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Beth Broderick's avatar

Tom thank you for this. It is hard enough without folks around the country weighing in with derision. We do have a fascinating history and beautiful architecture and of course scenery.

It will be difficult but hopefully we can lead the way to better management and preparation for the whole country. Firestorms can happen in many of our states. We need to understand accept and learn to cope with that new normal.

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Don Coker's avatar

As always, a great read. The summary hits it right on the head...“Screw you and the horse you rode in on.”

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Thank you! Lovely to hear from you.

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Jeffrey Marcus's avatar

Amen.

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Jamie  Wolf's avatar

Beth, this is one of your best columns, I think, and certainly one of the best of the proliferatiom of “what does it all make us ponder” pieces that are so omnipresent at the moment.And a perfect photo illustration, too. Thanks for your perceptions and your thoughtfulness and your attitude, both kickass and gentle.xxx

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Jamie,

Thank you. I so value your opinion. You are such a kick-ass writer in your own right. The piece woke me up and wrote itself. These have been hard days and they will keep being hard days for at least 5 years and maybe longer. Thank God we have each other. I just keep trying every day to find one thing and then another to be grateful for and that works. Turns out I am blessed after all. Much love to you my friend.

ON we go ....

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Tom Prezelski's avatar

Thank you for articulating this so beautifully.

When disaster strikes other parts of the country, one cannot avoid breathless prose about how the community that was hit was somehow special and uniquely resilient. The narrative about Southern California has been different, largely because of our derranged political moment, but also because of a long-standing lazy trope that Los Angeles is a realm of all that is shallow, pretentious and fake.

Of course, this is undeserved. Los Angeles has a fascinating history, is a center of economic power, and holds a special place in who we are as a culture and a nation. We are all going to feel the loss the city suffers in one way or another whether we will admit it or not.

I am glad that you are safe. There is a lot of work ahead for you and your vecinos, indeed, all of us. Let us know how we can help.

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Joanne Schoch's avatar

Eloquent and to the point. Our hearts have been breaking as we’ve watched this terrible tragedy unfold. I cannot begin to imagine the loss Californians are feeling. Sadly, there are people who want to turn every tragedy into a political argument. I’m with you and Grandma Edna. I’m so glad you are safe and sound.

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Thank you Joanne. We are well. Some have lost a lot, but we are all healthy and that is all that matters.

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Paul Cook's avatar

Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all in recent days. Hope there's some relief on the horizon.

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Conditions are improving. Still touch and go.

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laura Everyday Edits's avatar

What we do best in tragedies is to remember we are more alike than different- we lean in to the good. We will learn a great deal and pass it onto the generations to follow! Colorado sent several fire agencies and aerial support. So many of us in the country are living in large homes - tied to low interest rates - it feels wrong to not provide a home base for so many displaced individuals and families. Please share resources and. reds lists. 💕 laura

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Yes 100 %. Thank you!

xoxox

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Chris Parker's avatar

Sleeping tonight in the warmth of my own home, with my beloved pets close by and cherished memorabilia all around, I can’t begin to imagine the raw pain people in California are experiencing. The

words and perceptions you share here help paint a clearer picture of this horrific reality, bringing it down to the individual level. You also eloquently describe your faith and belief that your city, your neighbors, will rebuild. I pray constantly that all who have lost more than can be measured will find the strength and resolve to keep going. God bless these precious people, our American family.

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Thank you Chris. It is a scary night here as sirens wail and the winds continue to blow, but we will see tomorrow and we will withstand the tragedy. Grateful for you always weighing with such insight and humanity. Keep safe and keep praying! xo

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Notes from a Bookstagrammer's avatar

Eloquently said! Thank you! Very thankful that you are safe. I donated where I could to different organizations to help evacuees of the LA fires. My mom moved to LA with my grandparents before she started high school. Though I was Not born in LA, our family often visited LA to visit relatives. I have many friends through the writing community who live in LA area. So far everyone I know are ok, though several lost their homes. So heartbreaking. But we will be ok though it will take time to recover from the fires. As Fred Rogers said, "look for the helpers".

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Yes exactly. Look for the helpers. Thanks for writing.

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Kim Raimondi's avatar

I am very happy to hear that you are ok! These fires are horrible and I send prayers and hope to all involved! Please keep us updated. I wish that a disaster like this can’t just be about helping the people who are living through it and just need compassion and hope. Good luck California!

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Thank you!

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Bruce Ferber's avatar

Pitch perfect. Only thing I would add is that in addition to being California Strong, we must be California Smart, and not necessarily keep rebuilding in the same highly vulnerable places. I suppose the insurance companies will see to some of that.

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Yes I have a feeling that area will never be the same again. Glad you are ok. We need to go to that Oy vey place!

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Bruce Ferber's avatar

For sure! Will arrange that soon.

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Richard's avatar

Another well stated truth Beth. We’re sending prayers, love and positive energy to all those affected by the horrific fires.

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Thank you!

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Sue's avatar

Well said, my friend!

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Beth Broderick's avatar

Thank you!

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