Young Writers Society

My coworkers we’re buzzing about some new movie (I think?), when one suddenly pivots and asks who my favorite actor is. And I am so confused because in my head, I’m asking myself, “wait, is that a thing? People have favorite actors?” I have genuinely never given it thought because I do not think of celebrities—or if I do, they’re long-dead authors XD

Anyway, at first I was like “does the favorite have to be like, whoever played your favorite role in a movie?” Then I’d have defaulted to David Bowie. But thinking more all-encompassing, it changed to either Johnny Depp, Robin Williams, or Gillian Anderson. Then I got accused of being “old school” and they asked who that latter was, and I’m like DaNa ScUlLy?!?!

Anyway, what would your answer/justification be here? Lol

I’m sorry if I’ve been coming across as less…I don’t even know, less “Raven”-ey? Ruder? Annoying? Less patient, more on-edge? I don’t know what it is, but there are some things going on in the Akuma household lately (with the human residents this time) and for some reason, I’m not really feeling myself at all. I try not to let it affect my online stuff, but I feel like it’s starting to manifest here too, sorry X_X

Okay, can I just clarify something, as a former resident, for anyone having a hard time following the drama being thrown around?

CA authority is given chance to divert water from NorCal to SoCal to aid both agriculture and drought conditions. That is a true story from 2020-2021.

CA authority rejected the notion by saying SoCal was not in a drought, and it would endanger the declining delta smelt fish species (even though they *still* refuse to rebuild a population in captivity).

CA authority, weeks after that declaration, declares record-lowest water availability and renews state of emergency over drought, which remains in effect.

CA authority denies water shortages, or shortages aiding the spread of the fire (e.g, the “empty hydrants” thing).

CA authority victim-blames by claiming residents in some neighborhoods hosing down their lawns is reducing water availability.

Which is it then?? Is the state in a drought or not?? Answer: yes, CA has constantly been in and out of drought for as long as I (or my parents/grandparents) can remember.

There have been other concerns circulating for years now, such as the refusal to update SEVERELY outdated powerlines and water infrastructure, and continually reducing funds for fire stations and forest management (the state ranks No. 4 in deforestation, but focuses on coastal and redwood trees rather than the ones that are *actual* fire hazards I guess??). Oh, and further victim-blaming!

Is any of this directly responsible for the fire? No. Are hecklers helping by making it all political and taking attention off of the victims? Definitely not. At the same time, is it cool to let the pendulum swing so far that we give cover for the state’s real problems? Big no (PLEASE, no).

Anyway, let’s stop giving politicians our time and thank the people who deserve it in this situation—first responders and the people volunteering to help. They’re the real heroes. And let’s pray for the victims being affected by the fire of course, because this really is a devastating disaster.