The Santa Ana wind comes out of the Mojave Desert and blows hot and destructively across the coast of Southern California. But the wind is not just a nuisance and a threat. The fact that California is at the forefront of wind energy is also thanks to the Santa Ana wind.

Director Monika von Behr meets people whose lives are directly connected to this natural phenomenon. She embarks on a gripping journey of discovery through California.

Actor James Lashly tells of the fascination of this unpredictable wind for Hollywood screenwriters. He himself is torn by this very special wind, which sometimes makes people lose their mental balance. “Lovers who kill themselves attribute it to the wind.” It is impossible to get used to the Santa Anas.

They always come as a surprise and always resonate with the fear of great conflagrations. Ventura County firefighters have plenty of experience with the destructive dimensions of wind. No year is complete without major fires. We see well-equipped and brave firefighters doing their best, but for the most part, they are still unable to prevent entire neighborhoods from being engulfed in flames. A conflict between man and nature has intensified, especially as houses are built further and further into fire-prone locations.

Mike Messier in Tehachapi, on the other hand, benefits from the fierce Santa Ana winds that power thousands of wind turbines, provide him and many others with a good job, and have made his hometown prosperous. And Willy Dydo, a master hang glider in Santa Barbara also loves the wind and, like all outdoorsmen, benefits from the blue skies of California that the Santa Anas bring.

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