THE FIRES. Special edition.

A special edition, unfortunately.

We know now that apocalypse doesn’t happen worldwide all at once; it happens in places it shouldn’t, almost randomly, with no regard for anything in its way. A fireman in Los Angeles said, wearily, to reporters, “It kicked our butts.” Not what you want to hear from the last bastion before death and certain destruction.

 It’s ugly out there.

 Looters are circulating in areas where buildings still stand. They are part of the wreckage, a foul part of the overall horror.

 Lists are circulating too; names and links to aid and help evacuees. Of course the internet is a world like ours; full of BS and downright savage profiteering. So the list that follows will be small. That doesn’t mean there aren’t many, many solid, caring organizations ready and willing to help. But vet them through Charity Navigator, make sure they will help.

 The Salvation Army, known to be first in, last to leave stricken areas is a safe bet for helping; the major part of your gift goes into helping victims. And A.S.P.C.A. will help reunite pets who made it out alive with family.

 And this; your employer may match funds, effectively doubling your gifts.

 I contacted a gallery-owner in Santa Monica, the only gallery that still represents me, and she has opened her home to some evacuees who needed a place to collect their wits and rest a bit. I hope there are a hundred thousand like her out there. That’s a rough count (so far) of newly homeless. A growing list, unfortunately.

 1. Los Angeles Salvation Army Earmark funds for fire victims.

 2. Los Angeles ASPCA The CEO makes a million bucks a year, (I checked) but the organization itself has a high rating in Charity Navigator, so he probably earns it. Again, earmark funds for fire victims.

 3. Another outfit helping is The Humane Society of L.A. Here’s a link showing what one of their arms is doing or has done.

 Thank you.  Stay safe. And warm. (blizzard conditions here in the midwest).