Holiday gathering aimed at people who lost homes in Mountain Fire

Ventura County Star

People who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire and first responders who fought the blaze or helped people evacuate are being invited to a dinner and dessert gathering in Santa Paula on Nov. 30.

The free event runs from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Faulkner Farm, 287 Briggs Road in Santa Paula. It is designed as a way for people to gather with other survivors and decompress from the trauma of the fire.

The Mountain Fire erupted between Somis and Moorpark on Nov. 6. Propelled by 80 mph Santa Ana winds, the fire jumped to the hills above Camarillo. It destroyed more than 240 structures, most of them homes.

For years, Joey and Fawn Parish hosted a holiday gathering in their Camarillo Heights home. The house was destroyed in the Mountain Fire and the holiday event for first responders and people who lost homes in the fire will be held on Nov. 30 in Santa Paula.

The gathering two days after Thanksgiving continues a 26-year tradition in which residents of West Highland Drive came together at a holiday dessert exchange at Fawn and Joey Parish’s home. The house was one of several on West Highland Drive destroyed in the fire, putting the get-together in jeopardy.

Fawn Parish said Faulkner Farm's owners Laina and Phil Graf offered to host the dinner and keep the event alive. Because of space limitations, the gathering is reserved for people and families who lost a home anywhere in the fire. Firefighters, other responders and their families are invited, too.

There will be hayrides for kids, animals and an appearance by Santa Claus. Tickets can be obtained by sending an RSVP to [email protected] by Nov. 23.

Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [email protected].

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