Free Republic

MONTECITO, Calif. - Family and friends are mourning the loss of Rebecca Riskin of Riskin Partners in Montecito. The 61-year-old is one of 17 people who died in the flooding and mudslides in Montecito. It has been reported that her dogs died, too. Riskin was a professional ballerina before she become known as the first lady of luxury real estate. She sold more than $2.17 billion dollars in real estate during her career and didn't talk about her celebrity clients.

The incidents occurred sometime during the night of Dec. 5 as the massive Thomas Fire raged through Ventura County. Oxnard police said two black Suburbans parked in the 3700 block Dunkfirk Drive were broken into and personal belongings were stolen. The victims, a family who drove to the location, spent the night with friends when jewelry, a guitar, clothing, electronics and personal papers were stolen from their vehicles. About $75,000 worth of property was taken, Oxnard police estimated. About $10,000 in charges were made on a credit card, leading police to the suspects, authorities said.

A firefighter has died while battling the Thomas fire in Ventura County, officials said Thursday, Dec. 14. A name has not been released for the firefighter, who sounded a “mayday” alert while working Thursday morning, authorities said. “I am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas incident,” Cal Fire chief Ken Pimlott in a statement. “The incident is still unfolding, but in this world of fast moving information, it is important to me that only factual information be shared. To that end, I can confirm a fatality of a Calfire engineer from the San...

On Friday, an army of firefighters in Ventura County hoped it was finally beginning to turn the tide on the Thomas fire. After burning hundreds of homes, the fire was slowing as Santa Ana winds calmed down. But over the weekend, the fire reemerged with a vengeance, pushing into Santa Barbara County and destroying more homes. Here’s a look at the fire that has refused to die.

(Someone post picture, please) “I can’t help in the way firemen or the Red Cross does, but I can do this,” he said. Most of the children he spoke with told him about the Christmas toys they wanted, he said. One boy just wanted a long hug.