No new news regarding the status of the conservation project area and no new photos. Road closures around the project site and the lack of access made getting updated images impossible. The fire seemed to be moving up the mountians and away from the area most impacted yesterday, but potenitally toward another section of the city. More updates will be provided tomorrow.

Compared to the loss of property in the surrounding area and the impact on those families, we have lost little, but it appears that our first conservation site is very close to, if not part of, the destruction we witnessed last night. The fire took a very fast turn to the west in the late afternoon on Thursday. I have photos posted here on our flickr site that tell the tale most effectively. Click on the “Jesusita Fire” collection on the right side of our flickr page. We will continue to post updates later today.

For the third time in the last 365 days we have a local fire. Click here for a panoramic photo taken with my camera phone.

I headed up to the site around 3:30 pm today as the winds began to pick up significantly and began whipping up the fire. Flames were visible on many slopes of the moutnians. At one point it appeared that the fire reached the top of Cathedral Peak, but had nowhere to go with only rock left in its path. Within one hour it appeared that homes were burning and I began to gather a few valuable reference texts and some paperwork in case the fire switched its course and began heading west toward the A Rocha project site in the San Marcos foothills. I am unsure what the total damage is at this time - more updates tomorrow.

Nancy Sleeth recently released her book Go Green, Save Green published by Tyndale. Her work is a great resource for practical ways to conserve resources in our daily lives. She has been kind enough to allow us to share some of her ideas. She is maintaining a blog that is worth checking out.

Her energy saving tips for the week:

1. Turn off lights, TVs, stereos, and computers when leaving the room.
2. Hang clothes on the line to dry. (Even once a week helps!)
3. Remember awnings? Yes, they are an investment, but they will keep your home so much cooler during summertime, especially if you do not have energy-efficient windows.

Nancy Sleeth, wife of Matthew Sleeth, author of Serve God, Save The Planet, has just released her book Go Green, Save Green published by Tyndale. Her work is a great resource for practical ways to conserve resources in our daily lives. She has been kind enough to allow us to share some of her ideas. She is maintaining a blog that is worth checking out.

Energy Saving Tips of The Week:

1. Disconnect automatic ice makers, which add heat to the freezer to release the cubes.

2. Reduce shower time by at least two minutes.

More tips at can be found here

I have been reflecting about the natural gifts found in our world. I have found myself thankful and having much to celebrate. Perhaps I’ve been in this mindset due to the having a day set aside on the calendar (Earth Day) or having recently watched the new Disney Nature film ‘Earth’, but regardless, several local natural treasure come to mind that inspire and cause wonder: our Channel Islands National Park, the Elwood Butterfly Preserve, The Douglas Family Preserve (aka the Wilcox Property), the Sedgwick Preserve, Mt. Figueroa, our beaches, the front range of mountains and their hiking trails, Point Sal, and the San Macos Foothills. Each providing an opportunity to retreat, reflect, and give thanks for the created order.

What local areas most inspire you?

I had an opportunity to preview the new Disney Nature film “Earth” yesterday. I had seen parts of the Planet Earth series, but never had the opportunity to see the entire 5 dvd disc production. The 90 minute film held some footage from that series with new footage that created a remarkable field trip to some of the world’s amazingly unique biodiversity hotspots. Watching it on the big screen was well worth the visit to the theater. The audio was stunning - several of us instinctively turned our heads toward the back of the theater during the rainforest scene expecting to see the animals we heard in that direction. The large screen was a perfect match for the grandness of the areas and animals being depicted - truly awe inspiring. The narration by James Earl Jones was the perfect match for the quaility of the production and drama of three animal families - humpback whales, polar bears, and elephants. The film is a great reminder of the uniqueness of creation - our gift to treasure and steward.

Local marine biologist and Santa Barbara A Rocha consulting scientist Jonna Engle will speak at The Loft (821 State Street), May 11 at 7:30. She will talk about the need for biodiversity and her story of participating in environmental stewardship. A big thanks to Ocean Hills Church for allowing us to use their downtown facility for these events.

I received the following written by A Rocha friend Matthew Sleeth, author of “Serve God, Save The Planet”:

“Looking for a great way to participate in a celebration of God’s creation? This Earth Day Disneynature is bringing EARTH to theaters all across the U.S. We have seen the movie — and it is great!  Every day is Earth Day for the Christian. From Alpha to Omega, from dust to glory, we see God unleashing the wild wonders of His Creation. For many of us, we rarely take the time in our busy lives to stop and celebrate the handiwork of the Creator. When we do, it quickly returns us to a state of contemplation and celebration for these priceless gifts. Families will experience God’s Earth in a brand new way. Vivid color, heroic stories of triumph, heart-pounding adventure, the changing seasons and fun creatures. The film opens April 22.”

We are looking to put together an opportunity for us to view the film locally with an opportunity for follow up discussions in the days that follow. Stay tuned for more updates. Let us know what you think of the film.

Join us Monday, April 14 at 7:30 PM at 821 State Street for our next Loft Session featuring pastor Paul Miller, Pastor of Turnpike Church of Christ.