Neighbor helping neighbor

In response to the Tea Fire, Susan Gibson, founder of the Trail Blazer Festival happening today through Sunday at Earl Warren Showgrounds, is offering free coffee, donuts and free admission to the festival to firefighters battling the Tea Fire.

Ms. Gibson is also helping with equine evacuations at the horse barns here.

"We're all in this together and happy to assist," she said.

At Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, the bank is paying for rooms at the Hotel Mar Monte for the entire weekend to anyone who lost a home or has been displaced by the fire. George Leis, president of the bank, said the bank would also provide gift certificates for a meal at Los Arroyos Restaurant in either Montecito or Santa Barbara to anyone who has lost a home or been displaced. For information, call the bank at 564-6456.

David Lack, owner of Lack Construction, told the News-Press his company is offering "all of our trucks and equipment free of charge to victims and authorities."

"Our company is giving $10,000 and we are asking for matching funds," Mr. Lack said.

Lack Construction is also delivering more than 1,500 water bottles.

"Anything we have they are open to have," said Mr. Lack.

In addition, he is making the office available to small home businesses that may be displaced.

Call 963-3600.

Allstate representatives will be at the San Marcos High School evacuation center, 4750 Hollister Ave., this afternoon to help policyholders.

Those who have homes and vehicles threatened by today's wildfires in Santa Barbara County and who are insured through the Automobile Club of Southern California's affiliated Interinsurance Exchange can call (800) 67-CLAIM for assistance.

Karin Perissinotto, executive director of the nonprofit Santa Barbara Contractors Association, warns people whose home was lost or damaged to be wary of unscrupulous contractors.

"One of the most common scams during a disaster is unlicensed contractors getting homeowners to give deposits for construction work and then skipping town, never to be seen again," she said.

California has laws to protect homeowners from this type of scam.

Anyone with questions can call Ms. Perissinotto at 259-5005.

Montecito Bank & Trust is offering free safe deposit boxes for 90 days to Santa Barbara and Montecito residents displaced by the Tea Fire. Free boxes are available on a first-come, first served basis while supplies last. Please call for more information: Montecito Branch, 564-0240; Goleta Branch, 564-0268; Carpinteria Branch, 684-0487; Santa Barbara Downtown Branch, 564-0213; La Cumbre Branch, 564-0271; Solvang Branch, 688-2300.

All greater Santa Barbara branches will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

i The following hotels in Santa Barbara County are offering rates under $100 for Tea Fire evacuees:
i Best Western Beachside Inn -- 965-6556
i Best Western Big America -- 922-5200
i Best Western King Frederik Inn -- 688-5515 (Special rate for fire fighters)
i Best Western Peppertree and Encina Lodge -- 687-5511
i Cheshire Cat Inn -- 682-1876
i Coast Village Inn -- 969-3266
i Days Inn Santa Barbara -- 963-6772
i Fess Parker's Double Tree -- 564-4333
i Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa -- 688-7788
i Historic Santa Maria Inn -- 928-7777
i Holiday Inn Goleta -- 964-6241
i Holiday Inn Santa Maria -- 928-6000
i Holiday Inn Express Solvang -- 688-2018
i Inn of the Spanish Garden -- 564-4700
i Montecito Inn -- 969-7854 (Extended stay rates available)
i Quality Inn Santa Barbara -- 687-6636
i Radisson Hotel Santa Maria -- 968-8000
i Ramada Limited -- (800) 654-1965
i Sandpiper Lodge -- (800) 405-6343
i Santa Barbara Inn -- (800) 231-0431
i Sandman Inn -- (800) 350-8174
i The Eagle Inn -- 965-3586
i The Old Yacht Club Inn -- (800) 549-1676

If you have something to offer fire victims and others affected by the Tea Fire, e-mail ssteepleton@newspress.com.

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