My op-ed column from today's Daily News. Look for the links at the end to Take Action.
THE continuing fires in Southern California again show how much of a threat a small spark can be, and how unprepared we still are to deal with it. But it also shows that, even when things seem to be bleak for many in America, our best nature is ready to emerge.
Because of my work, I live part time in L.A., but spend a lot of time in Pennsylvania and consider it my home. So, last week, I was able to look at what was unraveling in the area as an objective outsider, but also take a deep personal interest in what was happening to the place I spend so much time.
Objectively, it's tough to ignore the effect that two huge issues facing America and the world have had on this natural disaster.
Global warming, as many scientists seem to agree, is beginning to significantly affect temperatures, which affect weather patterns. With less rain and longer Santa Ana winds, the "fires are burning hotter and bigger, becoming more damaging and dangerous to people and to property," U.S. Forest Service chief Gail Kimbell said. "Each year, the fire season comes earlier and lasts longer."
But this is far from just a Southern California problem. The U.N. Commission on Climate Change has studied areas that are getting hotter and drier, and predicts similar fires globally. Most scary is how global warming helps fan these fires, which, in turn, fuel global warming. According to one expert, almost 20 million tons of greenhouse gases, the amount from 3.6 million cars a year, have been unleashed by this latest fire.
The other objective finding is that the war in Iraq affected the ability of the state to respond quickly and forcefully. While California does have a significant number of National Guard troops in Iraq, many are at home, and Gov. Schwarzenegger called up 1,700 of them to aid in the firefighting. (Though shortages did mean he had to pull 400 from the Mexico border.) But one hang-up was that equipment that the California National Guard sends to Iraq stays in Iraq.
More than six months ago, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, "As state forestry officials predict an unusually harsh fire season this summer, the California National Guard says equipment shortages could hinder the Guard's response to a large-scale disaster." And so it was, as the state had to request the use of Pentagon equipment because they didn't have enough of their own.
But I put aside policy to think of my friends in the region. At mass the other day, there was a collection to help those in Southern California. We prayed and asked some people to tell their stories. One parishioner whose brother was displaced by the fire asked us to pray for his cat. It's a story I can chuckle at now, but this woman wasn't sure if his pet was alive or dead, burned along with so many houses and trees.
OUR PRAYERS were answered. Despite not knowing if he and his family had a home to return to, while he saw the pain and suffering of so many he was helping (he's a sheriff), his kitty was found, bringing a little happiness to the family at a tough time.
And your prayers need not involve God if you are not a person of faith. Prayer is a chance to take a moment to reflect and feel the solidarity with your fellow Americans, their suffering and their hope.
So write a check, then take a moment to send your well wishes and recall a time when you were in need and would have liked for someone to do the same for you.
In this huge region that's burning, there are very real lives being affected. Some people are not only losing their homes, but also all the markers of their lives: family keepsakes, photos, and, yes, even some pets.
That's why it's so heartening to see such an outpouring of charitable support for these people in their time of need - many of whom I consider neighbors. Donations are flooding into many California charities from across the country. Like we did with Hurricane Katrina and the tsunamis, we're showing our awesome capacity for good when others need it.
So, Philadelphia, even if you don't have friends and family there, join the cause of helping out those in need in this trying time in Southern California.
Charities say the best donation for fire victims is money.
Disaster-response organizations are unable to accept individual donations like clothes, shoes or toys during major emergencies, Red Cross officials say. But agencies like St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill or the Salvation Army are better equipped to get quality used goods to needy families.
Here are some agencies collecting donations for fire victims:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: 800-HELP-NOW or 800-257-7575 for Spanish speakers, www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html/.
Corporations and businesses interested in making in-kind donations may call 800-746-5463.
San Diego Food Bank: 866-350-3663, www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
Goodwill Southern California: 888-4-GOODWILL, www.goodwillsocal.org.
Salvation Army Southern California: 213-896-9160, www.salvationarmysocal.org.
Governor's Office of Emergency Services: 800-750-2858, www.californiavolunteers.org.
Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: 888-SPCA-LA1, www.spcala.com.
Comments (39)
Prayers need not involve God? That would be a neat trick. Who would I be praying to?
When we put aside policy to think of friends, we do not use a disaster as a springboard to press policy. We do not bring it up, period. Leave it to you to press your agenda and then state, but let's put agenda aside.
I am glad that the parishioner's brother found his kitty.
Posted by: Todd Levari on October 31, 2007 16:21
I can walk and chew gum at the same time. As you will note from my article I am moving forward on policy for all issues involved, have raised 10's of thousands of dollars since this has happened in addition to giving up my own home to those in need. I go to mass daily as a matter of habit, but have stepped it up to twice a day to pray but also to help out. I say prayers to GOD meaning they don't have to be said to my God--editor took out some of my words also since i was taking too much space. Seriously todd if you don't have anything nice to say I really don't have time to explain myself to you, but I feel the need to as I know you do care about making the world a better place and was pleased that you almost volunteered to do the ride for charity which touched me. The streets are filled with blood in philly, flying back this week 2 cops down in 12 hrs. I am sick. Please I beg of you open your heart think of what you can do that is positive and don't waste your time trying to prove me wrong or anyone else --just do good works. I am sure you do, but share them with us so we can inspired by one another. How does that sound? Love and respect to you and yours. God Bless you. God delights in you!
Posted by: Flavia on October 31, 2007 16:47
I can walk and chew gum at the same time. As you will note from my article I am moving forward on policy for all issues involved, have raised 10's of thousands of dollars since this has happened in addition to giving up my own home to those in need. I go to mass daily as a matter of habit, but have stepped it up to twice a day to pray but also to help out. I say prayers to GOD meaning they don't have to be said to my God--editor took out some of my words also since i was taking too much space. Seriously todd if you don't have anything nice to say I really don't have time to explain myself to you, but I feel the need to as I know you do care about making the world a better place and was pleased that you almost volunteered to do the ride for charity which touched me. The streets are filled with blood in philly, flying back this week 2 cops down in 12 hrs. I am sick. Please I beg of you open your heart think of what you can do that is positive and don't waste your time trying to prove me wrong or anyone else --just do good works. I am sure you do, but share them with us so we can inspired by one another. How does that sound? Love and respect to you and yours. God Bless you. God delights in you!
Posted by: Flavia on October 31, 2007 16:48
Sounds great kid. Deal. Consider it done.
I don't want people to get confused by thinking that there are multiple gods and never getting to know the real One. Alot of blessings at stake here. The greatest good work I know to do is telling someone about Jesus.
You are only one person. Taking on too much beyond the resources He has blessed you with, grieving too much, and assuming personable responsibility will give you a nervous breakdown. I speak from experience.
I cannot share good works because the Lord teaches us not to announce our good works. I have already shared too many. He says His knowing is sufficient. In your case and at this time it was necessary in order to deliver your message to me. It is understood.
Now, where do I send the check for the folks in southern CA?
God delights in you too.
Posted by: Todd Levari on October 31, 2007 18:22
Wow, thank you ever so much. You can choose any of the above you like or you can send to my parish if you like as they do much for the community--email me @ flaviacolgan@aol.com if you need guidance. I think you will see from my blog post on Friday that I too belive in lifting things up.
Posted by: on October 31, 2007 19:33
I would rather go through your parish. Less overhead. I will e-mail you tomorrow morning when I am back at work with my outlook express program.
Sleep well.
YBiC,
Todd
Posted by: Todd Levari on October 31, 2007 21:54
I'm reading this article in the middle of the UK after just having spent a long weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland. There everyone was commenting on the mild October they had been enjoying, one of a number of recent mild Autumns, after a cool and wet summer, also one of many recently. People were also lamenting the lack of real winter in the last few years, little in the way of winter snow and cold these days. Maybe it's global warming but maybe it's just a freak string of milder weather that will turn back in a few years. In any case, what they are most annoyed with is a resort/housing project planned for the far north of Scotland by Donald Trump. Maybe the Donald knows something about the weather future that the White House won't admit to.
Posted by: atp2007 on November 1, 2007 12:47
With the exception of your misguided concepts of Iraq being a detriment to the state's efforts to fight the fires (Senator Feinstein made a point to say it was not the case and Boxer recanted her comments after realizing her colleague made her look ridiculous) you should be commended for encouraging your readers to support the disaster relief efforts.
By the way, the Pentagon equipment requested (large aircraft)is not in the Guard's arsenal to begin with and taking a 6 month old article from the Chron to "prove" your case doesn't quite work for those of us who have dealt with and read that fine paper on a daily basis. Maybe you should add a link to the specific article so we can judge.
Fortunately, California has a Governor who was willing and able to get all levels of government and party affiliations working together to save lives and property without trying to score cheap political points.
Posted by: Carl on November 2, 2007 03:38
I, too, am glad that the parishioner's brother's cat was found. Not afraid to admit that I love cats-big and small.
I also think that Carl hit the nail on the head, Flavia, about the equipment.
Indeed, pray for the people.
Leave the politcs out of it. It helps nobody.
Posted by: Domenic on November 2, 2007 10:38
What work keeps you in SoCal? Annoying successful writers?
Posted by: Rachel Cohen on November 3, 2007 15:56
I just interviewed orlando bloom and sebastian copeland last ng=ight for instance, sebastian got honored by the UN for his work on global warming and has a new book that is truly amazing, Antartica. Orlando happens to be his cousin. I had to host a charity event to raise money for a charity I care deeply for which helps single mothers of terminally ill children, I have foster kids not that live with me, but that I spend a lot of time with that are here and part of another charity I am on the board of Children Uniting nations. There are 3 other charities I am very involved with as well as the public schools. Besides that I have a new show coming out on the spiritual world and production tens to be out here. Plus some of my dearest friends in the world live out here and I have a screenplay and various tv projects that need meetings out here. The weather is great but I get home as much as I can. COming back for month of nov. and half of december for instance. Looking forward to the day when I don't have to travel as much.
Posted by: Flavia on November 3, 2007 18:23
todd I lost your e-mail. Another idea since I raised a bunch of money for the fires already is the Police Athletic Legue dinner this wed. Given what is going on in Philly it would be great for us to show our support to our men in blue. I will be coming in for it so I can meet my nemesis in person!! Just kidding, ket me know and anyone else reading this thread as well.
Posted by: Flavia Colgan on November 5, 2007 08:15
Hi Falvia. It's tlevari_mc@verizon.net. I want to donate to the folks in California who suddenly find themselves without homes first. I will e-mail you on outlook.
Best regards.
Todd
Posted by: Todd Levari on November 5, 2007 16:49
I believe the "HYPE" over the California Guard being under staffed due to deployments was just that, hype. I do not have the exact numbers, yet, they were put at a very small number. I believe the total deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan is currently at 2,000 (maybe 200?) They do not fly over their equipment, the equipment is there. I deployed with the Vermont Guard to Afghanistan, we used the equipment left behind by the troops leaving and we received some new upgraded vehicles, which, we left behind for those who replaced us.
Do you have exact numbers of troops the CNG were short for the fires? How many fire trucks does the CNG have? How could humvees helped? I heard that CNG had some 14 thousand on alert. How many are trained in fighting fires?
To try and use the Iraq war, Global Warming for this fire, shameful. (IMHO.)
Posted by: Onefrozenmigra on November 5, 2007 18:33
Here are some numbers from an article at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/05/11/MNGRIPPB2D1.DTL
California National Guard
-- Current strength: 20,059
-- On federal active duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere: 2,500 (approximate)
-- Killed in action: 23 (all in Iraq)
-- Serving on the Mexican border: 1,400
-- Available for state missions: 16,000
It does suggest California has equipment missing (deployed)currently. However, none were fire trucks. The article explains how, what and where.
Posted by: Onefrozenmigra on November 5, 2007 18:38
No can do Flavia. I am a high-school youth pastor on Wednesday nights.
But still, where to send my check and who to make it out to? California fires or Philadelphia PAL or whatever you suggest. I feel compelled at this point to donate to at least one of the causes that you are championing.
Posted by: Todd Levari on November 6, 2007 11:36
Flavia
I just ran across you on Hannity Combs..what is your position on abortion?
Thanks
Mike
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