I’ve been watching news coverage of the California wildfires and am feeling moved by those affected by them. I can relate to the people who lost their homes.
In 2022, my apartment — a former chalet at a ski resort in the Upper Peninsula — burned. I didn’t lose anything (including my cat) because I lived at the other end of the building, but my apartment mates at the source of the electrical fire were left with almost nothing but a black, charred husk.
When the fire was extinguished and we got the all-clear, I went inside with a firefighter. We moved as many of my things as we could out of the building and into my SUV. Over the next few days, we met with the American Red Cross several times. I couch-surfed for a week and a half, thanks to the generosity of friends and neighbors, before my new living arrangements were in place.
It was exhausting and very stressful, but in many ways, it was a best-case scenario for a house fire victim. I say that I relate to the people who are losing their homes in California, but really, their situations are probably much worse.
The last time that I visited Los Angeles was years ago, but I still clearly remember walking up and down the Santa Monica pier. It was a somewhat touristy spot crowded with families, street performers, shops, and even a Ferris wheel on the pier itself.
Looking north from the pier, I saw surfers trying to catch waves. If I went back there today, I would see smoke from the Palisades blowing down to the beach.
I have friends and family living in California. Cousin Noah, who I spent a lot of time with growing up, and Nick, one of my coworkers and apartment neighbors from when I lived and worked in Flint.
Neither of them lives in the burn area, as Noah works for a tech company manufacturing border security ware, and Nick now works for a state representative. But it adds even more of a personal connection to the tragedy.
All this strengthens my resolve to volunteer as one of my New Year’s resolutions. I’m inspired by the many stories of Leelanau County residents giving some of their time to help others. I’ve said before that people should be more charitable and nicer, and it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. I’ve reached out to two organizations already, so more updates could follow in another column.
Another one of my resolutions was to exercise more. We’ve all heard this many times before, but physical activity really does help improve mood and focus. I hope everyone else is also staying active, despite the cloudy, snowy days!
