Who Needs Pockets

My pastor sent me this... hilarious!

Westmont College - Chapel

Even if you live far away from Santa Barbara, you can join the Westmont community Monday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m. for a special chapel program, A Service of Hope and Renewal. To watch the service live online, click here. You may need to install QuickTime.

Classes resume Dec. 1 after the devastation of the Tea Fire, and the community will gather to give thanks that no lives were lost and to comfort and mourn with those whose homes and offices were destroyed.

Campus Pastor Ben Patterson will speak and President Gayle D. Beebe will reflect on the topic, "How Do You Redeem Suffering?"

Office of Alumni and Parent Relations

Pablo and Anna Otaola Wedding Pictures

Just 4 beautiful pictures from the wedding that we just printed and put up in our little home :)






Thank you LORD for giving me such a beautiful wife!!!!

Westmont College Needs Volunteers

Dear Local Alumni,

Thanks for all your support and prayers during our recovery from the Tea
Fire.

I know many of you were able to join us at Saturday night's exciting soccer
game.

There definitely is a sense of gratitude for all the support we have
received from alums, parents and the community.  Having 2000+ fans at the game was a
tangible reminder of that support.  

I am sending this request on behalf of the Student Life office and want you
to be aware of an opportunity to assist our students as they return to campus this
coming weekend.  We are gathering volunteers to greet our students and their
parents as they return to campus to resume the semester.  Student Life would
love to have volunteers at each residence hall providing a welcoming hand as the
students move back into their rooms.  The Student Life Department is coordinating
the check-in and hopes to have 50 volunteers at each of the five shifts.  The first shift
is to assemble gift bags for each returning student that have arrived from
other colleges as an expression of support for our students.

1.    Friday, Nov 28:    1-4 pm
 2.    Saturday, Nov 29:  11:30 am - 2:30 pm
 3.    Saturday, Nov 29:  2-5 pm
 4.    Sunday, Nov 30:    11:30 am - 2:30 pm
 5.    Sunday, Nov 30:    2-5 pm

Everyone helping will come to the Founder's Dining Room on the lower level of Kerr Student Center. 
Kerr Student Center is accessed by parking in the first lot on the left after you enter through
the main campus entrance.

If you are able to assist us in welcoming our students, please send a note to
stulife@westmont.edu with the shift that works best for you.  Please also reply
if you are able to assist for part of a shift.  If you would like to help at a particular hall,
please indicate that in your response as well.

Thanks so much and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

With gratitude,


Teri Bradford Rouse
Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
Westmont College

Westmont College Needs Volunteers

We need volunteers to assist with filling sandbags throughout the day today. There is a slow moving rain event heading our way, and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect.

If you are available, please show up anytime at either Station 1 (595 San Ysidro Road) or Station 2. (2300 Sycamore Canyon Road.) If you are coming in, give me a call or reply to this email to let me know.

THANKS in advance for any help you can give us in preparing for this weather event.

Be Safe,

Geri Simmons Ventura

gsimmons@montecitofire.com

805-969-2537

A Fabulous Hawaiian Vacation Opportunity

Dear Friends of Westmont,

As Westmont College works through all aspects of the Tea Fire, we recognize how we have been extremely blessed to have God's protection cover our campus, not a single life was lost during the disaster. It has also been a blessing to see the love and support coming to campus from the Westmont community; generous donations to the Wildfire Relief Fund, offers of clothing, shelter, food, and more, arrive daily.

With the Tea Fire foremost in our minds, it is extremely important to recognize that our ongoing operational costs continue to grow and funds are needed to keep up with the demand. Annual Fund gifts are among the most important and valuable to Westmont because they can be used where the need is greatest to include student scholarships, student counseling services, improved library resources, recruiting excellent faculty, as well as fire relief needs.

We were fortunate to receive a generous donation from friends of Westmont, Peter and Monique Thorrington, in the form of a vacation home in Kauai, Hawaii . The dates for the 10 day vacation are December 12 through December 22 and you are able to bid by going to EBay and searching for item number 320320508591 or simply Click Here! You can read about the property by going to: www.luxurykauai.com/vacation-rentals/halemana/ . All proceeds will benefit the Westmont Annual Fund.

Happy Bidding!

Forgiveness

My good Friend Liane Koh wrote this blog last night and I thought it was worth re-posting on my blog. You can see the original post by clicking here: Thanks Li!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

What do you do when your heart gets broken when you least expect it?


Excerpt from Dare to Forgive

By Dr. Ned Hallowell

Chapter 3: Forgiveness Sets You Free

To understand forgiveness, you must first understand what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not turning the other cheek. Forgiveness is not running away. Forgiving someone does not mean that you condone what the person has done, nor does it mean that you invite them to do it again. It doesn't mean that you don't want the offending person to be punished. It doesn't mean that you forget the offense, nor does it mean that by forgiving you tacitly invite bad things to happen again. It doesn't mean that you won't defend yourself.

So what does it mean? Forgiveness is one of those words that we assume we can define, but when asked we stumble. Before you read on, try it yourself. How would you define forgiveness?
The dictionary can help. My American Heritage College Dictionary defines "forgive" as, "To renounce anger or resentment against." It goes back to a Greek root word that means "to set free," as in freeing a slave. Ironically, when we forgive, the slave we free is ourselves. We free ourselves from being slaves to our own hatred.

According to the dictionary definition I just cited, in order to forgive we must renounce resentment or anger. We do not have to forget, ignore or condone anyone or anything. We just have to renounce our anger and resentment. Even doing that may seem impossible, especially if whom or what we are trying to forgive has hurt us deeply. How do you forgive murder, child abuse or any other horrible offense? How is anyone supposed to renounce anger and resentment in cases like those? How do you stop feeling what you are feeling, or at least how do you renounce what you are feeling? And exactly what does that word "renounce" mean?

Turning to the same dictionary, I look up "renounce," and find the following definition: "To reject, disown."

This helps. In order to forgive I am not required to cease to feel anger or resentment, only to renounce anger or resentment, which means to disown my anger and resentment.

Westmont readies for students' return: Classes resume Dec. 1 after extended break caused by Tea Fire

I saw this story in the paper today and thought it was worth posting.

by MARCI WORMSER, NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Westmont College's Bauder Hall, which was built in the 1920s and housed offices and a classroom, was destroyed by the Tea Fire. MATT WIER/NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The Physics Building at Westmont College was completely destroyed by the Tea Fire. Above, Mark McCormick, the Resident Director of Clark Hall where many students are housed, stands in front of his home, which was destroyed by the blaze.

The area around the path leading to the Nancy Voskuyl Prayer Chapel had been burned by the Tea Fire, however the chapel itself remained untouched and in good shape.

November 24, 2008 7:17 AM

Since the Tea Fire leveled a slew of academic and residential buildings at Westmont College on Nov. 13, administrators have been focusing on making the campus ready for its 1,200 students to resume classes one week from today.

The fire, which began at the nearby Tea Gardens, gutted 15 faculty residences and nine other structures: four buildings that make up Clark Halls, Bauder Hall, the physics building, the old math building and two Quonset huts. Fourteen of the faculty homes that were destroyed were located in Las Barrancas, an area that's adjacent to the campus where the college built 41 homes for its professors.

"We want to get this place looking as back-to-normal as soon as we can for the students," said Scott Craig, manager of media relations at Westmont. Mr. Craig estimates it will take about 21/2 years to repair all the damage.

Students at the 110-acre Christian-affiliated college have been on an extended break from school since the fire gutted their campus. Students would normally start their Thanksgiving break on Wednesday and return on Dec. 1.

Although classes haven't resumed since the fire, professors have been sending students e-mails about coursework, along with podcasts of lectures, so they will be able to finish the semester as scheduled on Dec. 19, said Mark McCormick, resident director for Clark Halls. Thirty-eight students were displaced when Clark Halls burned, he added.

Although officials still aren't sure about which damaged buildings will be rebuilt, the most imminent tasks at hand to prepare the campus for the students' return, said Mr. Craig, are placing portable buildings on the campus parking lot for female freshmen whose dorms were ravished in the blaze and rebuilding Clark Halls. "Clark will be rebuilt as soon as possible," he said. Housing residences for male freshmen were also destroyed; the students will be placed in the lounge until their housing quarters are rebuilt.

In the wake of the blaze, contractors have worked on fencing off dangerous areas on campus and making small repairs to fencing and wooden bridges. In addition, an independent company was hired to repair smoke damage in the housing quarters, classrooms and offices that weren't hit by the fires, Mr. Craig said. Last week, students whose dorms burned in the blaze returned to the campus with firefighters to sift through the rubble, he said."Some were able to recover everything," he said, adding that the school's insurance policy doesn't cover the students' lost property.

A construction crew demolished the remains of the old math building; coincidentally, its demise was planned, Mr. Craig said. It and the two World War II-era Quonset huts, which housed the art department, were scheduled for demolition last week as part of Westmont's master plan. The master plan entails building a new art building and a new science and math building, a new chapel (the students currently meet in the gym for prayer services) and new residence halls. Westmont pulled the permits for phase one of the master plan construction two days before the fire, he said.

Changes laid out in the master plan encompass the first significant construction on campus in more than two decades, said Mr. Craig. The plan, which will take two to three years to complete, will add 166,000 square feet to the campus. The fire damage, he said, will probably not affect the timeline of the master plan.

Bauder Hall, an historic 1920s-era carriage house that was home to the psychology department, "will have to be bulldozed," Mr. Craig said, adding that he's not yet sure if the building will be rebuilt. The main house burned during the 1964 Coyote Fire, but the rest of the building survived -- until the Tea Fire gutted it.

While psychology, math, art and physics students wait for more permanent classrooms, their classes will be held in existing structures on campus, Mr. Craig said. A temporary building was brought in for the biology department office for phase one of the master plan, but the building may now be used as temporary classrooms, he said.

In addition to the buildings and residences, Westmont's picturesque grounds also suffered damage. The backstop of the baseball field was burned, along with acres of landscaping and trees.

Fortunately, the fire spared the Nancy Voskuyl Prayer Chapel, which was built in memory of the daughter of the first Westmont president, who was killed in a car crash in 1959. Flames singed a mountainside next to the chapel, along with a few pickets on the fencing bordering the chapel, but it left the popular wedding venue undamaged.

According to Mr. Craig, the college students he has encountered since the Tea Fire have been mostly upbeat and positive. Their strong Christian faith, he added, is the reason why they are taking things in stride.

Eight hundred students and staff -- including 140 visiting high schoolers who were taking a tour of the campus -- were ushered into the gym at 6:05 p.m. Nov. 13. when the fire erupted, he said.

"It was amazing we were able to get them all into the gym by 6:15," he said. "By 6:30, the flames were already on campus."

Strangely enough, the students were well versed in how to prepare for a disaster: "We had done an earthquake drill that morning," said Mr. Craig, adding that the school also holds at least two wildfire drills a year. The students spent the night eating snacks, listening to the choir perform and watching movies. Although some students were able to leave the gym that night, about 300 students spent the night there, Mr. Craig said.

Mr. McCormick said he was walking with some students when he saw an orange glow of flames heading toward the campus. He pulled the fire alarm at 5:45 p.m. and called 911. He ran back to his home at Clark Halls, where he serves as resident director for about 240 students, and he changed out of his flip-flops into tennis shoes. He yelled for his two cats to come out, but only one emerged. He didn't have time to grab anything else as he fled. Tragically, his home burned to the ground, and his second cat presumably perished.

While his home is rebuilt, Mr. McCormick and his wife, Nora McCormick, will be staying at a cottage house on campus that previously housed two students. Those students were relocated to a residence off campus that boasts a pool and hot tub. "So they're not complaining," Mr. McCormick said with a laugh.

"The fire was right there and we just had to get out," he said. "Like everybody, we didn't think our place was going to burn."

"I was most concerned about my students," he added. "Everybody's safe and that's the most important thing."

Mrs. McCormick takes a similar view of the tragedy.

"We hope God turns the ashes into something beautiful," she said.

The entire community is invited to a chapel service at the college on Dec. 1 -- the first day that students will return to the campus -- at 10:30 a.m. For more information about the service, titled "A Service of Hope and Renewal," or for updates about rebuilding efforts, visit www.westmont.edu.

Anna and Pablo Otaola: Our Engagement

Here it is!! November 10, 2007... a day that changed my life forever... I love how surprised she got and how she was so nervous that she didn't know what to do! hahaha

Anna Otaola Dances Away

Yeah you wanted it... now you got it!! This is 2 of the many Anna Dances that I have had the privilege to witness... Not only witness but also to capture on video! It's as if I caught Big-foot on tape! well, maybe not that much but close!!

Anna's Crazy Foot

So when my wife Anna goes to sleep before me and I stay out of the bed, she takes over the bed :) She starts on "her side" and then spread-eagles over towards my side. She also doesn't really believe me since she was sold on the idea that she is totally still when she sleeps. I'm not sure who told her that, but they were definitely smoking something. Last night, I went to see how she was doing and she was sprawled out like usual, so I decided to get proof :)

Then, I decided to tickle her foot and her foot became alive a-la-Frankenstein! It was as if her foot had a life of its own! Check out the video and you'll see what I'm talking about. You could almost put words to what her foot must have been "thinking."

Westmont College Assistance and Volunteer Opportunities

Hey everyone,

If this is your first email from me, it means you have been added to the student volunteers list and are likely to receive a ridiculous amount of emails in the following week (I know, I know it is not a exactly a proper reward for your generosity). In any case, we want to express a deep gratitude for your willingness to serve.

For right now, any needs or requests of Westmont and the surrounding community are sent to studentvolunteer@westmont.edu where we can then organize them and then communicate them to you. We have expressed this before but it does not hurt to reiterate: this is not an obligation and our only goal is to mobilize the students who feel led to lend a hand. (NOTE: it is likely that we will include this header at the beginning of emails from now until the list of volunteers ceases to grow)

anyways....

BUSINESS:

+ We received a request for two people to look after an elderly couple so that their daughter can work on insurance. Please sign up on the spreadsheet and contact Debbie @ the phone number listed.

+ The Montecito Fire Station will be filling up sandbags all day, feel free to stop by and help out if you are not doing anything better with your time. From what we are told they have around 200 to fill so they will appreciate a few extra hands. (It is not hard, just a bit time-consuming)

+ Good work so far, right now the limiting factor is work and not volunteers. Please remember to be safe in whatever tasks you are employed.

+ Here is that link again for those of you too lazy to search back through your inbox Volunteer Spreadsheet

Second Life - A Virtual World

So, while I love the technology that it takes to build this program, this is Second Life virtual world pretty disturbing. I was reading another AdAge.com article and saw how virtual worlds are tanking in the advertising world. In this virtual world, you pick what you look like and then you enter a 3d world online that you interact with other people that are logged on. It's free also. What-evs to me, because I don't use them, but it seemed like a good idea as far as innovative advertising when it first start. It certainly works for online gaming. The disturbing part about virtual worlds, particularly this one, is that you can make your character and actually cheat on your real live spouse with a virtual relationship... nuff sed.

Here's the article from AdAge.com:

Virtual World Isn't a Marketing Paradise

Posted by Ken Wheaton on 11.21.08 @ 09:50 AM

So sad. Based on the actions of Google in the virtual world space, it looks like some are making funeral arrangements for Second Life. Sure, I'm throwing dirt in the grave while it's still drawing a air, but let's face it: what little usefulness Second Lifers had (a target for mockery, I guess), they've long since outlived it.

Let me be clear. It's not Second Life itself that's annoyed me to such an extent I feel like dancing a jig on a virtual grave. If Second Life can eke out a living by getting more money from its citizens, that's a good thing. No. All along, it was the boosters -- especially those in the ad world looking to cash in by suckering convincing marketers what a marketing gold mine Second Life would be. Buy an island! Build a store! And the press releases for all those fake parties with fake booze!

I'm sure all those marketers who've poured anything more than $150 into developing islands in this place are kicking themselves. With the economy being what it is, just think what they could have done in the real world with that real-world money (actually, not much, I imagine). As I've said before, the problem with Second Life is that it's a fake world, in which fake money is spent. Now call me crazy, but if I'm a major marketer I don't know that I want to spend marketing dollars in a land where people go to virtually cheat on their spouses. Besides, despite claims to having over 1 million users, I don't think anyone was convinced that Second Life ever saw anywhere near those numbers active at any one time. (World of War Craft, on the other hand, now that's a different story.)

Hey, remember when we were given the list of Top Ten Reasons Brands Don't Get Second Life? I sure do. I tried to explain that "not wanting it" and "not getting it" are two entirely different things. And the typical Web 3.5 (or whatever) boosters rushed into the breach to tell me how wrong I was. Even as the actual numbers were already slipping, they were telling me (in comments on this post) that "in 5 years, Gartner predicts 80% of people will have a Second Life of some sort." I'm sure Gartner was counting on no one actually keeping count. Or maybe it planned on revising what "a 'Second Life' of some sort" meant. (The first person who claims that his or her Mii is a Second Life of some sort will get a virtual slap.)

Hey, maybe one day technology will be there. And maybe, even more importantly, the people will be there. But for now, Second Life qualifies as -- at best -- a niche market, something slightly more easy to monetize than Twitter and Facebook. But just because you can cram ads into something used by the smallest sliver of the population doesn't necessarily mean you should.

A Dog Named 'Condom' Has India Rapt

This post below is on www.adage.com - an advertising magazine. I thought that it was funny. Yet, abstinence loses some power when we say, "Abstinence is the way to go... BUT... if you're going to do it anyways, here's a condom." I'm kind of on the line because there are non-Christian people that don't have Christ as their LORD and therefore way of life. So, should I ease their pain and possible consequence of an STD by giving people condoms? Should I support that with my time and money? When I was in Santa Francisco many of my Christian house-mates were involved in programs like these for their internships and they became big believer in this method of ministry. I'm still not sure. I need time to think about it and to what extent I support this or to what extent I don't support this. Here's the article:



New Spot Is Part of a National Anti-AIDS Efforts

Posted by Matthew Creamer on 11.20.08 @ 02:50 PM

Puppies are cute. Condoms are useful in preventing the spread of AIDS. So it only goes to figure that a pup named after prophylactic will help get the word out about safe sex, especially in an Indian culture that's often shy when it comes to talking about these matters.

In a new ad from the country's National AIDS Control Organization, an old woman playing with a puppy asks its owner (and his omniscient parrot, of course) what the dog's name is. "Condom," they say, which she then repeats several times. When the man asks her how she can say that in public, she declares her support for condoms. The tagline, "Jo Samjha Wohi Sikander," translates to "The One Who Understands Is the Winner."



The spot is a cute, weird attempt to get people used to saying and hearing the word "condom." According to Afaqs, the ad is the fourth phase of a highly effective campaign to promote condom use that has also included a contest and a ringtone giveaway. Afaqs quoted one official claiming a 5% increase in condom sales between April and September 2008.

You can find other ads in the campaign here.

Westmont Soccer Game - Update

Join us this Saturday at 7 p.m. at UC Santa Barbara's Harder Stadium to show your support for your Westmont family. Days after losing his own home to the Tea Fire, Coach Dave Wolf took his team, some of whom had nothing left but the clothes on their backs, to Azusa, where they won the Golden State Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Championship on Monday with a 2-0 victory over No. 5 Azusa Pacific. The article in the LA Times captured the hardship and healing in their victory. Now the 24th-ranked Westmont Warriors have turned their attention to the 2008 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship opening round. The Warriors (10-6-2) will host Holy Names from the Bay Area Saturday in a 7 p.m. game at UC Santa Barbara's Harder Stadium.

"Your support will mean a great deal to our Warriors!" says President Gayle D. Beebe. "The energy at the Azusa Pacific game on Monday was a big factor in the Westmont victory. I know you will enjoy the article in Tuesday's L.A. Times by Pulitzer Prize winner Bill Plaschke."

Westmont will use the opportunity to say, "Thank you," to the Santa Barbara community for all the help, support and compassion it has received in response to the Tea Fire, which swept through campus on Thursday evening. In addition to offering free admission, the Warriors plan to honor some of the people who worked to protect not only the Westmont campus but the communities of Montecito and Santa Barbara.

Please make plans to be there and support the team and the college. This is our chance to come together as the Westmont family to cheer for students while showing our community what it means to have a solid foundation in Jesus Christ.

We hope you will join us there!

Westmont Office of Alumni and Parent Relations

Our YouTube Playlist with JW Media Player

I'm so happy that I was able to put this together! This is a the free JW Player. It's not all that intuitive to put things together with this. I worked on it for a while :) You can see our 3 Google videos in this non-google player!

Westmont Soccer Game

Join us this Saturday, November 22nd, at 7pm at UC Santa Barbara's Harder Stadium to show your support for your Westmont family.

Days after losing his own home to the Tea Fire, Coach Dave Wolf took his team, some who had nothing left but the clothes on their backs, to Azusa where they won the Golden State Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Championship on Monday with a 2-0 victory over #5 Azusa Pacific. The write up in the LA Times captured the hardship and healing in their victory. Read the full story at
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke18-2008nov18,0,5737203.column.

Now, the twenty-fourth ranked Warriors of Westmont have turned their attention to the 2008 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Opening Round. The Warriors (10-6-2) will host Bay Area school Holy Names on Saturday in a seven o'clock game at UC Santa Barbara's Harder Stadium.

Westmont will use the opportunity to say thank you to the Santa Barbara community for all the help, support and compassion it has received in response to the Tea Fire which swept through campus on Thursday evening. In addition to free admission, the Warriors plan to honor some of those who gave of themselves in protecting not only the Westmont campus but also the communities of Montecito and Santa Barbara.

Please make plans to be there. This is our chance to come together as a Westmont family to support and cheer for the students, while we show our community what it means to have a solid foundation in Jesus Christ.

We hope to see you all there!


Westmont Office of Alumni and Parent Relations

Separation Between Church and State? - Proposition 8

I was listening to the radio yesterday and the host was talking about the separation between church and state in the context of Proposition 8 that passed not too long ago in CA. Separation between church and state has to exist and does indeed exist. However, what does separation between church and state mean?

I believe that in order to answer my previous question, there is a need to state that God is sovereign over all. Also, I want to point out that Romans 13:1 says:

Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Another point that needs to be pointed out is that whether we are Christians or non-Christians, atheists or believers, we are all subject to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, whether or we follows Christ or not, we will be judged when Christ returns. In the different ways, the government and individual people are both subject to God. As the parable of the talent shows us, each individual or group is given a different amount (thing) to be responsible for. So, the government's "talent" is to govern, while the people have different responsibilities; one being to follow the laws of the land.

However, even though I think that there needs to be a separation between church and state, that separation is so that the government does not govern the church, and so that the church does not govern the government. However, as a Christian, I feel that my responsibility toward government is that laws continue to be Christ-centered. I feel that it's the same as being in community. My friend Tristan and I sharpen each other and call each other out when things are not Christ-centered. In the same way, I feel that the lay-Christian must do the same with government. In order to help governement fulfill its duties towards God. Since, as quoted before, there is no authority except that which God has established.

So when voting (if I indeed was able to vote since I am not a citizen yet) on prop 8, I would have voted yes because I need to recognize that I am supposed to keep the law of the land continuously reflecting the face of God.

I guess that someone can then say that God does not want disunity and sees everyone as equal. I also think that someone can also say that God looks out for the poor and the minority. Especially when it comes to people's rights. But I would ask this: What is more important, to look at this from the people's perspective, or to look at this issue as to which response would give God more glory. I feel that God also wants unity among His people.. IE, those that have accepted Him as LORD. When Jesus prayed about unity in John 17, He spoke of unity between Him and the Father, His disciples, and all of those that would be in Him through the message of salvation that the disciples proclaimed.

One of my friends also pointed out that now most homosexuals are upset with the Church since basically all of the Church, or a large percentage, voted Yes on prop 8. Well, not to be too blunt here, but so what? Even if I voted no on prop 8, I would still be totally against the homosexual lifestyle. Hence, homosexuals might not like the Church now, because I'm holding up another one of God's ideals.

I think that no matter how anyone looks at it, there needs to be a recognition that both church and state have different functions and that these functions are both subject to God. All will be judged... even those people goverment... And all will be judged as to how they lived or did not live a Christ-like lifestyle.

Another possible argument is this: what is more important, minority rights or keeping a Christ-like lifestyle in our society as a whole or individually? Furthermore, who is to say which one of those two is above the other?

That's a harder one. But, I believe that even though one could be more important than the other, or even though they might both hold the same weight, if one of the two allows for evil(sin) to occur, then the one that allows that sin to occur automatically becomes second in order of importance.

I need to work this out in writing:

Consequences of YES on 8:

1. Society not as depraved
2. Sexuality not lawfully okay
3. minority rights not given to homosexuals

Consequences of NO on 8:

1. Society becomes more depraved.
2. Sexuality now lawfully okay
3. minority rights not given to Christians as a population

I think this last #3, again going back to the government being under God whether they like it or not, shows that the LORD always favors His people, since His people are supposed to be following His law. Supposed to be... But anyways, this last point sounds a little confusing to me and it's late, so I'm not going to rephrase it. If you have questions about this or want to talk about this then ask and I'll take the time to answer.

I'm basically saying that the rights of God's people according to God's laws will always be higher in hierarchy than people that are not of God.

That last point was a bit abrasive.

Pablo and Anna Otaola - Lobster Night

We had a great time! And it was DELICIOSO!!!!

Some Pictures of Our New Home :)

These are loooooooong overdue.... but mejor tarde que nunca!

How to Help Westmont

The Westmont community is so grateful for the many offers of assistance we have received for faculty and students. All emergency needs have been met thanks to these generous offers. We will now start addressing long-term needs and matching them with individual offers. The most pressing need is for long-term housing for faculty and their families. If you know of suitable rental properties, please send that information to westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com

Donate cash

To donate money, please mail a check payable to Westmont College and note “Wildfire Relief Fund” in the memo section of your check or cover letter. You may also donate online.

Donate in-kind

If you have items to donate to fire victims, please send an e-mail to assist@westmont.edu

Offer Housing

To request or offer temporary housing, please e-mail westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com

Student Volunteers

Westmont students currently in the Santa Barbara area who wish to help, please e-mail studentvolunteer@westmont.edu. Please include a phone number where you can be reached. WCSA & WSM will be linking student volunteers to local needs.

Article from Westmont.edu. CLICK HERE to vie article.

How to Help Westmont College after the Montecito Tea Fire

The Westmont community is so grateful for the many offers of assistance we have received for faculty and students. All emergency needs have been met thanks to these generous offers. We will now start addressing long-term needs and matching them with individual offers. The most pressing need is for long-term housing for faculty and their families. If you know of suitable rental properties, please send that information to westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com

Donate cash

To donate money, please mail a check payable to Westmont College and note “Wildfire Relief Fund” in the memo section of your check or cover letter. You may also donate online.

Donate in-kind

If you have items to donate to fire victims, please send an e-mail to assist@westmont.edu

Offer Housing

To request or offer temporary housing, please e-mail westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com

Student Volunteers

Westmont students currently in the Santa Barbara area who wish to help, please e-mail studentvolunteer@westmont.edu. Please include a phone number where you can be reached. WCSA & WSM will be linking student volunteers to local needs.

Article from Westmont.edu. CLICK HERE to vie article.

Westmont College Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding Montecito Tea Fire

Academics

How will physics majors be affected?

Please wait for updates on the Web site.

Is the yearbook picture deadline postponed?

All college deadlines will be affected by the fire and new dates will be issued accordingly.

Do I need to buy a new choir robe? May I get a discount or have it paid for me?

Each department will assess replacement ability as needed and communicate to effected students.

What about if my books and school work were lost in the fire?

Each professor is aware of students in their classes who would have been affected by the fire. They will determine on the first day of classes what the needs are for each class such as sharing notes, books, etc. Westmont's textbook provider is providing students' books free of charge to the bookstore and the bookstore will overnight them to the students' homes in the coming days.

What is the schedule is for registration for Spring 2009?

Registration starts Dec 1, and will follow the original plan.

When does second semester start?

Classes begin Jan 12th, students are welcomed back Jan 10th as previously planned.

When will classes start?

Classes will start on Monday, Dec. 1st with more information posted on the web as know.

Will art students be allowed to pick up their art on Tuesday?

No.

Will my college units count this semester?

Faculty are working to accommodate all course work for their classes and students to complete the academic requirements for the semester.

Will the orchestra still have its concert? What about Christmas party?

We will continue with these events.

What is happening to Preview Days students' belongings?

The college will box and ship (at no charge) belongings left on campus when Preview Days students had to depart.

Assistance

How can I donate clothing or items to people displaced?

The most helpful thing is to donate $ at this point which can be directed to affected people for them to purchase items they would need. With specific items please email assist@westmont.edu

Where can I make a monetary donation?

If you would like to make a credit card donation, please donate online, or call Delia Csipkay at (805) 565-7053. Checks can me made out to:

Westmont College
Wildfire Relief
955 La Paz Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Automobile damange

How many and where were the cars destroyed by the fire?

There was only one vehicle destroyed by the fire in the Page parking lot and it was from a visiting student

Auxiliary Services

What about my mail in the Post Office?

Mail was removed from the Post Office to protect it. You may request that it be forwarded by going to Auxiliary services, but keep in mind that there may be a delay which would result in delivery past Dec. 1

Cleaning

Are there any professional cleaning companies in SB that families could drop off their stuff?

ServiceMaster: 963-1365
Servpro: 963-0606
Ward Restoration: 501-0080

Counseling

When will mental/emotional resources be posted on-line for students and families?

Information for mental/emotional support is posted on the Westmont Web page. In addition, the counselors will provide additional hours for the remainder of the semester and process groups which students can attend.

Dining Commons

Will there be food vouchers for students while the DC is shut down?

955 La Paz Rd.

Financial

How do I wire $ to my son/daughter?

Contact your bank for this question or through Western Union

Future

What are ideas to rebuild?

At this point there is not a specific plan but many considerations in the future

Housing

Are we demolishing Clark M and S?

They will be rebuilt in parallel with Phase 1 construction.

Did washers survive the fire in S?

No they did not.

How bad was the smoke damage in the halls?

Each hall had varying levels of smoke damage. The professional cleaning crew is doing an amazing job removing the smoke from the rooms and then individual clothing and bedding will need to be washed by each student. Contact your insurance for coverage on this.

Is there any way for people to return after this Wed and before Dec 1st to get their stuff? This is being asked by families who are further away (4 plus hours)?

Yes - make arrangements with Student Life via an email to stulife or calling the 888-565-7911.

Was there water damage in Clark M & S?

Clark M & S had severe water and fire damage.

Will mattresses and rugs that have been smoke-damaged be replaced?

All items unable to be cleaned by the cleaning service will be assessed and replaced as needed.

Can someone else pick up my stuff Tuesday or Wednesday if I'm unable to come?

The resident would need to contact the RA or RD to authorize a person to pick the items up.

Were bikes damaged in Page?

4 bikes parked near Page were damaged.

What about other dorms?

All residence halls besides CL, S and M, and PG C338, 340, C238,240 are fine and inhabitable. There will likely smoke damage but rooms are inhabitable and items will be able to be retrieved at a soon to be announced date and time.

What about rotting food in Clark fridges?

The students will need to clean them out when they return after Thanksgiving break.

What dorms are effected by the fire?

CL S, CL M, and PG C238, C240, C338, C340.

Where will displaced students be housed?

We are working to keep the sections of students together and on campus and on a modular dorm that will be placed in the Clark property for the residents.

Will college insurance cover damaged student belongings?

College insurance will not cover students' personal property. We suggest contacting your insurance company as parents' homeowners insurance will often cover these losses. A recovery service has been engaged to clean each room. Students are invited to come to campus and retrieve their valuables on Tues and Wed before the cleaning commences.

Information Technology

What about if I lost my student ID?

The IT department is working on getting replacement IDs for students who have lost them. Please send an email to cst@westmont.edu with your request if it is lost.

When I go to www.westmont.edu, I end up at disaster.westmont.edu - what should I do?

The old address is saved in your computer. Reboot your computer and flush the cache in your browser.

Lost Stuff

Where is Lost & Found on campus?

See Ginny Murray at Physical Plant 565-6105

Parking

Will people get parking tickets for coming to campus to help students move their stuff?

No, they will not be issued tickets but vehicles will only be allowed on campus a short time and not allowed to remain parked.

Personal Belongings

What if all clothes smelly should they take them?

Students will be allowed to take only a couple of bags -- i.e. not all of their things-- so will most likely be unable to take all of their clothing. They will be able to address smoke smell when they return by washing clothes after Thanksgiving break.

Safety

How is the air/water quality? Any toxins from the Physics Building?

The air quality is a bit smoky but face masks are not required any more. We will have some masks provided for individuals with respiratory issues as a precaution. There is no danger from the Physics building. Water quality is good.

Shuttle

Is the shuttle working or dial-a-ride?

Shuttle service is not running now. It will resume on Nov. 29th at 9:30. Dial-a-ride will begin at 10am on the 11/29 and might start earlier if needed. Dial-a-ride will continue to operate through the Thanksgiving Break for faculty, staff, and students. 565-7000 or 455-6630 for appointments.

Will there be airport transportation to and from Thanksgiving break?

Dial-a-ride will help with students who come into SBA and Amtrak. They will need to call to make a reservation (455-6630). Students who use Santa Barbara Airbus will be picked up by the shuttle at stop #2 Mar Monte. Students who choose not to use Dial-a-Ride from Amtrak can walk a couple of blocks to stop #3 corner of State Street and Cabrillo Blvd. Students who come in by Greyhound but don't call Dial-a-Ride, can walk a few blocks to stop #3 Pasea Nuevo. This is similar to all holiday transportation services for students.

Fashioning Art Out of Clay - Westmont College

“Ceramics: Form and Function” opens in Reynolds Gallery Thursday, Nov. 6, with a reception from 4-6 p.m., and will be on display through Dec. 19. The exhibition brings together work in clay by 14 internationally-recognized artists from around the world, each with a unique mode of working in the medium. Many pieces on display will be for sale.

“I chose these particular artists because of their characteristic surface decoration and notable style,” says guest curator Chris Rupp, who teaches sculpture at the college and is a ceramic collector and potter. “Each artist has a unique method of showing his or her process through the finished piece.”

Local artist James Haggerty is one of very few potters in the country to use the Persian Luster technique, which creates a shimmering metallic surface on his pottery. His pieces are delicately thrown and then glazed specifically to crater, fissure and bubble with an iridescent shine. Many pots are fired several times to achieve the desired results. Having dedicated his life to mastering the process, Haggerty is one of the best ceramic artists working in this style.

Functional pottery by New York artist Aymui Horie is characterized by playfulness and storybook decorations, often incorporating line drawings of animals, numbers, letters, and whimsical splashes of color. “I hope to impart a feeling of quietness and contentment,” she says. “Finger marks and dents are unconcealed and even celebrated, because what could be more comforting than the handmade?”

Californian Marc Digeros, the model shop manager for architect Frank Gehry, says his ceramic work reflects architectural ideas of structure and texture. He folds and joins slabs of clay to create his pieces, letting the seams and layers interact with colorful glazes to create the final form.

John Dix, an American-born ceramicist currently living and working in Japan, uses traditional Japanese materials and processes, including a wood burning kiln to create unpredictable finishes. His pieces often spend seven days in the kiln, producing finished glaze effects created from the path of the flame and the falling ash.

More information about each artist is available at the Arts at Westmont page on the Westmont Web site, www.westmont.edu.

Reynolds Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.reynoldsgallery.org or call (805) 565-6162.

Article from www.Westmont.edu. To view article clickc HERE.

Westmont Wildfire Relief Fund

In response to this emergency the college has established a Wildfire Relief Fund. Those wishing to contribute may do so by making a check payable to Westmont College and addressed to Westmont College / Wildfire Relief. Or you may do so online.

Westmont College Students NOT involved in Montecito Tea Fire!!!

Praise God fort this!! Praise God!!! Please see the official Westmont email from President Beebe:

Tea Fire Update from President Gayle Beebe

Dear students, faculty, staff and friends:

It has nearly been a week since the Tea Fire ravaged our campus and the larger Montecito and coastal community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all devastated by this fire as each of us affected throughout the region continues to face the reality of having our everyday lives turned upside down.

Due to the close proximity of the college to the off-campus site of the fire, we have been inundated with questions from many concerned audiences. I?m sure that you have also been contacted as a source of information by friends and family.

There are a few questions that have come up repeatedly, and I?d like to share my responses with you. The most accurate source of information about the fire investigation will come from the authorities themselves; misinformation will only cause greater suffering for the region. For information concerning the investigation, please refer to the Sheriff?s department at http://www.sbsheriff.org/.

Sincerely,
Gayle D. Beebe, President


1) Were any Westmont students involved in causing the fire?

No. On Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:45 p.m., Drew Sugars, the public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff?s Office officially informed the college that no current Westmont students were present nor in anyway involved with this tragic incident.

We have been in regular contact with investigators since the fire and have been providing any information that might be helpful toward determining the exact cause of the fire. This is our responsibility as a community citizen. Our surrounding coastal region is home to many colleges and universities, and like all of them, we are awaiting new information.

It should be noted that at this point, the group of individuals responsible for starting the fire are under the jurisdiction of law enforcement authorities. Again, no current Westmont students were involved with this incident.


2) When will students and faculty be able to return to campus?

The campus will reopen Saturday, Nov. 29, at noon, and classes will restart Dec. 1. We are tirelessly working to clean up the campus and accommodate the entire campus population after the Thanksgiving holiday.


3) When will new information about the cause of the investigation be made available?
We have been informed by authorities that the investigation is still underway. It is important to resist the urge to speculate beyond what is currently known. Ultimately, the public needs to let the authorities do their job.


4) How is the college addressing rumors speculating about Westmont students?

Investigators have determined that no current Westmont students were involved in the fire. Any suggestions to the contrary are false and damaging.

Despite rumors and speculation on the Internet, our utmost priority throughout the investigation has been addressing the needs of our campus and the surrounding community. That means providing information requested by authorities, cleaning up the demolished sites on our campus in preparation for returning to the academic term, and generally being a good neighbor in a time of great need. Second, we are providing accurate information directly from investigators to our college community in as timely a manner as possible.

Ultimately, the findings of the investigation will be made public by authorities and the individuals responsible for the fire will enter the jurisdiction of the law. Until that point, I ask that each of you do your part by avoiding undue speculation and by communicating responsibly, as is reflected in our values and mission.


5) How can I help?

Along with your family and friends, I strongly encourage you to participate in our Wildfire Relief Fund. As a longtime member of the Santa Barbara community, we will be working in unison with the region toward rebuilding efforts and we will be releasing more information about those possibilities as appropriate. For now, I ask that you continue to keep all victims of this fire in your thoughts and prayers, and become involved in our community efforts.

Lance Hoffman and his Wife

Lance Hoffman's dad was my youth pastor when I was growing up at First Southern Baptist Church in Lompoc, CA. Lance and I hung out some times in youth group and her's a good guy. I would ask that you please pray for him since he and his wife are being treated for bad burn that they suffered during the first few hours of the Montecito Tea Fire.

Here is the article that was published today in the Santa Barbara News-Press:

A tragic tale : Relative of burn victims Lance and Carla Hoffman describes harrowing moments of Tea Fire

ANGEL PACHECO, NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Lance and Carla Hoffman are being treated at UC Irvine Burn Center for injuries they suffered in the Tea Fire. COURTESY PHOTO

Lance and Carla Hoffman's home, which was located behind these trees on East Mountain Drive, burned to the ground in the Tea Fire. The couple, both 29, are being treated for burns at a hospital in Irvine.

November 18, 2008 7:07 AM

Montecito couple Lance and Carla Hoffman were in critical condition at UC Irvine Burn Center after being overcome by flames in the early stages of the Tea Fire.

Mr. Hoffman, a security guard at Paseo Nuevo, and his wife, an assistant manager at Metro Entertainment, were both sedated and being assisted in their breathing Monday, according to relatives.

The 29-year-olds suffered severe burns the evening of Nov. 13 while fleeing their home in the 200 block of East Mountain Drive, not far from where the 1,940-acre blaze is thought to have started. People close to the couple tell a harrowing tale of their running down a twisting dirt road in hopes of getting to safety, only to fall victim to a flash-fire.

Then, in the face of severe injuries, Mr. Hoffman apparently found the strength to drive himself and his wife to Santa Barbara City Fire Station 7 on Stanwood Drive, some three miles away.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department investigators said Monday the person or people responsible for the blaze may have entered the area of origin -- on East Mountain Drive between the historic Piranhurst Tea House and Cold Springs Trailhead -- the night of Nov. 12 or the morning of Nov. 13.

It's not known whether the fire was accidental or intentional, but authorities are urging anyone with information on vehicles or people that may have been in the area to call an anonymous tip line at 681-4171.

Mr. Hoffman suffered second- and third-degree burns to his head, face, arms, knees and feet, according to his grandfather, James Mills, 82. The man's face was extremely swollen, Mr. Mills added, and doctors initially were concerned that Mr. Hoffman's eyes and lungs had been scorched.

That ended up not being the case.

His wife suffered primarily second-degree -- and some third-degree -- burns to her arms, hands, legs and feet, Mr. Mills said.

The Hoffmans, who have been married for about a year, were transported by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Thursday night before being airlifted to the burn center in Orange County.

Mr. Mills, who spent 14 years as a firefighter in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, and also was a pharmacist in Santa Barbara, told the News-Press he was not prepared for the sight of his injured grandson.

"I've never seen anyone look as bad as Lance did," he said. "God, I couldn't take it."

Fire officials on Monday still did not have the complete story of what befell the Hoffmans.

"We have secondhand reports from family members," said Capt. Eli Iskow, Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman. "There is probably more to the story."

Before they can find out the rest, however, they must wait for the couple's condition to improve.

"Right now they are severely burned and we are in full support mode," Capt. Iskow said. "I have kids that age, so I sympathize with the family."

Lance and Carla grew up in Santa Barbara County. He is a graduate of Santa Ynez High School and, at 6-foot-5, has a big presence, said his grandfather.

Mrs. Hoffman's family has lived in Santa Barbara for many generations.

The two met at Whittier College and have been together about 10 years, Mr. Mills said.

Doctors at UC Irvine are hopeful that the couple will recover, and Mr. Mills said that Mr. Hoffman's mom, Linda, had told him the hospital was really on top of things.

"The kids could not be at a better place than they are right now," he said.

However, he described the last few days as very trying.

"To look at him in that condition, it's tough."

e-mail: apacheco@newspress.com

Another Westmont College Update - After the Montecito Tea Fire

Parents and students should e-mail questions for President Beebe for the 9 p.m. meeting tonight to joe.westmont@gmail.com. The phone number for this call is 866-259-1024. The phone bank (888-565-7911) will also be open Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The evacuation order covering Westmont has been lifted, but the campus remains closed to students and non-essential personnel.

CLASSES WILL RESTART DEC. 1
Student rooms will not be clean enough for occupancy by Wednesday, so classes will restart Dec. 1. The semester will end Dec. 19 as originally scheduled. Faculty are working on a revised schedule for December to make up the missed class time. They will be in touch with all students in their classes during the next two weeks, and they ask students to take all their books and course work home with them during the extended Thanksgiving holiday. Registration will also begin Dec. 1 and follow the original schedule. The residence halls will reopen Saturday, Nov. 29, for lunch. Until that time, the campus is closed to students.

STUDENTS MAY PICK-UP BELONGINGS TUESDAY, NOV. 18, FROM 11 A.M.-6 P.M.
Arrangements have been made for students to make brief visits to campus to retrieve personal and class-related items and also to gather together in the ballroom at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort. These opportunities are scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Other than the times listed here, the campus remains closed to students.

We know how anxious students are to return to their rooms and get essential items they left behind. By Tuesday, it will be safe for students to enter their rooms to retrieve personal items and class-related materials. To make this process go smoothly and avoid wasting time in long lines on Cold Spring Road and in the residence halls, we ask students to follow the guidelines listed below:

(1.) Please arrive at the times listed below on Tuesday, Nov 18. If possible, please carpool from Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort:
Out-of-state students: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Last names Q-Z: 12:30-2 p.m.
Last names I-P: 2-3:30 p.m.
Last names A-H: 3:30-5 p.m.
All: 5-6 p.m.
(2.) You may also come to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to retrieve personal and class-related items from your room.
(3.) You must check in with your resident assistant before going to your room.
(4.) Please stay no longer than 30 minutes to collect personal items and class-related materials.

STUDENTS, PARENTS, ALUMNI ARE INVITED TO GATHER IN THE BALLROOM AT FESS PARKER'S DOUBLETREE RESORT TUESDAY, NOV. 18, 11 A.M.-6 P.M.
We invite all students to the ballroom at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort to stay as long as you want to reconnect with other students, faculty and staff. The ballroom is available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. as a place to gather, spend time with friends and enjoy some free food. Come to the Doubletree before going to campus and carpool with friends to limit the amount of traffic going to campus. You’re welcome to spend the day there reconnecting with people and sharing stories before you leave for an extended Thanksgiving holiday.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO CHAPEL, A SERVICE OF HOPE AND RENEWAL, MONDAY, DEC. 1, AT 10:30 A.M.
Westmont invites all parents, alumni, friends and neighbors — all those with love and interest in the college — to join students, faculty, staff and trustees in a special chapel, A Service of Hope and Renewal, Monday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m. This is the day classes will resume on campus after the devastation of the Tea Fire, and the community will gather to give thanks that no lives were lost and to comfort and mourn with those whose homes and offices were destroyed. The location is tentatively set for the gym, but it may be moved outside. Please check the Westmont Web site for updated information about this service. Immediately after the service is over, a podcast will be posted on the Web site.

HOW TO OFFER OR REQUEST TEMPORARY HOUSING, HOW TO HELP THE WESTMONT COMMUNITY AND HOW TO MAKE FINANCIAL DONATIONS:
To request or offer temporary housing, please e-mail westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com

If you have items to donate to fire victims, please send an e-mail to assist@westmont.edu

To make a financial donation on line, click this link: http://redir.targetx.com/cgi-bin/email/redir.cgi?id=0000558893-84737746

ADVOCATES ARE WORKING WITH ALL STUDENTS WHO HAVE LOST POSSESSIONS
The Student Life office has appointed an advocate for each damaged room who is assisting students and their families file claims, get settled in their new rooms and provide whatever support students and families need. The college will post more information about this program as it becomes available, and the advocates are already contacting the affected students and their families. A total of 67 students are affected; 13 men and 27 women in Clark Halls and 27 students whose off-campus residences burned.

ADVOCATES TO BE APPOINTED FOR FACULTY WHO HAVE LOST HOMES AND OFFICES
The college is developing a program to provide advocates to support and assist faculty whose homes were destroyed. They will offer help with insurance issues, filing claims, getting settled in temporary housing and making plans for rebuilding. For more information about this program, please contact the academic dean's office, 805-565-6007 or provost@westmont.edu. Registration will begin Dec. 1 and follow the original schedule.

STUDENT LEADERS HAVE RETURNED TO CAMPUS TO BEGIN TRAINING AS PEER COUNSELORS
Student leaders, including resident assistants and Westmont College Student Association representatives, have returned to campus to begin training as peer counselors. They will be available to work with students who are struggling in the aftermath of the Tea Fire or who have practical issues that need addressing. The student life office is providing the training, and the student leaders will be well prepared for the resumption of classes Dec. 1.

TEMPORARY HOUSING AND OFFICE AND CLASSROOM SPACE IS ON THE WAY
Westmont is working quickly to bring temporary, modular buildings to campus to serve as housing for displaced students and to replace lost office and classroom space. College officials expect all these modular structures to be on campus by Dec. 1.

INFORMATION REGARDING TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS AND ASSISTANCE
In response to the Tea Fire and the impact on the Westmont community, Information Technology has created and staffed an IT Help Desk. If you have a problem, question or need related to technology please contact the Help Desk. Help Desk personnel can help with the following items:
* Network connection issues
* PC and Mac support questions,
* Lost or damaged equipment related questions.

You can reach the Help Desk by phone or e-mail:
Phone: 805-565-6111
E-mail: ithelp@westmont.edu
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday

LOST AND FOUND ESTABLISHED AT THE MAIN LOBBY OF THE PHYSICAL PLANT BUILDING
If you have found items left behind during the evacuation and don’t know whose they are, please take them to the main lobby of physical plant. An inventory of these things is being developed. If you have lost something, please check with the physical plant office, 805-565-6015.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS
Westmont students currently in the Santa Barbara area who wish to help, please e-mail studentvolunteer@westmont.edu. Please include a phone number where you can be reached. WCSA & WSM will be linking student volunteers to local needs.

Contact: Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Westmont to Start Classes

E-mail questions to President Beebe for the 9 p.m. meeting at
joe.westmont@g.mail.com[1]

The evacuation order covering Westmont has been lifted, but the
campus remains closed to students and non-essential personnel.

_Classes will restart Dec. 1_

Student rooms will not be clean enough for occupancy by Wednesday,
so classes will restart Dec. 1. The semester will end Dec. 19 as
originally scheduled. Faculty are working on a revised schedule for
December to make up the missed class time. They will be in touch with
all students in their classes during the next two weeks, and they ask
students to take all their books and course work home with them during
the extended Thanksgiving holiday. Registration will also begin Dec. 1
and follow the original schedule. The residence halls will reopen
Saturday, Nov. 29, for lunch. Until that time, the campus is closed to
students.

_Students may pick up belongings Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m._

Arrangements have been made for students to make brief visits to
campus to retrieve personal and class-related items and also to gather
together in the ballroom at Fess Parker?s Doubletree Resort. These
opportunities are scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 11
a.m.-6 p.m. Other than the times listed here, the campus remains
closed to students.

We know how anxious students are to return to their rooms and get
essential items they left behind. By Tuesday, it will be safe for
students to enter their rooms to retrieve personal items and
class-related materials. To make this process go smoothly and avoid
wasting time in long lines on Cold Spring Road and in the residence
halls, we ask students to follow the guidelines listed below:

* Please arrive at the times listed below on Tuesday, Nov 18. If
possible, please carpool from the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort:

Out-of-state students: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Last names Q-Z: 12:30-2 p.m.

Last names I-P: 2-3:30 p.m.

Last names A-H: 3:30-5 p.m.

All: 5-6 p.m.

* You may also come to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m.-4
p.m. to retrieve personal and class-related items from your room.
* You must check in with your resident assistant before going to your room.
* Please stay no longer than 30 minutes to collect personal items
and class-related materials.

_Students are invited to gather in the ballroom at Fess Parker?s
Doubletree Resort Tuesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m._

We invite all students to the ballroom at Fess Parker?s Doubletree
Resort to stay as long as you want to reconnect with other students,
faculty and staff. The ballroom is available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. as
a place to gather, spend time with friends and enjoy some free food.
Come to the Doubletree before going to campus and carpool with friends
to limit the amount of traffic going to campus. You?re welcome to
spend the day there reconnecting with people and sharing stories
before you leave for an extended Thanksgiving holiday.

_Everyone is invited to chapel, A Service of Hope and Renewal,
Monday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m._

Westmont invites all parents, alumni, friends and neighbors ? all
those with love and interest in the college ? to join students,
faculty, staff and trustees in a special chapel, A Service of Hope and
Renewal, Monday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m. This is the day classes will
resume on campus after the devastation of the Tea Fire, and the
community will gather to give thanks that no lives were lost and to
comfort and mourn with those whose homes and offices were destroyed.
The location is tentatively set for the gym, but it may be moved
outside. Please check the Westmont Web site for updated information
about this service. Immediately after the service is over, a podcast
will be posted on the Web site.

_How to offer or request temporary housing, how to help the
Westmont community and how to make financial donations_

To request or offer temporary housing, please e-mail
westmonthousinghelp@gmail.com[

2]

If you have items to donate to fire victims, please send an e-mail
to assist@westmont.edu[3]

To make a financial donation on line, click the link on the
Westmont home page.

_Advocates are working with all students who have lost possessions_

The Student Life office has appointed an advocate for each damaged
room who is assisting students and their families file claims, get
settled in their new rooms and provide whatever support students and
families need. The college will post more information about this
program as it becomes available, and the advocates are already
contacting the affected students and their families. A total of 67
students are affected; 13 men and 27 women in Clark Halls and 27
students whose off-campus residences burned.

_Advocates to be appointed for faculty who have lost homes and offices_

The college is developing a program to provide advocates to support
and assist faculty whose homes were destroyed. They will offer help
with insurance issues, filing claims, getting settled in temporary
housing and making plans for rebuilding. For more information about
this program, please contact the academic dean?s office, 805-565-6007
or provost@westmont.edu[4].

Registration will begin Dec. 1 and follow the original schedule./ /

_Student leaders have returned to campus to begin training as peer
counselors_

Student leaders, including resident assistants and Westmont College
Student Association representatives, have returned to campus to begin
training as peer counselors. They will be available to work with
students who are struggling in the aftermath of the Tea Fire or who
have practical issues that need addressing. The student life office is
providing the training, and the student leaders will be well prepared
for the resumption of classes Dec. 1.

_Temporary housing and office and classroom space is on the way_

Westmont is working quickly to bring temporary, modular buildings
to campus to serve as housing for displaced students and to replace
lost office and classroom space. College officials expect all these
modular structures to be on campus by Dec. 1.

_Information Regarding Technology Questions and Assistance _

In response to the Tea Fire and the impact on the Westmont
community, Information Technology has created a staffed IT Help Desk.
If you have a problem, question or need related to technology please
contact the Help Desk. Help Desk personnel can help with the following
items:

* Network connection issues

* PC and Mac support questions,

* Lost or damaged equipment related questions.

You can reach the Help Desk by phone or e-mail:

Phone: 805-565-6111

E-mail: ithelp@westmont.edu

Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday

Thank you and we look forward to serving you.

Reed Sheard

Vice President and CIO

_Lost and Found established at the main lobby of the physical plant
building_

If you have found items left behind during the evacuation and don?t
know whose they are, please take them to the main lobby of physical
plant. An inventory of these things is being developed. If you have
lost something, please check with the physical plant office,
805-565-6015.

_Information for student volunteers who want to help fire victims_

Westmont students currently in the Santa Barbara area who wish to
help, please e-mail studentvolunteer@westmont.edu[5]. Please include a
phone number where you can be reached. WCSA & WSM will be linking
student volunteers to local needs.

An Amazing Story, and Amazing Charity

Hey everyone reading my blog. Please check out this video that my friend Dia Becchio sent me...


The September Campaign Trailer from charity: water on Vimeo.

Westmont College - Montecito Tea Fire Update - 11.15.08 - 2

November 15th, 2008

There is no immediate threat to campus from the Tea Fire, which is 40
percent contained and greatly diminished. An evacuation order for the
area around Westmont remains in effect tonight and could continue
another 24 to 48 hours. Only essential personnel are allowed on campus
with pre-arranged escort from fire officials. All entrances to the
campus are closed and manned by public safety officials, who are also
patrolling the campus. All buildings and residence hall rooms are locked
and secure. Electricity, water and natural gas on campus are not yet
fully restored. Work has begun in several areas: fencing off damaged
buildings, removing ash and smoke residue and smell from buildings
otherwise untouched by the fire, and general cleaning. Insurance
adjusters have toured the campus, and county building officials have
begun assessing the condition of all buildings.


When will classes resume?


November 15th, 2008

We are eager to make a decision about when to resume classes, but
factors outside of our control prevent us from doing so at this time. As
soon as the evacuation order is lifted, electricity, natural gas and
water have been restored to the entire campus, and the fire department
has given us permission to occupy all undamaged buildings, we will have
a better idea of when classes can begin. We are working with faculty, 15
of whom have lost their homes, to determine how best to complete the
semester and maintain the integrity of the academic program and course
syllabi. If we can resume classes on Wednesday, we want to do so, but we
also want to make a decision as quickly as possible because students and
their families are anxiously waiting for this information. We will make
this announcement no later than 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.


Access to Student Rooms


November 15th, 2008

Students will be allowed into their rooms as soon as Westmont determines
it's safe to return to campus and enter the residence hall buildings.
The evacuation order must be lifted and all buildings be cleared of
smoke and deemed structurally safe for entry. If a student's room has
been affected by fire, Westmont will determine if and when it is safe
for a student or family members to attempt to retrieve personal
belongings from any material left behind by the blaze. As soon as we
know when students can have access to their rooms, we will post that
information on the Web site.


Plans and assistance for displaced students


November 15th, 2008

Westmont is working diligently to find permanent on-campus housing for
those students who were living in Clark Halls M and S and whose rooms
were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the fire. There are a few
rooms in Page where students will have to move out only for a short
period of time. Nothing inside the rooms in Page was destroyed.

The goal is to keep roommates and suitemates together. One of Westmont's
strengths is its residential campus, giving students the opportunity to
interact and live in community. We are committed to minimizing this
disruption and finding the best living solution for our students as
quickly as possible.

The Student Life office is also appointing an ombudsman for each damaged
room who will assist students and their families file claims, get
settled in their new rooms and provide whatever support students and
families need. The college will post more information about this program
as soon as it is available, and the ombudsmen will be in contact with
the affected students and their families.


Event Schedule Changes


November 15th, 2008

* Men's GSAC playoff game is at Azusa Pacific at 2 p.m. on Monday
* No classes until Wednesday at the earliest
* Don't return to campus until notified
* Registration for spring semester classes, which was scheduled for
Monday, Nov. 17, will be rescheduled no earlier than Nov. 24.