Jon Givetz of Metro Entertainment, the comic shop where Carla Hoffman works, sent a quick but welcome update on the condition of Carla and her husband Lance after they were burnt in the Tea Fire that’s ravaged the Santa Barbara area of California.
“The good news is both Carla and Lance’s conditions have stabilized and they are both expected to recover,” he said, “although they will both be hospitalized for awhile.”
He adds that, unfortunately, their home was completely destroyed in the fire. “We are in the process of setting up a fund to help them out, and I will let you know as soon as we have it ready to go,” he said.
Big thanks to Jon for the updates; I’ll pass them on as they come in.
Update (Monday, Nov. 17): The Montecito fire department has announced the establishment of a fund to help Carla and Lance. Donations may be sent to:
The Lance and Carla Burn Fund
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust
1483 East Valley Road
Montecito, CA 93108-1248
November 16th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
It is good news, although of course the events are still so tragic. As soon as that fund is settled I will be more than happy to contribute.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
That is good news indeed. Given the fans/industry track record of rallying to help folks when they need it, I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to hearing more information about the fund.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Understanding that I don’t know shit about how Lance and Carla will deal with their health problems and how this will affect them in the long term as they recover physically, emotionally and financially, I have written up a post on what I do know about helping people who’ve lost their homes in a disaster:
http://divalea.livejournal.com/598460.html
November 17th, 2008 at 2:18 am
Carla - GET BETTER SOON!!! The Fifth Color is one of the highlights of my blog reading life and I hope your recovery goes as fast as possible.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:46 am
Thanks for keeping us all posted on this, JK. They won’t leave my thoughts and prayers until they’re completely back on their feet (literally & figuratively). As soon as there is any information about a fund set up for them, please let me know. I know times are tough all around, but if everyone can give even a little, it might make a world of difference for them.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:59 am
This is good news, JK, thanks for the update. Like the others, I’ll be keeping an eye out for how I can help as time goes on.
November 17th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I’ll pass this along.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I have known Carla since gradeschool, as she was my close friend throughout. She has an energy about her that is undeniable. Seeing her each week at our local comic book shop, Metro Entertainment, and getting her suggestion for the best stories out there is a highlight of my week. She has, quite literally, been influential in my development of what I call “myself”.
If you’ve been touched by Carla or Lance, then you know how I feel about this news. For those who can help, a fund has been set up for them and any contribution will be helpful in rebuilding their lives. Thank you for your considerations.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Is there a way to donate to the fund via paypal or something so that we may link to it in our online journals and bring in more donations?
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:14 am
Good Blog. Your informations is very helpfull. Thanks a lot