USD Magazine Spring 2008

AROUND THE PARK

Despite losing two homes in October’s wildfires, Valerie and Matt Jauregui and their children, Rose (far right), Matthew and Maryanne are thankful that the small chapel on the family ranch remains intact. Their faith has helped them in the rebuilding process.

[ g r a c e u n d e r p r e s s u r e ]

UP IN SMOKE Fa i t h i s t h e key t o mov i ng f o r wa r d a f t e r Wi t c h C r e e k F i r e by Ryan T. Blystone

T he narrow, uneven, dusty road tests the off-road capabilities of the vehicle. Another turn here, a steep hill there. Despite the obstacles, the Ford Expedition, driven by Valerie Jauregui ‘86, shows no sign of struggle. It’s familiar territory. The SUV pulls into a makeshift parking spot next to the charred remains of a home on a hill that overlooks the family’s ranch in unincorporat- ed Escondido. Jauregui, accompa- nied by the oldest of three chil- dren, 14-year-old Rose, isn’t fazed by the drive. “It’s not a problem. We came in the road that’s longer and rougher. There’s another road that’s easier.” Taking the easy route likely never entered her mind. When you’ve lost two homes in theWitch Creek Fire, the largest blaze of those that burned throughout San Diego County last fall, nothing’s easy. Not even shopping. “You’re at Wal-Mart, going up and down the aisles, and say to yourself, ‘I need everything .’” But Jauregui and her husband, Matt, also a USD graduate, are making sure their family moves forward. They took shelter in another home on the ranch, where Matt’s sister, Mary, who has a family of 10, resides. The 280-acre ranch, the central residence to nearly 50 family members, lost five other homes — belonging to two of Matt’s brothers, two nephews and a niece — to the fire. Of the seven

homes, only Matt’s brother, Jim, had fire insurance. “Everybody’s spirits are good,” Valerie says. “We’re so thankful for the open door and to stay as long as we need.”The fire also destroyed cars, including Matt’s 1953 Chevy truck he drove as a student at USD. The family’s preg- nant Australian Shepherd, Lacy, died from smoke inhalation when she was accidentally trapped in one of the homes Matt and other relatives tried to save.

“She was my son Matthew’s best friend,”Valerie says. Other ranch animals — cattle, pigs, chickens and llamas —did survive. A small chapel, with its crucifix and colorful tapestries, was spared. “Luke (Matt’s brother-in-law) says Mass here sometimes. Most of the kids have been baptized here, and we’ve had a fewmarriages,”Valerie says.“We’re really thankful it didn’t burn down.” Rose offers her explanation: “It’s God’s house.”

Matt and Valerie married in 1989 at Founders Chapel, but spiritually, they’ve been together since their first date. Their relationship strengthened, even as Valerie, who earned USD degrees in political science and Spanish and a parale- gal credential, spent three years in Northern California to participate in a Jesuit volunteer corps and obtain a law degree. Matt received his USD degrees in international relations and Spanish, in 1987, and earned his J.D. in 1990.

TIM MANTOANI

8 USD MAGAZINE