So much has occurred in the five long days since the Thomas Fire began. Amidst so much change and loss, the enormous amount of love and support that so many of you have offered is tremendous. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. At the time of this writing, the Fire continues to grow, with 230,500 acres burned and only 15% containment. We send our condolences to those who have lost their homes, animals, and so much more. We also send our gratitude to those still on the frontlines. So much has been spared due to their diligence and dedication. The Ojai Foundation remains in a Mandatory Evacuation Area, and the conditions have changed minimally since our report on December 6th. A few essential updates:
TOF is Closed to All Visitors Until Further Notice
For the wellbeing and safety of all, TOF is closed to all visitors until further notice. Please, no exceptions. Although much of the fuel load is gone, The Ojai Foundation remains in an active fire zone and is under mandatory evacuation. In addition, there are significant hazardous waste and air quality concerns that must be assessed before it is safe to walk on the land. Thank you for understanding.
Volunteer Efforts – Stay Tuned
We so appreciate the many offers to immediately help clear, clean and rebuild The Ojai Foundation. Surely, there is much work ahead of us, and your help is essential to the future of The Ojai Foundation. Once the fires are under control, we have stability on the ground, and we have taken the preliminary precautionary steps in clean up, we will call on you for help. Please send your name, email and phone number and how you want to help to david@ojaifoundation.org and/or stay tuned and check our volunteers webpage HERE for updates.
Financial Support
Many have offered to help TOF financially. Indeed, this is a time when our limited resources are stretched thin. With the insistence of many of you, we have started a FIRE RECOVERY FUND. We would welcome as generous a contribution as you are able to offer at this time. Please visit www.ojaifoundation.org to donate online. If you are more comfortable sending a check, please send your donation to The Ojai Foundation Attention: FIRE RECOVERY FUND P.O.Box 999 Ojai, CA 93024 In the three days since we witnessed the devastation to The Ojai Foundation land sanctuary, we have continued to monitor the movements of the fires in the region. We have one eye on the current conditions, and one eye which is beginning to look beyond the smoke and into our future. Thank you for being part of this moment. We are grateful to have you with us and to together witness the land, the Foundation, and the community begin to regenerate.
With heart,
The Executive Stewardship Circle (ESC)
David Bryan, Brendan Clarke, Sharon Shay Sloan and Laura Whitney