22 YEARS AGO — THE COMMUNITY OF PARADISE RANCH ESTATES ATOP DRAKES VIEW DRIVE AFTER THE MOUNT VISION FIRE — OCTOBER 1995
“We gathered to be together in our grief and loss, and to honor each other, the land, our lost homes and animals. It was a time of living in a world apart from anything normal, and it took a very long time to regain that feeling again. We have suffered as we bear witness to our friends in Sonoma and Napa Counties who are experiencing their own traumatic fires with so much more lost, including human lives. Their grief and shock will be a long time in processing. They will need our compassionate support on many levels as they move forward step by step. That is the one thing that kept me even keeled, that prevented me from sinking into despair—the loving embrace and support of my community. Be kind, gentle and steady. Gratitude abounds for that support, and it balances the despair. Thank you, firefighters and first responders. You are truly the unsung heroes who fill our hearts with gratitude!” — Kathy Runnion, October 2017
The Mount Vision fire burned 12,354 acres, destroyed 45 homes, led to the evacuation of 422 people and burned for two weeks. Kathy Runnion was one of those who lost everything.