"I'm so sorry." They are three simple words. But right now in Rancho Bernardo these words are all you hear. They convey support, empathy and encouragement. They also fill the void of not knowing what to say. How do you use the English language to describe what we're seeing here?

As the sun rose over southern California this morning, once again it revealed the damage left behind. As you walk the streets of Rancho Bernardo, you now see red notices everywhere. As if the charred ash didn't say enough, the notices officially designate home site after home site unsafe.

I have been on the ground here in San Diego county with photojournalist Scott Williams since Wednesday morning. It's now Friday and we are just a few hours from returning to the Northwest. We will return to our families and be thankful for all we have. Those who live here, will start to move forward. Many are turning to their faith.

The spirit in this area is impressive. Already homeowners are vowing to rebuild. Already they are filing insurance claims. Already they're talking about the modern day features that they want built into their new homes. Already they are looking forward to another sunrise and another day.

The damage estimate for home destruction here in San Diego county is over 1 billion dollars. That's just to rebuild the homes and just here in this one county. It's going to be a long road ahead.

Soon the around-the-clock media coverage will end. The satellite trucks will move along. But this will remain.

As much as Oregonians love to pick on Californians for the elevated home prices, the added traffic and the bad driving....keep these Californians in your thoughts.

If you should have the chance just tell them...."I'm so sorry"

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