Mudslide Updates

2/24/12 - It's been a year since we last updated, but we didn't really have much to report until now.  We have finally received funding to restore our lower house special-needs building which was severely damaged in the 2010 rainstorm.   Since our past 2 newsletters, our supporters have rallied. Although we still did not have enough funding, we were extremely fortunate when someone generously donated the remainder of the funds in order to complete this expensive project. See new photos (right).

2/18/11 - Dear Friends,
 
Since it's been awhile, thought we'd let you know how we're doing.  Not much has changed.  Although the mud has been cleared, and the lower house scrubbed, we still have work to do.  We will have to re-landscape and fix the damaged portions of the lower house, so we are waiting until things dry out, probably spring or summer.
 
In the meantime, the cats are all in the upper house.  Fortunately they have the 3 patios to enjoy and spread out on.
 
As far as visiting, it is STRICTLY by appointment, especially since the cats are in special separate areas, it requires a staff or volunteer to accompany you.
 
Thank you all for your inquiries and kindness. 

Purrs,
 
 The Blue Bell Staff, Volunteers, and Kitties

1/22/11 - There isn't so much more news as far as rebuilding.
 
 However, the cats are doing great....
 
We want to thank all of you who have been so supportive in every way, your donations, kind words, and supplies.
 
However, We are now at a maximum capacity for supplies.  We simply do not have enough room to store them.  If you would still like to help, we ask that you no longer drop off items.  Instead, the funds you spend for supplies could go much further in cash donations to help with the rebuilding. 
 
If you can't do that, you can always use www.goodsearch.com instead of your regular search engine.  For each search we get a penny, and they really add up!  Also,  www.goodshop.com for internet purchases where a percentage of your purchases is donated to us by the vendor of your choice.
 
Until the next post, have a great weekend, and thank you again!

1/16/11 - We are getting further along with cleanup.  The pictures show the lower house.  As you can see, our fence was damaged.  However, we have the mud cleared out of the lower house.  The next step is deciding how we want to refurbish the lower house.
 
Pictured is a new resident, Max.  He is a rescue from the Laguna Beach Shelter, who also sustained major damage.  Max was left there on their doorstep, so we took him in (prior to the flooding).  He is doing well.  Right now he is guarding the newspapers! 

The other is of one of our diabetic kitties, Tami, who was moved from the lower house.  She is in the blue sweater.
 
As you can see, we do not need anymore newspapers.
 
Unfortunately, we are still pretty busy taking care of the cats and property, so we can't accept visitors right now.  We hope that will change soon.
 
We will keep you informed as to our progress.  Thank you again for all your support and concern.

1/5/11 - We are making progress. The driveway is completely cleaned and washed of mud. The mud has been removed from side yard of upper house. The lower house floors have been cleaned, though there is still much more that needs to be done with that building. We still have bulldozers on the property, so it is still cumbersome to get in and out and so far we still cannot accept visitors.

The cats are doing well. They seem to have found their own little spaces. The most affected and vulnerable kitties were those transferred from the lower to upper house. They are getting along nicely and sharing their new quarters graciously--better than expected--as some had their own suites in the lower house and not much contact with the other residents. We hope they just know they are loved and cared for and we are doing our best, and they are returning in kind. We are giving them extra TLC, these sweet creatures!

Finally, we have been receiving your notes and donations for this effort. We cannot express our appreciation enough. It helps immensely. We thank you all for your kindness and support.

12/29/10 - Thanks to all of you offering to drop off supplies.  Currently we have huge equipment in the area making it difficult to gain access, so we are asking you to REFRAIN FROM STOPPING BY BLUE BELL.

Things are changing on a daily basis, so we sometimes need to alter our instructions to you.

Thank you so much for to those of you who are offering assistance with cleaning up.   We are not quite at that stage just yet; we have had earthmoving equipment and dump trucks there for the past several days to scoop up and haul off the mud and debris.
 
But, what we will need at some point in the near future (if the rain stops) volunteers to really wash out the flooded building, scrub, sand and repaint and rebuild the fences and gates.  Also to rebuild some of our indoor enclosures as well, so that they will be clean and fresh for the cats to move back in.
 
We don't have a time frame as yet, the first order is to get the mud out and prepare for the remainder of the rainy season.  Once we get the heavy equipment out, there will be room for us to move about safely.
 
Many thanks for you support and prayers and I hope that we can take you up on your offer for a work crew soon.

12/28/10 - There isn't much more news to report.  They are beginning to clear out the mud, but there is still much more work to do.
 
We do need:  LARGE TRASH BAGS, COATED PAPER PLATES (otherwise food seeps through thin paper and the cats end up eating the paper) and NEWSPAPERS.
 
If you'd like to drop by, you may want to wait a day or two since there have been reports of the 133 being partially closed.  It is open from El Toro Rd. to PCH.  Also, our parking lot is a little blocked so you may need to park in the street.  Doors are kept locked so you may not be able to speak with anyone, but you can leave supplies by the door
 
Thanks again to everyone for your outpouring of concern.

12/24/10 - Thanks to all of you inquiring about the recent heavy rains and mudslides in Laguna Beach/Canyon. We do not have good news. Our lower house has been severely damaged, due to flooding and mud, and the cats have been evacuated to the upper house, which also sustained some damage. All cats are okay, but stressed out.

Offers to help with the property are appreciated. However, Laguna Canyon Rd. is still closed and only a limited amount of people have access to Blue Bell, probably until Monday. We will need to make repairs to the lower house, so at this time, we are asking for any possible cash donations you can give in this effort.

Checks can be sent to:

Blue Bell Foundation for Cats
20982 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Fortunately, this is not a catastrophe to the extent of our 1998 tragedy where both houses were virtually destroyed. We appreciate your member support and concern, and I will keep you informed of the rebuilding efforts.

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