update....
Vanessa, back in Santa Barbara, was finally allowed to go see her house. It took over 2 hours to go the 15min drive because for fear of rock slides (no foliage left to hold them up on the hill), authorities are escorting only 10 cars at a time. Vanessa and her neighbors passed devastation, but their houses are OK! They were told to gather as much as they can in case rock slides do happen and they cannot return for awhile. So, she grabbed her violin, quilt, and clothes and returned to her friend's. As far as her business, that sign was stolen and graffitti painted but it's ok inside. They will decide by tomorrow pm whether or not to cancel the open house even though it will cost them to do so. The party was to be set up in the parking lot which is covered with ash now and she doesn't want people to have to wear masks. Like my husband (as I eat humble pie), I too forgot to ask about her own health; is her asthma acting up. I hope to remember on tomorrow night's phone call.
The fire is 55% contained now. Improving. Evacuation is lifted for many neighborhoods. Animal shelters are full, fairgrounds full of farm animals.
Bellaboo-- I asked her why her landlord said he'd try to get only one item from the house. She said it was because he was mainly going to try to rescue her housemate's cat and as he lives next door, he was frantic about his own wife, 3 kids and pets.
I'll report more in a couple days, as things hopefully wind down there.
Cathy