BajaNomad - Baja Bush Pilots-Hurricane Jimena Airlift Project

Baja Bush Pilots-Hurricane Jimena Airlift Project

Siri - 9-9-2009 at 08:21 AM

Here is the latest update from Jack McCormick (minus the pilot-specific information, which the pilots all receive via BBP mailing list). In addition to providing a general update of the needs and plans for the airlift, Jack mentions that the information lists which they are compiling (including donation drop-off locations near airports)--is coming THIS AFTERNOON. As you can imagine, there are a lot of logistics for them to coordinate, but they are working hard and making lots of progress. As soon as this afternoon's update is done, I'll post it into a new thread here on Nomads specific to the BBP/Airlift. If anyone has any questions that I can help answer (as opposed to contacting BBP directly, since they are so slammed), please feel free to contact me by U2U or email: findsiri@yahoo.com. Thanks to everyone who's monitoring Nomads and ready to jump in and help. Siri

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Just got back [from Baja], we will have a full report out this afternoon. Attached is a short report for general information:

September 9, 2009

Baja Airlift

I have just gotten back from four days of determining needs and working out logistics regarding providing support for the most critical area of Baja because of the results of Hurricane Jimena.

The first two days was working with and flying Mexican Red Cross people throughout the mid-Baja region with the second two days working out the logistics of how to import,receive, sort, and distribute the needed items.

The Red Cross has determined that the greatest needs is in a box that starts at about Lopez Mateos north to Campo Rene on the Pacific side then across to Santa Rosalia and then north to just above Mulege. And in addition to the major villages, a major concern is the small villages and ranches located within these areas where all land access is cut off.

Both the Governor of Baja Sur and the President of Baja Sur Red Cross have asked us to help to work out some of the logistics for needs and distribution. The biggest issue at thispoint is to distribute Red Cross survival food boxes and later to those that are trapped and to receive and distribute relief items such as clothing, tarps, medical supplies, etc. that you are bring down to help to relieve some of the suffering.

Our office has been totally overwhelmed with response from members and the general public. My personal email is receiving over 100 a day with the BBP email receiving more. In addition, the telephone is ringing non-stop. Our resources are stretched to the limit.

We have attempted to answer much of the email but much is not. We are only answering the email that has the greatest impact on our mission. For that we apologize.

We need all that has been offered and we need all the aircraft that we can get. Claudia and I will be doing a complete report this afternoon regarding instructions for relief drop off locations as well as information for pilots wishing to make the flight now.

We are concentrating right now on FBO’s that have locations on airports that have staff that can take calls and receive and coordinate the shipment of relief supplies. Many haveindicated that they have hangers but most lack the ability of staff to take calls and be there to receive and send items.

Not all supplies need to go through drop off points. If you have a plane full of stuff, we will have information on where and when to go. We have the red tape cut with Customsin Loreto and we belive San Felipe. The large aircraft will go into Loreto, the small into one of the two airports in and near Mulege. The Loreto airport has volunteered the use ofthe old commercial terminal to receive supplies, do not go there without checking with us first.

We will be in the office today trying to complete the logistical requirements. Five of us will be in Mulege Friday to start receiving and with the help of locals, sorting and distributing the needed items. In addition, there will be flights into areas of need that have airstrips. There was (is) a major problem with the strip at Mulege and the BBP is hiring a grader to come in and work it. We hope it will be ready by Thursday afternoon. If not, all supplies will come into Punta Chivato where they will be taken by boat to Mulege. (the road from Chivato is all but gone) We will be sorting supplies with somegoing to Mulege, some to Santa Rosalia, and some to other small villages. Don’t worry about having too much stuff. It is all needed and will be used.

We anticipate that the airlift will start on Friday continuing on for about 10 days. I have a business meeting that I must attend in Seattle Tuesday morning so I have to go back toAZ Sunday. However, there will be three BBP members remaining in Mulege the first of the week, I will be back down on next Thursday.

Regarding helicopters, we need them and one of the big concerns is the fuel costs as these will be working continually in the back areas. We are working with the government to supply this fuel, the Governor knows of this need, and we hope to have some answer today. More to follow regarding this subject.

Again, we will have a full report out this afternoon with a complete list of drop off points with contact numbers as well as a list as to what is really needed.

I will try to get photos of the Serenidad and surrounding area up with this afternoon’s alert, time is the only problem.

Jack McCormick, President
Baja Bush Pilots
Chandler, AZ

[Edited on 9-9-2009 by Siri]

David K - 9-9-2009 at 08:40 AM

Thank you Siri!

Paula - 9-9-2009 at 09:54 AM

Siri and Jack,

Some of us who might like to help are off the path, and material donations aren't practical. I'm hoping to be able to help with money instead, either for purchasing what is needed or maybe for fuel for the helicopters going to the back country.

Is there a way to target a cash donation to help the people in remote areas?

Siri - 9-9-2009 at 10:31 AM

Paula, just posted a reply to you (but in the missing rancheros thread).

YES, financial donations can be made towards the BBP airlift. A full update of BBP airlift info (including the options for $ donations, where to drop off physical donations, etc) will be out this afternoon. Please check back later today.

For now, the quick answers re: $ donations:

DONATION BY CHECK: Make check payable to Baja Bush Pilots (with Memo "Hurricane Jimena") and mail to Baja Bush Pilots, 149 W. Boston, Chandler AZ 85225. If you are making a substantial donation, please u2U or email me (findsiri@yahoo.com) and let me know the amount--I will keep BBP posted of the amount coming in the mail so they can go ahead and budget in the meantime.

DONATION BY CREDIT CARD: Credit card donations need to be made by phone (no way on BBP website, Paypal, etc). Because they are so overwhelmed at BBP office, they've asked me to be the contact person for this piece. In the posting this afternoon, I will give all the info (including what we need from you to process the cc charge). If you want to go ahead and donate via cc, send me a u2u or email and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Donations will be used both to help cover (a small portion of) fuel expenses and also given directly to Cruz Roja to be used according to their assements. BBP will do a full accounting of all financial donations and send an acknowledgement letter to each financial donor that can be used for tax-deduction purposes.

Hope this helps for now...

[Edited on 9-9-2009 by Siri]

Siri @BBP

Posada-BushPilot - 9-9-2009 at 11:46 AM

I spoke to Jim Christopher this morning and I wanted to let you know that you have our permission (Rotary Club of Mulege) to use our 15 passenger Ford Van to move people and stuff around. Jim is the longtime director of the club and I (Randy)am serving as Prez. We also have a 4 door sedan you can use. These Vehicles are parked at our clinic. You may need to track down Quito (last years prez) but he won't be hard to find because he is likely working on the strip. We will let him know in the morning that you have permission to use the vehicles. We may be able to have him stage them right there at the Serenadad.
If you want to use the van for freight, have Quito remove the seats. You may be able to recruit one of the Bomberos to drive for you.
Jack may be aware of this as I spoke to Bobbi and Dave Powers a few days ago and they may have told him.

Great what you are doing and we (Rotary) will support your efforts any way we can.

Siri - 9-9-2009 at 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Posada-BushPilot
I spoke to Jim Christopher this morning and I wanted to let you know that you have our permission (Rotary Club of Mulege) to use our 15 passenger Ford Van to move people and stuff around. Jim is the longtime director of the club and I (Randy)am serving as Prez. We also have a 4 door sedan you can use. These Vehicles are parked at our clinic. You may need to track down Quito (last years prez) but he won't be hard to find because he is likely working on the strip. We will let him know in the morning that you have permission to use the vehicles. We may be able to have him stage them right there at the Serenadad.
If you want to use the van for freight, have Quito remove the seats. You may be able to recruit one of the Bomberos to drive for you.
Jack may be aware of this as I spoke to Bobbi and Dave Powers a few days ago and they may have told him.

Great what you are doing and we (Rotary) will support your efforts any way we can.

Randy, Jim and Rotary Club of Mulege, thank you very much. Jack had heard about your offer of vehicles, but didn't have details. All the info you provided is now in Claudia's full, but capable, hands. Will get back to you re: p/u of small box of meds.

Gracias :-)

lindsay - 9-9-2009 at 04:15 PM

Thanks to all of you assisting with relief efforts for Mulege and other communities. Today, we dropped off a load of donations with San Diego BBP Kirk and we really appreciate all his efforts to help out.

My daughter's Mexican relatives in Mulege and my former CECyT students as well as other local friends that I have spoken to wanted me to let people up north know that all their kindness, help and concern is much appreciated during this difficult time...so GRACIAS OTRA VEZ!!

Donation Details for Baja Bush Pilots Airlift

Siri - 9-10-2009 at 07:24 AM

For those interested in donating items to the BBP Airlift, here are 2 lists. The first is the items which they need the most (and which are "aircraft friendly" and don't duplicate items already in aid boxes) and the 2nd is drop-off locations:

WHAT WE NEED
Feminine hygene products
Diapers-children and seniors
Undergarments, men, women and children (new)
Wipes for bathing and babies
Mats/small mattresses to sleep on
Blankets, soap, shampoo
Disinfectants-all kinds
Mosquito/Roach spray
Shirts/sweaters
Pants
Shorts
Bedding (sheets, pillows, pillow cases)
socks (new and used)
Towels-all sizes
Basic Toys (balls deflated for easy trasport, dolls, coloring books, crayons)
Shoes, all sizes

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

California:
Burbank
El Cajon
Imperial
Los Gatos
Long Beach
Santa Monica
East Bay
San Diego
Thermal
Pacoima (near Van Nuys)

Arizona:
Chandler
Sierra Vista

Colorado:
Durango

New Mexico:
Albuquerque

Washington:
Kent

Most locations are near/at small airports, many are hangars or storage facilities. Full information (including a contact name and tel #) for each location is on the BBP website in the public section. Here's how to find it:Go to www.bajabushpilots.com. In the center of the page, scroll down past the "Quick Alerts" section and go down to "Baja Airlift Update" and "click here for more information". Please ignore the 2nd chart (these are places where they have large donations and need a pilot to pick-up, but do not want/need more donations). It would help a lot if folks living nearby could consolidate their donations and make one trip to the drop-off location. Please contact donation locations directly, not BBP, if you have questions...and understand that while they are accpeting donations, most are also busy companies.

If you want to make a financial donation to the airlift, there are 2 options.

Funds will be used for fuel expenes and given directly to Cruz Roja in Baja, and $ donors will receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes.

Check: Payable to "Baja Bush Pilots" with memo "Hurricane Jimena", mail to Baja Bush Pilots, 149 W. Boston, Chandler AZ 85225. If send a large check, please email me (findsiri@yahoo.com)--I'll tally amounts and keep them posted so BBP can budget while waiting on snail mail!

Credit Card: BBP is not set-up for donations online, but can take credit card donations by telephone. Please call 714-453-9997. We'll need your name, cc# and expiration, and mailing addy (for ack. letter).

More info to come as it's available. Thanks to all asking to help!

[Edited on 9-10-2009 by Siri]

[Edited on 9-10-2009 by Siri]

1st donation :-)

djh - 9-10-2009 at 08:55 AM

Thursday Morning, 9-10

I just called and spoke with Siri, who is processing credit card donations for BBP. Very friendly, quick, and easy process.

Siri said I was the first donation she'd accepter for BBP.

I love the work these folks do, and I encourage any of my Nomad Amigos who are able and willing, to give Siri a call at 714-453-9997 and make a donation.

Best,
djh

ecomujeres - 9-10-2009 at 11:20 AM

Here's the direct link to the BPP drop off site list:

http://www.lasecomujeres.org/jimena_files/jimena_bppdrops.ht... (edited 9-11 for updated link)

Also find updated info about other donation recipients at:

http://www.lasecomujeres.org/Jimena_links.html

[Edited on 9-11-2009 by ecomujeres]

[Edited on 9-11-2009 by ecomujeres]

Bump up

djh - 9-11-2009 at 10:44 AM

Nomads still looking for a way to help.... this is direct and simple, and it may make YOU feel a little less helpless if you're not there to assist.

While Jimena has come and gone, the destruction and sufferring that it left in its wake persists.

djh

Anybody out there?????

Siri - 9-11-2009 at 01:22 PM

Maybe it's because I started a new thread re: BBP, but it doesn't seem like anyone is out there! I don't know if it's just quiet, or if I need to put copies of my postings in other threads (maybe people aren't finding this thread?). We've only had 1 donation call (thank you, David)...so my fingers are crossed that checks are in the mail, and we just don't know about them yet.If there's a more experienced Nomad out there who can tell me if I'm posting correctly for people to find the BBP information, I'd really appreciate it.Or maybe I can post some photos to show the BBP mission after Hurricane John?I don't usually beg, but will gladly make an exception.Any suggestions, please pass along...

kp_martin - 9-11-2009 at 01:49 PM

Siri,
This thread bumped to the top so you are doing ok. For some reason it's way too quiet today... BBP as well

capt. mike - 9-11-2009 at 02:49 PM

mulege strip just opened with 2200 ft useable .
use caution!
BBP is on site to receive donations.

kp_martin - 9-11-2009 at 05:53 PM

NORRA - National Off Road Racing Association has canceled their proposed Mexico 1000 rally in exchange for supporting the Baja relief efforts.

They are offering their warehouse for storage and trucks for transporting via road to Baja sur.

Also if there are large amounts that need to move in the SoCal area they will come and pick it up.

Contact is:
Alex Plewniak
(619) 572-7092

How cool is that!!
(Copy/Paste from Baja Bush Pilots)

Siri - 9-11-2009 at 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kp_martin
NORRA - National Off Road Racing Association has canceled their proposed Mexico 1000 rally in exchange for supporting the Baja relief efforts.

They are offering their warehouse for storage and trucks for transporting via road to Baja sur.

Also if there are large amounts that need to move in the SoCal area they will come and pick it up.

Contact is:
Alex Plewniak
(619) 572-7092

How cool is that!!
(Copy/Paste from Baja Bush Pilots)

Thanks for posting this! I was just sending it to Seve at Baja.Net who is also posting all the BBP updates on Baja.Net (as well as various off road websites) and collecting donations. Also Tim Morton, owner of Baja Bound Motorcycle Adventures will be in Primm, NV this weekend for a SCORE race--they will host a donation booth and then get their donations to BBP. Thanks to the off-road racing community!

redhilltown - 9-11-2009 at 10:46 PM

Siri

Your post worked fine as far as me finding the local donation center. I brought some supplies to the Long Beach airport to California Flight Center 562 490 2662...I spoke with Keith. Thanks for all your help! C'mon Long Beachians and neighbors, get over there! They said they will fly out when they have 800 pounds ready to go. I hope that ship has sailed! So to speak...

Siri

desertcpl - 9-12-2009 at 08:05 AM

just to let you know,, your message did reach out to alot of folks,, my check is in the mail box now

ken/jane

yuma,az

Jimena airlift-Easy to use-Do it Now!!

Corky1 - 9-12-2009 at 08:32 AM

Baja Bush Pilots makes it very EZ to donate!!!

http://www.baja.net/forums/showthread.php?p=23975#post23975

Corky :lol:

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky1
Baja Bush Pilots makes it very EZ to donate!!!

http://www.baja.net/forums/showthread.php?p=23975#post23975

Corky :lol:

Now, I know that power cord is longer than 50 inches. :lol:

Just funnin' with you, Corky. Good load for the cause.

Corky1 - 9-12-2009 at 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky1
Baja Bush Pilots makes it very EZ to donate!!!

http://www.baja.net/forums/showthread.php?p=23975#post23975

Corky :lol:

Now, I know that power cord is longer than 50 inches. :lol:

Just funnin' with you, Corky. Good load for the cause.

Dennis, You know why women don't make good carpenters???

corky :bounce:

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky1
Dennis, You know why women don't make good carpenters???

corky :bounce:

I do.

capt. mike - 9-12-2009 at 11:48 AM

well.....come on....???????????

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
well.....come on....???????????

Well, It's all about the tape measure and the confusion between three and thirteen inches. Actually, I heard it first about the men carpenters.

1-Hr Radio Program re: Jimena Relief: TODAY (SUNDAY) 1PM PACIFIC

Siri - 9-13-2009 at 08:00 AM

Alex Plewniak and NORRA have donated a 1-hr So Cal radio slot (it is normally an Off Road Racing program) today to talking about various Hurricane Jimena Relief Efforts--including those of the off-road racing community and the Baja Bush Pilots.

TODAY (SUNDAY 13TH) 1-2PM PACIFIC TIME
KCBQ 1170AM
http://kcbq.townhall.com

Tune in or log on for live webstream...

Thanks to Alex, NORRA and the off-road racers!

capt. mike - 9-13-2009 at 08:48 AM

i always get cornfused....will Mulege be on PDT or MST? MDT??
depends on time of year and if mexico does their zone flip same as US. Plus some mexican zones like sonora skip DST as does AZ.

wreaks havoc for pilots filing times so we track all via ZULU ref.

i hope someone south with BBP calls in the show to report but i'd hate to see them be an hour late!

Siri

Posada-BushPilot - 9-13-2009 at 04:14 PM

I heard you on KCBQ radio in San Diego (via link) this afternoon. You did very well.....my congrats.

Certainly sounded more articulate than the guys :no:

Hurricane Relief - Orange County CA

elskel - 9-14-2009 at 01:25 PM

To All: I am prepared to take donated supplies to San Diego. I am in So. Orange County CA, any Orange County Nomads, give me a call.
Brian - 949-422-2090

Siri - 9-15-2009 at 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by elskel
To All: I am prepared to take donated supplies to San Diego. I am in So. Orange County CA, any Orange County Nomads, give me a call.
Brian - 949-422-2090

Brian, good talking to you and thanks for putting your post here re: collecting in Orange County. There's a new drop-off location at Fox Field in Lancaster (if that's closer to you than SD's Brown Field or Gillespie airport drops)--I'll post that info shortly.

Mulege--KXLY Spokane Coverage

Siri - 9-15-2009 at 08:02 AM

Below is a message that one of the Bush Pilots posted to their message board last night. Please note there should be news coverage on KXLY-SPOKANE (www.kxly.com) starting Wed at 5:00pm pacific.

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Yesterday, after filming the planes from Idaho unload their clothing items, we spent 2 hrs flying the area documenting the damage of Mulege and Santa Rosalia from the air. Today, we spent many hrs walking and talking with the locals. we toured the hosp, walked the river, the runway, interviewed Jorge Yee, Javier, Maribel and many others. Much tape was used so we wouldn´t miss a beat. My TV anchor will be flying back to Spokane tomorrow and should start showing the segments wed eve at 500 on KXLY spokane. You can see it on kxly.com. I hope this taping we help bring additional relief to the area by getting more of the msg out. Mulege is a mess, to say the least. Prepare to cry.....

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hopefully word is starting to get out, slowly but surely.

[Edited on 9-16-2009 by Siri]

BBP update

capt. mike - 9-15-2009 at 02:25 PM

From BBP:

"Before I give you all a brief update of the on goings of this past weekend I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL who have helped in this effort so far. Although The Baja Bush Pilots as an organization has been one of many to take the lead in helping those in the areas who need it so much, you the members and family & friends of members who come along side us to make our organization efforts come to life, are a huge part of making it all a success. With all our hearts, as echoed by so many people on the receiving end, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
What a weekend! Medical evaluations and evacuations, food and necessity boxes both from Red Cross and the sate dropped off by our helicopter pilots. One Jet Ranger, 3 Robinson 44s, 3 tanker planes, 1 doctor, 1 EMT, one "better than GPS!" guide and lots of support people. They were long, sweaty, dirty and grimmey days for all involved but it was all very much worth it. For those that didn´t get to hear the thanks yous and see the grateful faces, let me tell you, even with all the frustration, sleeplessness, politics and less than great conditions, it´s all worth it and you have to keep remembering that the people there are living it and don´t get to go home after a few days like we do.
Because of the current need and all the coordinating happening through the BBP, through other organizations and individually we will be opening the members section up to the public for a few weeks. This opens up the board to all for communicating and posting needs and comments. I have created the email address guest@bajabushpilots.com Non members can use this email and the password "guest". I ask that guests please not change any of the information for that account (like bulletin user name, name, address, password) as that will not allow others to use it. This is just meant to give you access and to be able to post on the board.
Many had a "problem" with filing to GLL (Mulege) as it was closed by NOTAM. Commander Landeros in Loreto has lifted the NOTAM but as it sometimes occurs, it takes time to reach all the people it needs to. We have made the necessary calls and that should no longer be an issue.

Our goal:
We will be going back down on Thursday. We have so many offers for aircraft in the relief effort. Thank you all for that. At this point we ask that any who are able to donate of your time and aircraft check out a nearby drop off location, pick up a load and head South. We hope to have all items at every location picked up and brought down between now and Friday, Thursday being the most ideal day so that we can do one last mass distribution this weekend. Items should be brought to Mulege unless you need more than 2200 ft and if so, head to Loreto. Very important: If you go to Loreto you need to call the office or send us an email giving us your N#, general description of things you will be taking down and when so that we can give the information to customs in Loreto to avoid problems and also, so that we may coordinate with the person in Loreto who has graciously offered to transport the donations to Mulege for us.
Point person in Mulege: Bobby Powers and after Thursday, Jack. In Loreto, unload donations in the old terminal building."

ecomujeres - 9-17-2009 at 01:41 AM

Mulege on the KXLY News in Spokane, WA

If you were like me, and couldn't get your browser to work with the live stream, here is the link to watch the first installment about pilots in WA state assisting in the Baja relief effort:

http://www.kxly.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipI... for Life is one CDA man's mission&vt1=v&at1=Sport&d1=147100&LaunchPageAdTag=Search Results&activePane=info&rnd=18442221

Sorry, but I don't know how to make a shorter hyperlink on the forum, so these are long links.

And the article/text is available at:

http://www.kxly.com/Global/story.asp?S=11145582

These are also available on the consolidated links page, so pass the word. They are supposed to continue the story all next week on the 6 pm news. You can watch later, by searching for "Mulege" (that's how I found the video/story).

http://www.lasecomujeres.org/Jimena_links.html (links to photos and donations)

www.lasecomujeres.org (Bilingual environmental education about Baja California)