By Karen Lake
What came as hard rains and ruined landscapes for some was a total disaster in parts of the canyon in Southern California. When that disaster came, Leslie Paskus, member of the Inter-Canyon League, along with Brett and Chay Peterson, knew they could call The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints for help. Mormon Helping Hands is not new to the canyon. The bright yellow vested volunteers, the world-wide calling card for Mormon Helping Hands, were there in force for the 2007 Silverado fire, the subsequent mud slide and a renewal project just last April.
According to Danny Ater, a Silverado Canyon resident, “It all started on December 22, 2010 when I heard the loudest thunder ever. I went outside and realized it wasn’t thunder, but gigantic boulders hitting the ground.” The devastation has been widespread in the canyon, where the mud has literally filled front yards, driveways and even entire homes.
This time the project was so large that the Santa Margarita Stake (the local Mormon congregation) called in Mormons from all across Orange County. Brett Peterson, a long-time resident of Silverado Canyon, told reporters that “helping your neighbor is just a part of being a community.” Chay Peterson, his wife, said that “when you live in the canyon, you have to stick together. You can’t wait for the city to come, because they might never come.”
James Whitesides is the church’s Emergency Response Director for the Mormon Helping Hands in Orange County. He said, “I think I was most surprised at the extent of the damage wrought by the fierce storms.” This project is ongoing and started on January 1st and because of rains in the later part of February, might even go on until April. Mormons from all over Orange County including Orange, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Irvine and Anaheim were asked to volunteer on designated Saturdays of January and February.
If you want to get involved, the Inter-Canyon League is still looking for more volunteers to help canyon residents. Just visit their website to become part of the helping hands. http://intercanyon.org/
Kim Tobler: Stake High Council for Welfare and Emergency Preparedness:
“I am always touched by the level of appreciation that is expressed to us by the residents of the canyon that we help. They are kind, gracious people. It is always a good experience to help people. “
Jim Whitesides: LDS Emergency Response Director, Orange County:
1. How was it organized in the church?
In counseling with Kim and President Williams of the Orange Stake (the Canyon areas are located geographically in the Orange and Santa Margarita Stakes), we came to the conclusion that the project was significant enough to invite other stakes in the county to participate. At that point, I volunteered to coordinate the continuing relief effort in my capacity as Emergency Response Director for the County. I work directly with the Inter Canyon League (you may want to look at their website) and particularly with Leslie Paskus in coordinating the work of our volunteers in the Canyon areas from week to week.
2. What surprised you most?
“I think I was most surprised about the extent of the damage wrought by the storms (which has been well documented by prior media coverage). I would like to say that I have been surprised by the incredible response by stakes, wards and members living throughout the county, but from past experience, I know that our people can always be counted on when needed. The willingness of our volunteers to do whatever asked — with great attitudes — has only reinforced my confidence in our members and their leaders. I have also been touched by the expressions of appreciation by those living in the Canyon areas. They know the Helping Hands yellow jackets can be relied upon and trusted. “
Quote From Canyon Resident
From Connie (Carter) Meredith 12/24/10:
“As most of you have heard, my house suffered a catastrophic landslide early Wednesday morning. It is filled almost to the ceiling with mud, surrounded by mud, and its fate is uncertain (but not looking too good right now!) However, all of my loved ones escaped unharmed, including my cats Gizmo and Jinx. That is what matters.
You Canyon folk have rallied, supported, called, cried, arranged, and conspired to help me deal with this. I am so fortunate to be a part of such a community. Please continue to keep in touch, keep me in the loop, and keep me in your thoughts, and I would also appreciate it if you forward this to others in the Canyon.
Connie, Meredith, Tommy, and Alex
