Microsoft to the Rescue
By Bobbi Zane

Carrol Ruffell enters data for the high school. Photo by Bobbi Zane

That big truck in the library parking lot with Microsoft plastered all over it brought much needed Internet access to Julian in the week following the Witch Creek fire.

Carrol Ruffell, a categorical/ alternative education specialist at Julian High School, was able to complete projects using the free computers and software contained in the truck on Oct. 31.

"The school Internet access was not up and running and we had reports that we needed to file," she explained.

Ruffell is one of many Julian residents and relief workers who used the computers, printers and software to keep in touch with the outside world. Available free services included Internet access for checking e-mail, and for registering with the Red Cross or FEMA. Cell phones and computer games were also available, as was a small recovery station holding supplies and water.

The San Diego-based truck normally is part of a promotional program for Microsoft, according to the manager Woody Pewitt, who says he wanted to help out fire victims who had no access to the Internet. Initially, the truck was in Del Mar, but it moved to Julian on Oct. 28 and left on Oct. 31, when the library was expected to have its Internet up and running.

Microsoft Across America truck. Photo by Woody Pewitt

Activity was constant through- out the stay, according to Pewitt, with most of the stations in use much of the time.

"In addition to local residents, we had Red Cross workers, FEMA workers and CDF personnel here," he said.

Pewitt, who is based in Escondido but travels the Western states with the truck, said he and his driver, Dennis Feher, enjoyed their stay in Julian. "Everyone was so kind to us. Apple Alley sent us pies and the Julian Hotel sent breakfast," according to Feher.