Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, as I was driving to the post office, I heard on my car radio that the firefighters who were working in the Trancas, Decker and Encinal Canyon areas, were craving coffee and food after their long night on the fire lines. The report said there were up to 1,000 active fire personnel. It was already midday and they might not be there the next day, but I wanted to let them know that we in Malibu appreciated their hard work.
First, I went to Ralphs Market and spoke to manager Mary Dubrucki, who said without hesitation, they would be glad to help. Ralphs provided two huge boxes of freshly made delicatessen sandwiches, a grocery basket full of Van de Kamp doughnuts and cookies, and three huge boxes of fruit, plus a load of bottled drinking water. While they prepared this I went across to Starbucks coffee shop and asked them if they would donate some coffee. Without hesitation the manager, Sandy Reisz, said they, too, would be glad to help, and they donated several containers of hot coffee, including cups, cream and sugar.
With the help of a neighbor, we loaded our two cars and brought the food to where the firemen were taking their break at Zuma Beach. They were most appreciative. I would like to sincerely thank Ralphs and Starbucks for their spontaneous generosity. It was midday and both stores were very busy, but they took the time to provide some well-deserved comfort to the firefighters.
Last, but not least, our thanks to the firefighters who worked so hard.
Wendy Steen-Olsen