A fast-moving wildfire in the hills of Aguanga incinerated over 5,200 acres beginning Monday, July 29. Officials said preliminary damage assessments for the Nixon Fire found that four structures had been destroyed by the fire started by a malfunctioning electrical box at a private residence.
Victoria Dang’s dream retirement home is among the statistics. She did not have insurance due to circumstances with her agent.
“I’m the only one who lost, because I could not get the insurance,” she said at a community town hall meeting regarding the fire Friday, August 2. “The insurance lady did not insure me when she said and I ended up with no insurance. I have nothing and I lose my house. Monday I threw in my towel because I feel like I have nothing but this loving community.”
A political refugee from Vietnam living in Utah, Dang, along with her husband Dinh Nyuyen, wished to retire in California. They found the affordable Aguanga property and spent three years building their dream home. Three months ago it was finally finished and Dang moved her possessions in from Utah. The house sat upon a slight rise, with spectacular views of the canyons and mountain preserves. She planted orchards and a zen garden. The peacefulness of the property had a profound effect on her.
Dang is an interpreter who speaks five languages, a community activist, and a cultural connection for the Vietnamese and Buddhist community.
“My heart is broken because my home is gone,” she said. “But they do not call it a disaster because it’s not like hundreds of people got damaged. It seemed like only a couple of people next to my house did. So FEMA will not help because it’s not a big disaster.
“Currently there are no local, state or federal disaster declarations,” said Shane Reichardt, Public Information Officer for the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department. “With those comes disaster assistance. We don’t have any available at this time. If those come available, we will notify the public.”
Dang can hardly bear to look at what is left of her life savings. But her Buddhist teaching says she needs to lean into fear and must go and see the rubble. The house was a three bedroom, two bath, two patio home with a guest house for her mother. She also lost a motorhome and her husband’s tool shed with an extensive tool collection that took years to acquire.
Known locally for having an Asian/Vietnamese Fusion food truck, Dang gives back to her new community, participating in festivals and outdoor events. Now she is accepting assistance from that same community, whose members are anxious to help.
Christi James with the From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, a 501c3 charitable organization based in Anza, has pledged to help Dang rebuild.
” I can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now,” James said. “We are committed to help any way we can.”
Dang is Vietnamese, born in Laos. In 1979, she moved to Utah at age 16. In 1989, she moved to Orange County, California, later relocating to Utah, where she became active in the Buddhist Community there.
She is a licensed insurance/life policy advisor, marketplace Healthcare navigator and does consultant work in helping religious organizations.
“Victoria Dang’s life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of community,” said longtime friend and associate Steven Roosa. “Victoria’s early life was marked by the turmoil of the Vietnam War. In the 1970s, she arrived in the United States as a political refugee, seeking safety and a new beginning. She speaks five languages which she uses as a tool for community work and advancement.”
Recognizing the unique struggles faced by fellow refugees and immigrants, she became an advocate for the Asian American community, particularly focusing on the Laotian, Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese populations.
“Over her forty years of public service, Victoria made remarkable contributions to the cultural and economic fabric of our community,” said Roosa.
She founded the Vietnamese American Chamber of Utah and organized numerous cultural events that have become cornerstones of the Utah community, including Asian festivals, music and art festivals, and the Vietnamese yearly annual festival.
According to Roosa, Dang’s total structural disaster loss is estimated at $150,000.00. He is reaching out to the Utah Buddhist community for donations to help.
“Our community is profoundly moved by the devastating loss experienced by the Dang family due to the recent California fire,” said Roosa. “As a way to offer spiritual support and comfort, we are planning a blessing ceremony at the Buddhist temple, where our community will come together to pray for the family’s well-being and recovery. We are organizing a fundraiser to provide financial assistance to Victoria for essential needs such as food, lodging, temporary shelter, clothing, and relocation. The funds raised will also help her cover bills and begin the long process of rebuilding her life.”
Dang is touched by the support and well wishes, but she is still shocked at the complete devastation.
“I want to give up now, can I rise up? Where do I start? I’m tired. I have no place to rest,” she said. “But I love this community and we will stay.”
To learn more about the From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries or donate, write to: From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, PO Box 391224, Anza, CA 92539, or email Anzafromtheheart@gmail.com.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
