What is man?

Today I was able to spend some time with friends at Vasquez Rocks. As we climbed around on huge pieces of rock jutting out at odd angles from the ground, we considered the nature of how these rocks came to be the way they were as well as why the different crevices and holes that characterized the rocks came to be. As a Christian, I believe the flood is the most likely cause for the beautiful landscape. I was reminded of God's judgment on sin, but also His great mercy. This beautiful park was created in the process of the greatest disaster this world has scene, and as a result of God's judgment on sin. However, we were able to enjoy a day relaxing on the consequences of this great disaster and be reminded of the greatness and grace of our God.

Psalm 8 reminds us of this very thing...

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?...O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Fire damages home in Inglewood

"1502 for County Fire, 173's on an explosion."

At approximately 1300 on Friday me and my partner were dispatched for a Los Angeles County Fire call in the Northern part of Inglewood. As we approached the scene from Pincay facing Crenshaw we could see smoke rising from about the right area for where we knew our call was located. As we pulled up on scene we could see flames coming from the roof of a single family dwelling. Thankfully, no one was occupying the house as it was in the process of being remodeled. Over 8 units responded to the scene including Engines 173, 14, 170, and 18, Squads 173, 171 and Battalion Chief 20. The fire was under control in about 15 minutes. No firefighters were injured in the process of extinguishing the flames or in the process of overhaul procedures. According to Firefighter Ryan Watson, the fire was started by a transfomer that blew causing some plastic to catch on fire that spread to the new wood that had recently been installed. The fire spread to the attic and roof causing a great deal of damage to the Inglewood home.

BREAKING NEWS: Light Plane Crashes in Canyon Country

"A private airplane registered to a Reseda man crashed shortly before noon Tuesday in the wash behind Don Cuco's restaurant in Canyon Country. Minor injuries were reported. Occupants included two people and a dog. See Wednesday's Signal for the full story and photographs..." -Signal Staff

I was driving down one of the major streets in Canyon Country and was approaching a red light when a small airplane swooped and wobbled low to the ground and disappeard behind some buildings. Based on the direction of the plane...I knew he was going to crash...but here I was...stuck at a red light!!! When the light turned green I proceeded to look towards the area the plane was last heading and could see dust rising from the wash to my right. I pulled into a small parking lot adjacent to the wash, pulled out my aid kit, jumped the fence and started walking towards the crash site. As I approached I could see a number of people already around the plane. It appeared that the plane made a crash landing in the wash, stopping only when it ran into a cement embankment lined with large rocks. I slid down the embankment and proceeded to make sure the occupants of the plane we uninjured. After ensuring everyone was ok (the only injury was a small abrasion on one occupants head) we stood around in the hot desert sun waiting for LASD and LACOFD to arrive. After giving a short report to the responding units, I headed back to my car, grabbed my camera and took these photos.



The pilot of the airplane reported that he started having engine trouble and had to crash land the plane in the wash. Thankfully the wash was wide and empty with no powerlines nearby. (However, there were powerlines along the street that the plane came very close to as it approached the wash for landing.) The pilot also stated that his brakes went out as he attempted to land.

(click on photo for a closer look)

Many bystanders congratulated the pilot on making such an awesome landing. Many of them had seen the entire scenario unfold and were astonished at the skill with which the pilot landed the aircraft in such adverse conditions. Thankfully there was also no fire involved in the crash. The other occupant of the aircraft and a dog were also involved in the crash, but there were no serious injuries to either.