First the winds, then the fires.
I hope this week’s newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe from the destructive forces raging across Southern California. My family had to evacuate, but we’re in a safe place and our block appears to have been spared. That wasn’t the case for so many. And it’s these people, as well as the firefighters, first responders and the army of volunteers helping on many different fronts, who need your attention right now. So I’ll be brief.
Given the situation, I wondered whether it would be better to just skip the newsletter this week. But that’s something I try not to do because I feel like if you’re willing to show up then I should provide something worth your time to read. We are a community.
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And also this happened: Bleary-eyed and smelling like smoke early Wednesday morning, I opened the door to the home we’d evacuated to and saw the scorched page of a book. This piece of debris was laid out so perfectly on the step that I thought someone had been doing an art project and stepped away.
I picked it up and saw a phrase highlighted on the page: “Meaningless words,” which seemed fitting given the current state of things. I didn’t recognize the writing, but I’m sure some of you already have. I googled it and learned it was from George Orwell’s essay, “Politics and the English Language.”
I have a collection of Orwell’s essays at home. Another reader, one who used a yellow highlighter, had once owned a copy, too.
Book people, as you know, care about both books and people. That’s what I’ve witnessed since finding the burnt page.
On Thursday, while checking in with neighbors, I stopped by Octavia’s Bookshelf and was met by owner Nikki High and bookstore manager Kiki Williams who were hard at work preparing supplies to distribute to those in need.
“We are open today for folks to come by and get what they need: We have water, we have WiFi, they’re welcome to sit here to use the WiFi to do whatever business they need to do. We have a couple of air mattresses, we have donations pouring in so toiletries are available. We have food; food donations are coming in. We will be here for as long as we can,” said High. “This is your community mutual-aid hub. If we don’t have what you need, we will try to find it for you.”
Store manager Williams added that they were also helping those who couldn’t come in.
“If there is anyone who doesn’t have access to getting here and is somewhere in the neighborhood, you’re welcome to call us at the shop, (626) 421-6222, and we can bring it to you. I have a car, I’ll make the rounds, however we can help.”
“We are continuing to search for resources as well, so whatever we get we’ll make a big noise on Instagram to let folks know we’re here for them,” said High.
And as if on cue, two women from a nearby Pasadena business called Neighbors and Friends came in with donations of food. They just wanted to help.
Many other places are doing good work. Underdog Bookstore in Monrovia was gathering supplies for those in need, and in Pasadena I saw lines of cars and people bringing donations to Union Station Homeless Services and Pasadena Humane.
I’m sure this is going on across Southern California. People are good.
My colleagues here at the paper have put together a list of ways you can contribute and find what you need.
So many people want to help, and so many need it. I hope we can all aid each other as much as possible to get through this and make a better future.
Thanks as always for reading. I wish you all well.
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