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In the late afternoon of Friday, October 10, a seemingly harmless incident with a car on the side of Deer Park Road generated a spark that took off through dry grass and became a blaze within minutes. Angwin and Deer Park residents were quickly on the alert — and the firefighting forces multiplied as wind spread the fire. At Pacific Union College, key people stayed in touch with CalFire and were on the ready for whatever might happen. The campus was very briefly without electricity. Special announcements were made to the students at vespers and in dorm meetings regarding fire status and procedures in case the campus should be threatened. About 100 people were evacuated in Deer Park, but Angwin was never threatened. Residents heard the trucks, planes, and helicopters through the night, however; and the glow and smoke could be seen from surrounding areas. The main road off the hill was closed, though most people were able to come and go using Old Howell Mountain Road. The Angwin Fire Department was not a part of the initial dispatch, except for their water tender (for transporting water to the fire location). But later in the evening a team of ten...

Artist team Lisa Beerntsen and Tony Speirs share a Sonoma County studio in which they create paintings — both working in a vibrant, lively color palette but in very unique styles. The two are exhibiting their “One Studio — Two Views” show at the Rasmussen Art Gallery in Angwin, with an opening reception and artists’ talk on Saturday, November 1, 7-9 p.m.In addition to their individual work in art or teaching, Beerntsen and Speirs also work collaboratively on some projects, including a recent collaboration with the collective of artists 'Art Farm Motel' on several very large-scale painting-installation projects for the Burning Man Art Festival.Rasmussen Art Gallery is located on the Pacific Union College campus in Angwin. The gallery is open to the public with no admission charge. “One Studio — Two Views” will be on exhibit during regular gallery hours November 1 through December 7, but by appointment only during the week of November 22-30. Regular gallery hours are Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 707-965-6303....

Two years ago, the music department at Pacific Union College welcomed Asher Raboy, longtime director of the Napa Valley Symphony, into its ranks. He directed the college's symphonic wind ensemble and taught a few classes in orchestration and counterpoint. Now, Raboy has joined the department as a "resident artist of music," teaching and directing a full load of classes and ensembles and giving students a chance to tap even more into his extensive music experience, leadership, and talent. Raboy's impressive music career includes serving as the music director of the Napa Valley Symphony since 1990; traveling as a guest conductor and conducting various prestigious ballets, symphonies, and youth orchestras; composing a wide range of works; lecturing and writing; and teaching students from ages four all the way through college level. At PUC, he has created a community of music and learning that students are anxious to be a part of. "Asher Raboy is the most amazing teacher I have ever had," said senior music major Matthew Reeves. "His passion is apparent, and his ability to motivate students with that passion is what makes him a great teacher.… He is about practicality, and about usefulness, and about learning."What convinced Raboy to...

Each year, just into the first quarter of the new year, a "Fall Revival" helps students get a spiritual kick-start to the year. This year's featured speaker was Iki Taimi, a pastor from Southern California who has been working in a "church plant," starting a church from scratch, since 2006.Wednesday through Friday, students' class schedule was altered to allow for morning and evening meetings that everybody could attend. Taimi also spoke for both Sabbath church services. His message for the PUC campus was about how "God Uses Everyday People." On Thursday, when he spoke for campus colloquy, he talked about how Jesus told a group of "everyday, ordinary people" that they were the salt of the earth. "Salt gives flavor," he said. "It makes what's already there better. Your job is to go into this world and make it a better place. Your job is to reflect that light."An energetic speaker, Taimi used many stories, both humorous and moving, from his family. With a focus on real life and no excuses, he asked people to make a difference wherever they are. "You are what makes ministry happens," he said. "You are it."...

OCTOBER 11, 2008, 10 a.m. – This morning Pacific Union College received reports that the fire is slowing down and is still headed south toward Meadowood Resort. PUC is not in danger. According to the Angwin Fire Department website, the fire was 40% contained as of 8 a.m. this morning and expect full containment by Sunday, October 12. Last night, the college gave a full update to the students at the sanctuary, following Friday night vespers, and protocol to follow should an evacuation be requested. Residence Hall Assistants were also briefed at 11 p.m. last night, prior to room check, for the latest on the fire and a review of the emergency evacuation procedure. As of last night, churches were also identified and contacted as possible evacuation sites for PUC students. There is restricted access up and down the hill. Old Howell Mountain was the only available route this morning. Most thoroughfare towards St. Helena are closed. Please limit driving down the hill if possible. For questions regarding the fire or for information on road access, please contact the PUC Department of Public Safety at (707) 965-6551. Or visit www.angwinfire.com Related article: Deer Park Fire, October 10, 2008...