As of this hour, our Camp Verdugo Oaks is safe from the Southern California wildfires. Ranger Terry Hall reports that the closest flames are over 20 miles away.

The safety of our youth and volunteer members is of the utmost importance and concern for our Council. There is no way that our Executive Board of Directors, who govern the Council, would allow for an event to take place if there was the slightest chance of a dangerous situation. While we are keeping an eye on road and freeway closures, we are vigilant to the safety aspect of running our weekend Cub event. Ranger Terry Hall is fully trained, and has a full safety plan in effect at our Camp Verdugo Oaks.

As of this writing, the Good Scout Award event tonight, honoring LA County Sheriff Leroy D. Baca is still going on as planned. When LA County is in a state of emergency, as we are, the Sheriff's Department takes the lead on emergency response. We hope that Sheriff Baca will attend, but obviously, we understand that his priorities are quickly shifting. The event will go on as planned, even in his absence, if that is the case.

As of 10:00 AM today, we received word that several of our brother Scout Councils are experiencing catastrophic emergencies. The Redlands, CA based California Inland Empire Council lost their Camp Helendade, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, to the wildfire last night.

Executive staff in the San Diego-Imperial Council are evacuated and are anxiously awaiting news of their homes safety. Please keep them in your prayers.

Jon V. Maeda

Scout Executive