| Dramatic photographs chronicling the early days of our Association have won the Oak Grovian photo contest. Congratulations go to Steve Yoshitake for two pictures that tell one story of a disaster that impacted all of Santa Barbara over a dozen years ago. The event was the Painted Cave Fire, and Steve was a witness to the destruction it caused. “First thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Painted Cave Fire is how lucky I was and how unfortunate other people were,” said Steve. Both photos were taken from Steve’s balcony. He took several pictures of the south-facing vista and put them together to create a panoramic composite. The first photograph was taken in May 1990 while Phase II of Oak Grove was completing construction. The structures had been painted, but the carports had yet to be erected. The second photo was taken June 26, 1990, the morning after the fire. It shows the seven units at 4561 Oak Glen burned to the ground, while 4565 Oak Glen lies spared just yards away. The hillsides are completely scorched, and debris blocks part of Oak Glen Drive. By comparing the photos side-by-side, one can appreciate the power of the wind-driven firestorm that visited our neighborhood years ago. “I was fortunate to move in a week early before escrow closed,” reported Steve, who was biking with friends when news of the fire reached him. “I saw the fire surround my place that night” Trying to make his way back to Oak Grove, Steve was stopped by the police. He was able to slip by them, but was ultimately turned away by the intensity of the flames. “Coming back the next day expecting the worse, I was blessed, my condo was still standing and not even smoke damaged.” Not all homeowners were so fortunate. “One of my new neighbors - who were newlyweds - just moved in the day before,” recalled Steve. “When they returned the day after the fire, their place was a complete loss. Everything they owned, including all their wedding gifts were now gone. They chose to move somewhere out of town, ‘too many bad memories here’ they said.” |
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| The Oak Grovian O N L I N E |
| Photo Winner Captured Oak Grove History |
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| Click on the photo for a time lapse study |
| Do you have a story of the Painted Cave Fire at Oak Grove? The Oak Grovian wants to hear from you for a future article. Please contact us by email or phone 681-9061. |