Oct 22 2007

It's one of those freaks of nature that many folks in Southern California know. Smog and fires have the ability to create absolutely beautiful sunrises and sunset.

When I woke up this morning I went out to the balcony, the Santa Ana winds kicking up to start their morning assault on the southland. I looked east towards Irvine, where a large fire has been burning overnight. The smoke from the fires created a tremendous burst of orange, red, and yellow, the silhouette new development along the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

Some folks call the Santa Ana winds, Santana winds, from the Spanish vientos de Sanatanas ("winds of Satan"). They are dry and hot, humidity usually dropping to less than 10%. Dust, leaves, dirt, trees, and branches are blown all over. Power lines get knocked down, and worse yet, invariably some asshole starts a fire.

My thoughts are with those directly impacted by the fires. Stay safe.

Huntington Beach, California
October 2007

ps. This photo appears on the msnbc "first person" website

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21421272/nPage/2

Page 2, bottom row, 3rd from the left