2007.10.24
I missed CNN Anderson Cooper 360 yesterday because I had been in the Del Mar Fairground shelter then with feng. After reading the transcript of yesterday's 360 @ 360's website, I found that Anderson and 360 group had reported live in Qualcomm Stadium shelter yesterday, which had been my planned destination but I went to Del Mar Fairgrounds Shelter finally because it is nearest to my home.
from UCSD Mesa Housing to Qualcomm Stadium Shelter
This afternoon, I decided to go to the Qualcomm Stadium shelter, not only for trying meeting CNN people, but also to see what's going on there. Qualcomm Stadium is the host for San Diego football team Chargers, when back into August 20, 1967, the San Diego Chargers played their first game in the newly completed San Diego Stadium (renamed as Qualcomm Stadium in 1997). Now the stadium turns into a large shelter among all the 28 shelters around San Diego.
I invited Jing Fan together for this visit, who readily accepted my invitation and was also very excited to go there. We set out from UCSD mesa housing at about 4:50pm, taking CA-805 + 163 + Friars Rd, and arrived at the Qualcomm Stadium Shelter in 20 minutes. It is the first time that both of us visited the Qualcomm Stadium. If not for this event, I have no idea when I will be here for the first time, since I know nearly nothing about football. The parking lot is very big, about half full with cars, UVs and tents.
The Qualcommn Stadium is much bigger than the Del Mar FairGround shelter, which held about 10,000 evacuators. After getting inside through Gate D, we are a bit surprised by the scenes in front of us. A group of people are playing together happily, with two people holding the long rope and made shakes and waves, while others jumped into the waves for fun. Everybody is so happy that we can feel some sort of vacation atmosphere there. There are many booths inside, including many TV stations, Stress Relief, Insurance Companies, Business companies and many tables for food/commodities everywhere, while everybody takes what he needs. Food/Commodity supplies are quite sufficient, if not too much, actually there is a sign in the shelter entrance stating that donations are not needed at this time. There are a few people sit sparsely in the very spacious stadium's seats, either snapping, or watching the big screen playing football games. Some people are playing and having fun; TV people are working on interviewing/reporting.
At some point, a troop come out from inside the stadium and assemble besides several military trucks. We have a very hard time finding the CNN tent, which turns out to be just outside of where we started the searching, after we have walked all around the stadium for more than 20 minutes. Finally, we manage to happen to see the logo of CNN, when I am just a bit near stressed.
This is the command center of CNN commission this time in San Diego. There are several people working there in the command tent, with many others working in other locations. Steve is a NY correspondent, who joined CNN just this February. Darryl is a field engineer, and Kidan had been in Hongkong for several months in the past on a business trip. Sara is with Turners, the parental company of CNN, Cartoon, TBS, and other big names. I am very excited to meet and talk with these guys, who are very open , friendly, and professional. Talking with Sara about the possible internship gets me really excited. I also got to know Joe, a press secretory, whose work is to coordinate between medias.
The Qualcommn Stadium is much bigger than the Del Mar FairGround shelter, which held about 10,000 evacuators. After getting inside through Gate D, we are a bit surprised by the scenes in front of us. A group of people are playing together happily, with two people holding the long rope and made shakes and waves, while others jumped into the waves for fun. Everybody is so happy that we can feel some sort of vacation atmosphere there. There are many booths inside, including many TV stations, Stress Relief, Insurance Companies, Business companies and many tables for food/commodities everywhere, while everybody takes what he needs. Food/Commodity supplies are quite sufficient, if not too much, actually there is a sign in the shelter entrance stating that donations are not needed at this time. There are a few people sit sparsely in the very spacious stadium's seats, either snapping, or watching the big screen playing football games. Some people are playing and having fun; TV people are working on interviewing/reporting.
At some point, a troop come out from inside the stadium and assemble besides several military trucks. We have a very hard time finding the CNN tent, which turns out to be just outside of where we started the searching, after we have walked all around the stadium for more than 20 minutes. Finally, we manage to happen to see the logo of CNN, when I am just a bit near stressed.
This is the command center of CNN commission this time in San Diego. There are several people working there in the command tent, with many others working in other locations. Steve is a NY correspondent, who joined CNN just this February. Darryl is a field engineer, and Kidan had been in Hongkong for several months in the past on a business trip. Sara is with Turners, the parental company of CNN, Cartoon, TBS, and other big names. I am very excited to meet and talk with these guys, who are very open , friendly, and professional. Talking with Sara about the possible internship gets me really excited. I also got to know Joe, a press secretory, whose work is to coordinate between medias.
Continuing to hang around with Jing Fan, we spot the mayor and other people who are speeching. War-mart donates $1 Million, Wall Fragos and SAIC also made donations. Night comes. A band begins to perform outside the football field, with two young people spontaneously danced out with the music. Evacuaters gather around for fun and relief. Nearby, several people sit on chairs into a circle, doing relief excises together.
Back to talk with the CNN people, I am told that Anderson Cooper 360 is reporting from more dangerous locations nearer to the fire today. SO I have to miss them again. However, a CNN person said that they will stay here until the fire is over. I wish they will not stay long, hoping the fire will be completely controlled soon. I also wish they can stay long enough, so that I can meet Anderson and 360 in person.
Jing Fan is very excited about this visit and she determined to go back for voluntary service tomorrow.
1 comments:
You definitely have the passion for reporting important events, and the compassion for the people in need. I believe the CNN people have found their own spirit in you, and good luck with your journalist and voluntary work. I have learned a lot from your reports.
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