Earth is parched and LA is torched

Some of the most compelling images of the LA fires were shot on the freeway near the Getty Museum and Bel-Air during the morning commute. The Armageddon-like fireballs raging in the hills must have given pause to many evacuees, neighbors in surrounding communities as well as the many visual-effects artists living in the area.

Nearby rooftop bars and penthouse restaurants became safe harbors and observation decks for an overwhelming and heartbreaking reality show: Los Angeles going up in flames.

Towering infernos

Authorities disclosed that a fire in a homeless encampment sparked the blaze. Global warming increased the intensity and frequency of the Santa Ana winds that transformed embers from a cooking stove into a dangerous countywide conflagration.

I read that Elon Musk’s Bel-Air properties were in the line of fire. He’s certainly doing his part to reduce carbon emissions by developing electric cars and trucks, batteries, solar panels and the Hyperloop. As a result of his most recent experiences with the Skirball Fire, I’m hoping he might take a look at supporting climate positive development in our cities. Perhaps he’d consider saving humanity on Earth before colonizing Mars.

Tree Talk by Marlene Sinicki

Working on a new drama

While watching the footage, I wondered how celebrities, billionaires, and moguls deal with cataclysmic upheavals, vulnerability, and trauma.

I imagine that many of the well-heeled residents had insurance companies that provided private fire crews to protect their homes, as did some properties involved in the wine country fires. Staff is readily procured to remedy a crisis and reverse all damages in a blink of the eye.

That’s when I realized deep pockets become irrelevant when confronted by the staggering power of nature that consumes your home in a flash. Let’s be honest: humility tends to show up in moments like this.

Running the show

As we all know, there are quite a few people ‘calling the shots’ in LA. I can only imagine what it felt like for some of the power players to experience what it’s like to not be in control. Nature took over as director and called “Action!”

I think you’ll agree with me when I say that nature is no longer silent. It’s announcing #MeToo.

Forces to reckon with

I’m assuming that LA is in a state of consciousness-raising unrest. It is no longer acceptable to abuse women or disregard nature. As acres of land burned, the careers of many powerful people also went up in flames.

Shadows are rising. Twelve million women have planted seeds of dissent. During these times of truth and reconciliation, how many will be called out, held accountable and have their careers destroyed for sexual harassment?

Why does it have to get so bad before it becomes good again?

Why do some of us need to experience drama and trauma before we learn our lessons and do the right thing?

Tree Stand by Marlene Sinicki

New ground to stand on

No longer silent, the planet and women are emphatically requesting a radical transformation of worldviews and public policy to include gender equality and environmental responsibility.

Here’s something we can both agree on: The power to make change is in our hands.

It’s our time to stand up to injustices and take action to create a sustainable future for all before it’s too late.

Albert Einstein provided a compelling solution when he stated, “Our task must be to free ourselves from our prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all humanity and the whole of nature in its beauty.”