Credit California

Considering the embarrassment of Katrina, it's not surprising the federal government would want to rush all over the Southern California to show how respond-a-wonderful now. But the truth is, the management of this disaster had little to do with Washington, D.C. And comparing it to Katrina isn't like comparing apples and oranges -- which are at least both fruits -- but more comparing fruit to the Italian Renaissance.

Credit Californians and California for the orderly evacuation, the firefighting with limited resources, the acts of charity and kindness and mutual aid. We've been through this drill enough times to do it right. Qualcomm stadium in San Diego was prepared for the thousands of evacuees right away, as people who showed up with their SUVs crammed with their family members, animals and stuff.

Part of it is that natural disasters are a way of life here. I have lived through three major earthquakes (Loma Prieta in 1989, Landers in 1992 and Northridge in 1994) and covered many many wildfires and even floods. I've carried ER supplies in my car since the Landers quake. And most Californians have either prepared for or experienced a quick evacuation. I know that I have a special box for important documents just in case I need to flee. I bet most of you do too.

It's great that FEMA responded midweek, promising federal fires fighters to give exhausted local fire fighters a break, and offering aid to fire victims, but that's what the agency is supposed to do and this was, as they go, a fairly easy disaster respond to. But this is no way proves that the lessons of Katrina were learned.

It's apples and Michealangelo.