Several San Diegans are among those from across the state heading to the East Coast to help communities pounded by Hurricane Sandy.
Gov. Jerry Brown says the California National Guard has flown airplanes, helicopters and two specialized rescue teams to North Carolina.
Over the weekend, 10 search-and-rescue experts from fire departments up and down the state were sent to Virginia and other areas.
As of Monday, the San Diego Fire Department's swift water rescue team was on standby but had not been called up to help.
James Brennan, the owner of several popular San Diego restaurants such as Searsucker, said he will be donating all proceeds from business Wednesday and Friday night to a relief fund he set up through Catholic Charities.
Brennan and his brother and business partner are from Rockaway Beach, which was devastated by the storm. Funds raised will go to the residents of Rockaway Beach and Breexy Point areas.
San Diego Gas & Electric plans to send 40 employees and 20 pieces of equipment later this week to help with power outage and utility issues.
Among the equipment being shipped Tuesday cross-country via flatbed truck are “mechanized line trucks, aerial/bucket trucks, light duty bucket trucks, supervisor trucks and field mechanic trucks” according to a company news release.
Gina Jacobs with SDG&E said the crews will likely be gone about ten days but will stay as long as needed as part of a cooperative agreement between utilities around the country.
Local
Pacific Gas & Electric sent over 150 workers to help restore power in New York.
The San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross was monitoring the storm. Two employees have already deployed to the area with others ready to go.
Its national organization is requesting donations to its American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund online.
