You Can Tell It's October

[queenoftheskies]

We have 90 degree weather and southern California brush fires.

Ick.

The sky tonight was filled with smoke. The sunset was astonishing. It's always that way when there are fires.

I wish the Santa Ana winds would stop blowing and it would cool off again so they could get the fires under control.

Anybody care to send us some rain?

Comments

[ckocher.livejournal.com]

Where in southern California are you? My husband is flying out to Riverside later this week for a job interview. I would love to be able to ask questions about the area if you don't mind so we can decide if we really want to move across the country (provided the make him an offer, of course).

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

I'm in the San Gabriel Valley. I'm probably, hmm, 45 minutes from Riverside. Maybe not that far.

If I can help in any way, please ask. What I don't know, I'll certainly try to find out for you!

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

I wish I could send you the rain we're supposed to get tomorrow! It's spoiling my plans.

Good luck, and I hope the fires stay far from you!

[jediknightmuse.livejournal.com]

It's supposed to pour tomorrow. I'll gladly send that rain over to you.

[ckocher.livejournal.com]

What are the realities of living there? Traffic, weather, crime, average utility costs, how is the job market, the unemployment rate, the state taxes .. those are the very broad topics that are first on my mind. I know that the specifics will vary from place to place but you might be able to give a better idea of it than the websites I've come across.

How dangerous are these wildfires to the average person? The one I've been watching the past two days is only 20 miles from Riverside - is that good or bad? Are populated areas at risk or do the wildfires stay out more in the 'wilderness' areas?

What are the pluses of living in Southern California? What makes it home for you?

I'm sure I'll have more as he gets through the interview and after. I'm not extremely excited about moving to CA but I promised I'd keep an open mind about it.

[ckocher.livejournal.com]

Re; the rain...

It's pouring here. My community is having our Samhain ritual tomorrow - outside in pouring rain during the day, and with 30-40mph winds and a rain/snow mix tomorrow evening.

I'm not saying that I'd trade that for 90 degree weather though. I'm just hoping not to catch pneumonia.

;-)

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Personally, I like southern California. There are lots of conveniences. Everything is close. Stores. Restaurants. Malls. Entertainment galore. Lots of sights to see. There's always something to do.

There are many pretty areas, too.

Lots of colleges and universities.

Sales tax in LA County is 8.25%, but it's probably a little cheaper in San Bernadino County. There are state income taxes. I don't know how they compare to other states.

Traffic is bad during rush hour if you're coming into LA in the morning or going out at night. Not so bad out around Riverside, though.

Utilities aren't so bad during the winter. Gas isn't bad any time. Electric bad during the summer. Phone is reasonable.

Job market depends on what you're looking for. What kind of job would you be seeking? I don't think the unemployment rate is high around here. Most people seem to have a pretty easy time finding a job.

Crime depends on the area. It's not bad around my area. I don't think it's bad around Riverside either.

The wildfire to the west of Palm Springs is a really bad one. There were some firefighters killed the other day and people evacuated today. I'd have to say that it sounds like one of the worst ones in a long time. Sometimes homes are threatened, but generally, there aren't tons lost unless it's a huge fire. Mostly, canyon areas and wilderness areas burn since other areas are built up.

The weather is hot during the summer for a couple of months, then reasonable the rest of the summer. Spring and Fall are ideal. Even winter isn't cold compared to most places. We might get down in the low 40's at night, but usually it's at least in the 60's during the day. Sometimes warmer.

Did any of that help? Or was it too vague?

Sure........

[dracschick.livejournal.com]

I got lots of it where I live now:(

[kythiaranos.livejournal.com]

I think we've got your rain here. Everyone's slightly mildewed.