It’s easy for the rest of the country to make fun of California.
It is big, not as big as Alaska or Texas, of course, but big. It covers 163,695 square miles. Our state, in contrast, spans 68,596 square miles.
It is rich, with a gross domestic product of $4.080 trillion, larger than that of Germany.
It is beautiful, with mountains and beaches, stunning vistas like Yosemite National Park, the Muir Woods, Death Valley, Big Sur, Napa Valley, and many others.
In political terms it is decidedly blue, a liberal bastion scorned by those in red states like ours.
It is the birthplace of trends in dress and popular culture, like skate fashion, boho chic, the hoodie, surfer style and the denim jacket.
And it is the home of Hollywood and all the glitz, glamour and pretension of the entertainment industry.
Many fled Oklahoma for California in the “Dirty Thirties,” trying to escape the crippling poverty inflicted by the loss of farmland to the Dust Bowl. The inverse is occurring today, as some Californians are leaving the Sunshine State for Oklahoma and other much more affordable states, as real estate prices skyrocket on the left coast.
The state even has a cute nickname, Cali.
It also, however, is the butt of many jokes. For instance, “What happens when the smog lifts over Los Angeles? UCLA.” OK, I didn’t say they were good jokes.
What has been going on in California the past couple of weeks, however, is no joke. Thus far the wildfires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people, destroyed thousands of homes and other buildings, displaced more than 100,000 people and scorched almost 40,000 acres.
As of this writing the fires continue to rage, fueled by capricious and occasionally hurricane-force Santa Ana winds that sweep down through the passes in the Southern California mountains. Santa Ana winds are warm and, most dangerous in this situation, dry, thus serving not only to fan the flames but to further sap moisture from the already parched vegetation throughout the region.
The fire has spared no one, from ordinary citizens to global stars. Among the celebrities who have lost their homes are Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Eugene Levy, Mel Gibson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Anthony Hopkins.
Losing a home is traumatic for anyone, of course, but these celebrities, and others, have the resources to rebuild. Many of the ordinary homeowners who lost their houses have had their policies canceled by their insurance companies because of previous losses.
If you are reading this at home, take a moment to look around. Try to imagine your sofa, your favorite chair, your TV, your living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms and family room, all reduced to ashes. Now recall all the memories you have made in your home, and imagine it gone.
It is inconceivable, but it is reality for many Southern Californians today.
In our state, of course, we are no strangers to disaster. Like Californians, we have faced wildfires and earthquakes, though Oklahomans also must contend with the scourge of tornadoes.
The “Oklahoma Standard,” which came to the forefront in the wake of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building and has been displayed many times since in the wake of devastating fires and storms, brings out the best in us when our neighbors are in need.
While we are not exactly neighbors, Californians are our fellow Americans, no matter how our politics may differ. They need our help.
So what can we do? Pray, certainly. But also donate, but only to reputable, vetted organizations. As is the case with many tragedies, scammers have come out of the woodwork since the fires first ignited in the LA area Jan. 7.
Just because an email or text plea for aid sounds compelling, that doesn’t make it legitimate. If someone tries to use high pressure tactics to get you to donate, or is vague about how your donation will be used, or requests payment through cash, wire transfer or gift cards, run the other way, advises the Better Business Bureau.
Stick with reputable organizations like the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Save the Children, the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. In addition, GoFundMe has set up a page dedicated to Southern California fire victims, allowing donations to a specific individual or family.
One of the TV network crews on the scene interviewed a family who had just lost their home.
“I’d just love to be able to wash dishes in my own kitchen,” said the wife and mother.
The simple things we take for granted seem like luxuries to those from whom they have been stolen.
Don’t take anything for granted. As the victims of the LA fires have found, it can all be snatched from you in an instant.