Is it awkward to soft launch two segments before actually introducing them? Well today that’s what we’re doing in the form of a collab post. We weren’t supposed to launch these yet, but I think it’s a good idea since we are primarily there. It’s like…not addressing the elephant in the room, it wouldn’t make sense.

Uncomfy Cushion as you might know from the pinned post on our website is somewhere to speak about things that might be a bit uncomfortable to discuss. And well it doesn’t have to necessarily controversial, it could just be jumping into a subject. I would say that this one isn’t uncomfortable really. To be honest it’s just something I talked to the team about and now giving my thoughts on. Like a routine you know what’s next. I will do a disclaimer.

Disclaimer:

This post will get edited as time goes on, so please bear with me. I am also writing these separate days. By the time it is uploaded, the fires have come to a calmer state (thank you everyone involved).

If you are not a fan of posts like this, Regal Attraction offers a great variety of posts! And this year we’re going to try to offer many more.  I suggest some of those. Especially if you’re in the mood for a distraction instead. Alright you have been warned. Let’s jump in.

Let’s Talk Los Angeles Fires:

When you think of Los Angeles what do you think of? There’s a lot depending on if you’re looking at the positive or negative side when you hear the city’s name. I’m sure almost everyone has heard about what is currently happening in Los Angeles. I won’t go into much detail, but many are suffering. Loss of property, of lives, lifestyles, resources, and of nature. Being one of the biggest wildfires in Los Angeles history. 

I want to say that we are thankfully safe. I’ve checked on staff, friends, and family during this time. I hope you are doing the same. As well as checking on you. Are you doing okay? It has been very worrisome.

I also want to say something about an update we discussed would happen earlier this year. As for the segment we do as Los Angeles locals, it will have a delay. Our team is diverse, many trying to work on this particular segment. There’s a lot going on right now. And it’s not safe to go out and risk things for content. Seriously. Health matters more. And one segment can be delayed until we can heal a little. Plus, it will be better as many businesses are also trying to heal during this time.

The only thing that really matters is us coming together as a community and finding out where we can go from here. One thing I really can’t stand is seeing us all point fingers, joking around (not to make light, but to make fun), and downplaying it. No matter who it is, where they are from, what they have to their name. This is serious. Just because it’s not happening to you doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. Thought we were taught those kinds of things in school, but aye, who am I? Right? 

Also, just because it’s not you don’t mean things aren’t happening. Like the air quality is not good right now…have you thought of that? You don’t have to be right by the scene…you know that…right? And not only that but the number of resources being used, the effect it has had on communities, the planet you live on??? Like you gotta take that all into account. I can’t tell you what to do, but I really wish we wouldn’t be as heartless. 

Also, it must be said since I am seeing this everywhere. Please stray from trying to label this post as a particular color. Whether it be black or white, red or blue. Sometimes we need to stray from those things, but if you must, I have one. Label it as another being on this earth who is just as worried as you are under that exterior you wear. Through it all we laugh, we cry, we are only us. And that’s all we can be. It’s enough.

I also read some comments with people saying:

“where was the sympathy when _ happened”

“No one cared when _ in _ happened”

“This happened in _ no one worried”.

Um so I guess you saw us all then huh? I have nothing to prove to anyone, but just for the record: I keep up as much as I can and keep you all in my thoughts. No matter where you are in the world. If I hear about it, I think of you all. 

Point is there’s a lot to be done. This blog post isn’t going to help much, but I hope it can show I do care about what is going on in the world. I also hope for our amazing community of people, you can also understand that we care for each and every one of you. No matter where in the world you are, we hope you can find your escape here. Sometimes you need a distraction when things get tough. 

There are resources, please use them. I will write a few at the bottom of this page that I found online. Keep yourself safe. Everyone matters. Like I’ve said before even when the sky feels dark, there’s always light in the end. So keep you hope up. I really hope this year we can really be there for one another. There’s a lot to say, and it’s hard to organize it. So I’ll leave it there. In a time that is pretty unsure, we want you all to stay strong. 

Tips, Resources, and Gratitude

Thank you to all of our heroes helping out. Whether it be a firefighter, IHC, FEMA, a paramedic, a police officer. Thank you for your services. Truly. As well as journalists, volunteers, or a “regular” citizen (we are all special that’s why I put it in quotation marks), you are all appreciated. 

As for comments, we would like to hear them. More specifically if you know any more resources that weren’t listed, we would be grateful for you to share them. Seeing the communities come together was so beautiful to see in the past couple of days.

The following is from research from many pages on social media! Thank you to everyone helping spread these amazing places! If there any updates, errors, or clarifications please let me know! I will be happy to help.

Tips:

-Please only take what you need. If you are not in need, there’s no place for greed!

-I know the news can sometimes be draining, but keep up to date with it (Social media has also been very helpful during this time).

-Just because the air quality has gone down significantly, please still check to see!

-Be aware of the fake vs real news. There have been specific things floating around that was exaggerated or simply wasn’t true. Please check multiple sources and do your research before you make decisions.

-If you’re not feeling your best mentally, please don’t be afraid to talk with someone about it. Your life is precious.

Places to donate:

-California Community Foundation (Wildfire Recovery Fund)

-California Fire Foundation 

-LA Fire Foundation

-Direct Relief

-Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund 

-The Salvation Army

-International Medical Corps

-The Red Cross (Lots of ways to donate and volunteer)

-Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles 

-World Central Kitchen

Resources:

-Evacuation Centers (Both for people and Pets)

-Timeout LA listed restaurants that are giving free meals to evacuees (Please check out that list!)

– Airbnb is also providing shelter for affected people.

-Planet Fitness is opening their gyms to everyone affected by the fire until January 15th. This includes all of their utilities. 

-Esperanza Community Housing (air purifiers)

Please double check for details. There is so many more. I wish I can write them all here. Please drop more in the comments if you have a one, few, or more you want to share.

If there are any small businesses who are helping in this trying time, shoot us a message. We would love to interview and shout you out. Thank you for everything you do! We are here with all of you and are sending you energy.

Written by: A.P.