Napa, the town, suffered terrible damage. Napa, the people, did not. We are so blessed.
When my family and I ran out of our house, shoes on our feet, flashlights in hand, I can only describe what I felt as indescribable joy. It was by the grace of God or by the grace of something that almost everyone in Napa escaped serious injury or death. One boy suffered multiple fractures and he remains hospitalized. He’s expected to make a full recovery.
Our saving grace? The earthquake occurred at 3:20 a.m. Had it occurred any earlier or later many people might have been killed and injured. Just hours before there had been a music festival downtown, along the very street that suffered the most damage.
It will take the town of Napa years to recover. Our downtown looks as if it’s been struck by artillery- the historic buildings were hit especially hard, even the brand new luxury hotel is closed for the time being.
This is not a broken sidewalk. This is an opportunity.
My husband and I took Jake out for a walk through one of the hardest hit neighborhoods- adjacent to the elementary school my children attended. The damage is astounding but the residents are happy. Because we survived.
Napa will rebuild. The town will be more vibrant than ever.
In the meantime I could use a good night’s sleep. Jake feels every single aftershock and he’s decided to take on the official role of earthquake monitor. He wakes me up and urges an immediate evacuation. I let him outside so he can check the perimeter and then we return to bed until the next aftershock. We’re having 3-4 every night. This is one active fault. The geologists who claimed years ago it was quiescent have some ‘splainin’ to do.
Love, Julia
I like your and Jake’s attitude. Blessings to you and all of Napa. Jake is your hero.
I don’t think you ever get used to earthquakes - solid ground beneath your feet is such a metaphor for everything right. And you never know if the next one is going to be the big one.
Don’t know what else to say except I literally know how you feel (was born in CA and grew up in Mexico City) - and it’s scary each time. Even standing under a doorframe - the most solid thing around - is just a reflex.
But the aftershocks will stop, and life will go back to whatever passes for normal in Napa, and Jake will settle down. Hope it happens soon.
I’m glad everyone is okay. Love Jake the protector!
How did I not remember that you live in Napa? So thankful that everyone is all right. Take care of them, Jake.
Yeah, we’re good, Steph! Thanks!
Thanks, Amber. He is that!
Um, well, Alicia, I’m not sure they’re any worse than tornadoes. I grew up with tornadoes. They can be horrific. But yeah, life is normal except our downtown is a ruin.
He is one of my heroes, Roberta. Can’t wallow in pity or self-pity. We are so very very fortunate here in Napa.
Such good news about the people of Napa. Things can be repaired and replaced.
It’s amazing how good things can eventually blossom from disasters. The broken sidewalk “opportunity” is a perfect example.
We were evacuated after the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, when ashes fell like snow everywhere and smoke was horrible for people and pets. The next summer came the floods across the burn scars, tarry black runoff that destroyed homes and dreams.
Colorado, at least at our altitude, has a short growing season, but this summer the gardens and flowers have been stunning. On the news recently they did a report of the benefits of the ash and how it eventually actually improved certain elements in the soil for gardens.
Westside neighborhoods, once evacuated, now are holding “Garden Abundance” parties, sharing with the homeless at the Mission and families that are still rebuilding.
You know, Marylin, I think a fire would be far worse. A fire is so devastating, spreads so quickly. I know some good comes from a forest fire. The regrowth is astounding.
Just catching up to your post. Have the aftershocks stopped? How scary! As you know we live in an earthquake zone as well, and have felt the odd rumble. Disconcerting, even though so far, it’s been slight. Predictions continue for a big one, and we have an earthquake kit in our front hallway closet. We just drove grandson down to L.A. and he was given an earthquake kit to put under his bed, so it is on all our minds. Hope you, your neighbours, and the good people of Napa find the rainbow in all this trouble. Like the sidewalk drawing. And yes, thankfully, as you say, it happened in the middle of the night. Hugs.
No, Diana, still experiencing aftershocks. An earthquake kit is helpful but what if you can’t get to your closet? I’d have two and keep one by the closest door, one next to the bed. I learned two things after the last major quake - keep all pathways to the front door clear and never ever hang anything on the wall near the bed, above the bed, or have any tall furniture near the bed or the door to the bedroom - blocks the door if it falls.