Since late September a yard sign has been a reminder to appreciate all dedicated firefighters who serve Naperville and throughout the world.
Update, Feb. 6, 2025 / Meson Sabika is set to host fundraiser on Feb. 25. 100 percent of sales will benefit victims of wild fires in California.
Original Post, Jan. 12, 2025 / Believe it or not, shortly after we posted on social media the photo of the yard sign recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Naperville Fire Department with a message “God bless all firefighters & first responders who aim to keep communities protected and safe from harm. … FYI: The Red Cross has set up ways to support relief efforts in the fire disaster zone in California,” we received offline queries of wonderment.
Several readers said they no longer read or listen to mainstream news and asked, “What fire disasters in California?” They had no knowledge about the devastation by out-of-control wildfires in Los Angeles.
Simply put, beginning Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, wildfires fueled by dry conditions and strong winds have burned through 29,000 acres of land around Los Angeles, according to Cal Fire and other news reports.
Multiple wildfires continue to destroy Southern California, with officials reporting at least 13 deaths, though the true death toll is not known. More than 10,000 homes have burned, displacing families, pets and wildlife, and 20 suspected looters have been arrested.
See map (continually updated) of the fires here.
Insurance officials have estimated that damages from this week’s fires may exceed $20 billion, surpassing the $12.5 billion in damages from the 2018 Camp Fire, which until now had been the most costly blaze in the nation’s history.
Many, way too many, homeowners have no insurance. The story that gets sadder and more unbelievable by the hour is worse than horrific as the end is not yet in sight. Simply search online for updates.
Dry conditions and powerful winds fed at least five blazes, causing unprecedented damage in highly populated areas not known for fires. Fierce winds are forecast to return Mon., Jan. 13.
How to help
Our daughter who works in the hospitality industry follows the life and times of Andrew Gruel, a chef and restauranteur in California, who has demonstrated hope and humanity since the days of COVID. (Gruel understood essential needs of restaurateurs, small business owners and service workers during the pandemic, and is recognized as an outspoken critic of arbitrary rules that shut down businesses.)
She said the other day that Gruel had organized a collection for kids’ shoes and clothing. Donations, including gift cards, can be sent to his business in California:
Calico Fish House
16600 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
A report on Instagram states, “Many of you have asked how to help the thousands of people displaced by the fires.” The post goes on to say that volunteers are sorting through donations at Calico Fish House and delivering them by the truckload to community centers in the affected areas.
Here’s what they need:
– Bottled Water
– Diapers
– Baby Formula
– Wipes
– Gift Cards to Target (any store that victims can use to purchase food or clothing)
– High Protein snacks for firefighters and L/E
Gruel’s efforts also are connected with the LA Dream Center, a place that’s preparing meals for families displaced while the fires blaze. The LA Dream Center “serves as a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger, and the lack of education through residential and community outreach programs.”
The LA Dream Center website lists the needs of the nonprofit organization and what it DOES NOT need at this time.
Naperville connection
Saturday evening PN received news from Jini Clare about a fundraiser to assist Meg O’Hara Elliott. She and her daughters lost their home. Local classmates would have known her as Meg O’Hara. Megan Ginley is the friend who set up the GoFundMe fundraiser, Megan Ginley: Help Meg Rebuild After Fire Loss.
Meg O’Hara Elliott graduated from Naperville North High School in 1993. Meg is a single mom with two teen daughters, and they just lost their home in the Pacific Palisades fire.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to Help Meg Rebuild After Fire Loss.
Appreciate Public Safety
We’re mindful to find strength and resilience via faith, family, friends and neighbors. Local matters most every day for the good of protecting property and individuals across this great nation. As we pray for all who have lost so much in California, let us express heartfelt gratitude to Naperville’s leadership and dedication to public safety. —PN
Editor’s Update / At 7AM, Sun. Jan. 12, 2025, day six of this unspeakable disaster, most of the numbers have changed except for dates since this post was begun yesterday and posted about midnight. The death toll has risen to 16. Now 65,000 individuals are without power and 100,000 are under evacuation orders. Stories abound about peace and goodwill.
Update Noon, Mon., Jan. 13 / Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 24 individuals, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and ravaged more than 60 square miles as the Palisades and Eaton wildfires continue to burn in the blustery Santa Ana winds.
As devastating wildfires continue to destroy, be mindful of possible scams soliciting and encouraging donations. Donate funds only to legitimate nonprofits such as the Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Be careful about donating cash to unfamiliar organizations that appear tied to government agencies. Be prudent. Do homework. Stay safe. Thanks.
Local Fundraiser
Update Jan. 24, 2025 / SixtyFour – Wine Bar & Kitchen Announces a Second Fundraiser to Benefit Victims of the LA Fires from 5PM to 9PM Tues. Feb. 4.
Due to the recent inclement weather, Tetra Vino, LLC has announced a second fundraiser to benefit the victims and first responders of the LA fires. Guests can make a reservation on Resy anytime between 5PM and 9PM on Tues., Feb. 4, and 50% of the food revenues from their dinner(s) will automatically be donated to the World Central Kitchen.
Loren and Amy Beadle, owners, state “We are so pleased to be able to support the World Central Kitchen with their efforts to provide hot meals to the victims and first responders of the LA fires…”
SixtyFour – Wine Bar & Kitchen is located at 123 Water Street in downtown Naperville. Contact the restaurant at (630) 780.6464 or www.sixtyfourwinebar.com, www.resy.com.
If unable to attend and you’d like to donate to the cause, please give directly to the World Central Kitchen at wck.org. Thank you.