Song of the day:
If only just playing this song would actually summon rain for Los Angeles…
January 2025 is really trying to make a name for herself isn’t she?
We’d barely made it through the news cycle from the first week’s tragedies when the horrific fires struck Los Angeles. I truly wish playing Ed’s song would actually make it rain because what’s happening in Southern California is truly awful. So I pray for actual rain and for relief. So many have lost everything; something I can’t even imagine. Entire neighborhoods and streets of businesses are just gone. And while the heroic firefighters are making progress it’s taking a long time to get these things out. And oh yeah, more big winds and fire conditions are forecast in the coming week. I’ve been in touch with friends in the area regularly - as everyone has - and thankfully they’re safe so far, but as one friend said, at this point, it’s probably two degrees of separation for knowing someone who has lost everything. I know some of you that read these posts live in the affected areas, and I pray you are safe.
If there’s anything to be thankful for at this time - other than firefighters of course! - it’s that this happened while Joe Biden is still in the White House. I feel like it would be so much worse if he wasn’t since the President-Elect has basically said he won’t help states that didn’t vote for him. And we know how he feels about Governor Newsom since he basically blames him and President Biden for this tragedy. Which is, of course INSANE. Hi, climate change anyone?! Some of the things I’ve seen online from him and others in his fold are obscene. I saw one person post that this was a cleansing for those who reached for their dreams or some such nonsense. I just don’t even know. And there are a lot of people that believe this is just, some even stating that this is a punishment from God. As a lifelong Christian, let me just say, are you for real with that?! Honestly. It makes me sick. So I blockity-blocked all those folks on social media and moved on to find the helpers, like Mr. Rogers told me to do.
To get accurate information about the fires, see the new website set up by the state. I also found this TikTok (posted on Instagram by Leslie Jones) incredibly helpful in dispelling the myriad misinformation out there.
Seeing the amount of help for those impacted by the fires is amazing. So many are helping in big and small ways. Whole countries sent firefighters to help; numerous states did the same. People from all over are donating, helping with animals, and feeding people. Watching the Los Angeles and Southern California community come together is beautiful, and that is what people who’ve never been there don’t get. It’s huge, but it’s also a bunch of small communities that run into and overlap each other. It’s people who genuinely care and want to make sure everyone is okay. If you’re looking for a way to help, here are some options (from this CBS article):
American Red Cross
CBS has partnered with the American Red Cross to support the communities in need. The organization said it is staffing evacuation centers and providing supplies.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, said it has mobilized across Southern California, providing sandwiches and water throughout the region. The charity said its volunteer chefs are on standby to give out meals.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation has called for donations to its wildfire emergency fund. The proceeds will go toward equipping firefighters with tools and supplies to contain the infernos.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations and volunteers.
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation said it is working with local fire departments and community organizations to support impacted residents financially. The group's wildfire and disaster relief fund directly supports victims of blazes and other disasters throughout the state, according to its website.
League of California Community Foundations
The League of California Community Foundations, a coalition of the state's nonprofits, is coordinating relief efforts for people affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The California Community Foundation said funds raised after previous disasters have helped rebuild homes, restore lost belongings and provide support services such as mental health management.
Anderson Munger Family YMCA
The Anderson Munger Family YMCA in Los Angeles is seeking donations of food, snacks, water and essential and emergency supplies. The Y said on Instagram it is accepting deliveries at its Koreatown location.
International Medical Corps
The Los Angeles-based International Medical Corps has been coordinating with local health groups to deliver relief supplies, including hygiene and first-aid kits, to communities affected by the fires. The group said it also is ready to provide additional support and services to health facilities if needed.
Direct Relief
The aid group Direct Relief is bringing in emergency health care supplies for community clinics, evacuation centers and local residents affected by the fires. It's also providing N95 masks, hygiene kits, emergency medical packs and other essentials to partner organizations on the ground in L.A.
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society, which runs a pet adoption center in West Los Angeles, says all donations will be used for emergency assistance to animals impacted by the wildfires.
Having lived so long in California, I’m well aware of how scary wildfires can be, but I never experienced anything like what’s happening in Los Angeles. During the summer of 2020 we had two fires on either side of San Jose, both about 10-15 minutes from me, but we weren’t evacuated. I was packed and ready to go if I needed to, but thankfully they were able to keep them from flowing into the city. The sky was dark though, and the air was horrible. I can only imagine that it’s a thousand times worse in Southern California right now.
Please stay safe, SoCal friends.
This was posted on Threads a couple of days ago, and as a former NorCal girl, it’s perfect:
Dear LA,
May it always be about who has the better team, the better food, the best music, and the superior dance moves.
May we always act like our beaches stand a chance and may it always be “Beat LA” with a mandatory comment about that Dodgers hat.
May the answer always be “WARRIORS💙” with a head nod to Kobe💛.
But we’ll be damned if anyone tries to slander your name.
Because you’re OUR LA and we stand with you — and may you never have to endure these LA fires again.
❤️🩹 Love, The Bay
One final note: please take a few minutes to read Fred Joseph’s post about Altadena. I didn’t know much about this community before these fires hit, and I’ve been learning a lot from various social media posts. But Fred has put together a fantastic essay about this incredible community, and it’s definitely worth your time.
Video of the day:
Your post title makes me think of this song that is a love song to LA
https://youtu.be/KcADqxnQA_4?si=4nJitU5yWBFR2CmU
Thanks for taking the time to share all the helpful links.