminder of how tragedy can strike at any time.That the work of our first responders is so critical. And that we need to once again come together as a community to help those in need.
We focus on nonprofits every November, in the spirit of the holidays in general, and Thanksgiving in particular. I’m proud of this month’s stories, even if they feel disconnected from current events. I hope you’ll find them interesting and inspiring.
But at the moment, I’m feeling particularly grateful for all that our local organizations and individuals are doing right now, whether that’s putting out a blaze, creating an emergency shelter for evacuees, donating N95 respirators, or just finding extra space for friends, family and pets who had nowhere else to go.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Mountain Fire, the first responders fighting it and the emergency personnel addressing the many needs that arise in the face of such disasters.
Be safe out there. Take care of each other. And know that you’re not alone.
– Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
nshaffer@timeslocalmedia.com
