Good vibes help California cope with crisis

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Southern Californians coping with a rash of wildfires did so in a uniquely Californian way, with a little surfing, some upbeat philosophy and a good massage.

Here are examples of catastrophe management "Made in California":

- Malibu Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich brought a New Age feel to words of comfort she offered to evacuees:

"It's a horrible day, but it's also a beautiful day because you get to spend time with your family, where you may not usually. So kind of live in the moment. We're blessed to be alive. We're blessed to be here."

- Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, whose district includes Malibu, called on Mother Nature to live up to her name.

"What we need now is for Mother Nature to change her course, to take the role of the more motherly approach."

- Surf's up! While 1,500 people evacuated houses threatened by flames in Malibu, dozens of surfers took advantage of the swells produced by the fierce winds.

- A San Diego stadium where 10,000 evacuees were expected to spend Tuesday night had massage therapists on hand to help in the healing.