I escaped SoCal or to be exact BHills 50 years ago. Admit embarrassment when asked where I’m “from.” I feel hungover and grief for turning my back on a City that gave me a fascinating life, full body of memories and intense forever childhood friendships. Those as you evacuated , just once. Homes . Ashes to ashes. I’ll go home
I truly understand. When I moved to the Tucson area in 2005 the average number of 100 degree days was 60.
This past year (2024 in case people have lost track) we had in excess of 120.
But remember global warming is a myth with no scientific basis. I know this because Donald Trump and his MAGA and Project 2025 cohorts have declared it so.
Keep Smiling, make the them wonder what you are up to.
I'm not finding a way to post a picture, so I will send Tapestry reclining on Alisal bed separately. Evac is a skill and a curse. Thank you for capturing it for everyone who hasn't had to do it.
Haunting.. I lost my roof two years ago in a huge hail storm. .. and have had severe tornado damage twice.. But fire… it takes everything down to the studs. It is unforgiving,.Stealing absolutely everything- memories, treasures that can’t be replaced. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gloria, and all of you having contributed to this discussion, reading your essay and the personal accounts in the comments section feels like stepping into a reality far darker than the one I remember from my time in the U.S. about 15 years ago. Fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, major storms, droughts, and tsunami warnings—these are already overwhelming. Adding blizzards and tornadoes, which seem more prevalent in red states than blue or shifting ones, paints an even more sobering picture of a nation facing compounding crises.
In Germany and Europe, we are not untouched by extreme weather. Our summer fires, often caused by arson for land development, are devastating but nowhere near the scale or intensity of what you describe. What stands out most is the contrast in how support systems function—here, financial coverage and insurance are much more reliable.
What I fear most, however, is what may come next. The idea of federal aid being tied to political compliance, with California potentially having to concede to MAGA demands to access essential funds, feels disturbingly plausible. It echoes dynamics I experienced in childhood, where punishment was tied to withholding support. When I was 11, my narcissistic mother and authoritarian father not only denied me pocket money but forbade my grandmother from helping me, all to force compliance. The German phrase "Da beißt die Maus keinen Faden ab"—an unalterable fact—comes to mind when I imagine such a scenario playing out on a systemic scale, with survival itself hanging in the balance.
On a personal level, your account of packing essential items for evacuation struck a chord. I always travel with my two small pillows, Maldon sea salt, Darjeeling tea, my preferred teacup, favorite spoon, an electric travel kettle or camping gas (depending on the trip), and my travel pepper mill. These small comforts provide a sense of stability amidst unpredictability.
The scale of what you and others are describing is staggering, and the courage to share these stories is deeply moving. Your essay, along with the experiences others have shared here, underscores just how much is at stake. Thank you for holding space for these conversations and for shedding light on what so urgently needs attention.
I pray you are all OK and I perfectly understand your pet carriers and need to continue repacking. And I understand the shoe situation lol. It's been a lifetime but I still care.
My mom and her husband fled Southern California after evacuating one too many times. Decided to trade the abundant sunshine of Oceanside for the four seasons of Maryland. Of course, the first winter they were there, Maryland had a huge blizzard, and they learned a valuable lesson about keeping the gas vents cleared of snow. I'm here in the northeast, but only two miles from the coast and we keep a close eye on any blizzards and/or hurricanes. The wind here can be ferocious. Your account of preparing to evacuate is something I can only imagine, but I'm sure it's a reality for many folks these days.
Haunting. I had no idea. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Gloria.
Lorraine Evanoff: Concur.
But look at Edith Elizabeth Sofiamaria Petunia! My God, isn't she the cutest!
You know, in the escape, looking in her pug face would have to bring some cheer.
She is a gift from God herself.
I escaped SoCal or to be exact BHills 50 years ago. Admit embarrassment when asked where I’m “from.” I feel hungover and grief for turning my back on a City that gave me a fascinating life, full body of memories and intense forever childhood friendships. Those as you evacuated , just once. Homes . Ashes to ashes. I’ll go home
I truly understand. When I moved to the Tucson area in 2005 the average number of 100 degree days was 60.
This past year (2024 in case people have lost track) we had in excess of 120.
But remember global warming is a myth with no scientific basis. I know this because Donald Trump and his MAGA and Project 2025 cohorts have declared it so.
Keep Smiling, make the them wonder what you are up to.
Always, Harold, always.
Yeah, I definitely know that feeling.
That’s an understatement. Rest. Sleep. Eat something fabulous. Play your favorite music LOUD and just dance.
We just lived through 3 hurricanes in Tampa Bay and our home flooded. Climate change is real.
I'm not finding a way to post a picture, so I will send Tapestry reclining on Alisal bed separately. Evac is a skill and a curse. Thank you for capturing it for everyone who hasn't had to do it.
It’s a bitch that is burned in my psyche.
Haunting.. I lost my roof two years ago in a huge hail storm. .. and have had severe tornado damage twice.. But fire… it takes everything down to the studs. It is unforgiving,.Stealing absolutely everything- memories, treasures that can’t be replaced. Thanks for sharing this with us.
It harrowing.
Wonderful, devastating essay, Gloria. No further comment except to say, I love 💕 your little pug, and I'm not even a dog person.
Thank you. She is our hearts heart.
Gloria, and all of you having contributed to this discussion, reading your essay and the personal accounts in the comments section feels like stepping into a reality far darker than the one I remember from my time in the U.S. about 15 years ago. Fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, major storms, droughts, and tsunami warnings—these are already overwhelming. Adding blizzards and tornadoes, which seem more prevalent in red states than blue or shifting ones, paints an even more sobering picture of a nation facing compounding crises.
In Germany and Europe, we are not untouched by extreme weather. Our summer fires, often caused by arson for land development, are devastating but nowhere near the scale or intensity of what you describe. What stands out most is the contrast in how support systems function—here, financial coverage and insurance are much more reliable.
What I fear most, however, is what may come next. The idea of federal aid being tied to political compliance, with California potentially having to concede to MAGA demands to access essential funds, feels disturbingly plausible. It echoes dynamics I experienced in childhood, where punishment was tied to withholding support. When I was 11, my narcissistic mother and authoritarian father not only denied me pocket money but forbade my grandmother from helping me, all to force compliance. The German phrase "Da beißt die Maus keinen Faden ab"—an unalterable fact—comes to mind when I imagine such a scenario playing out on a systemic scale, with survival itself hanging in the balance.
On a personal level, your account of packing essential items for evacuation struck a chord. I always travel with my two small pillows, Maldon sea salt, Darjeeling tea, my preferred teacup, favorite spoon, an electric travel kettle or camping gas (depending on the trip), and my travel pepper mill. These small comforts provide a sense of stability amidst unpredictability.
The scale of what you and others are describing is staggering, and the courage to share these stories is deeply moving. Your essay, along with the experiences others have shared here, underscores just how much is at stake. Thank you for holding space for these conversations and for shedding light on what so urgently needs attention.
Thank you for your compassion.
Climate refugees stabbed my heart.
Gloria Horton-Young - She who stirs the storm! And Crystal-Lee: Whew, I LOVE, just LOVE Edith Elizabeth Sofiamaria Petunia!
What an expression!
She is just perfect!
And do I EVER believe you on the underwear. Pack the most you think you will need. Then double it.
I believe that is right.
Sounds like a LOT of heartbreak in life.
My God, a lot of national catastrophes you escaped from. Incomprehensible.
But with Crystal Lee, Edith Elizabeth Sofiamaria Petunia, and probably -- i dunno -- 15 kitties, you have a household of love . . .
And that IS something!
Grateful for your writing. Thank you.
I pray you are all OK and I perfectly understand your pet carriers and need to continue repacking. And I understand the shoe situation lol. It's been a lifetime but I still care.
Thanks for sharing Gloria
Thank you for sharing. Me thinks you need to write a guide to evading a natural disaster in X easy steps.
Stay safe!
My mom and her husband fled Southern California after evacuating one too many times. Decided to trade the abundant sunshine of Oceanside for the four seasons of Maryland. Of course, the first winter they were there, Maryland had a huge blizzard, and they learned a valuable lesson about keeping the gas vents cleared of snow. I'm here in the northeast, but only two miles from the coast and we keep a close eye on any blizzards and/or hurricanes. The wind here can be ferocious. Your account of preparing to evacuate is something I can only imagine, but I'm sure it's a reality for many folks these days.