This year, California started with a fiery bang, with over 30 wildfires igniting across Southern California since January 7. While most have fortunately been tamed, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire are still burning. This is mainly due to the high winds and unfavorable weather conditions. These fires combined have burned up to about 40 acres of land, or 62.5 miles. Because of this, over 6000 people have lost their homes, and about 27 people lost their lives.
While the students of Yorba Linda High School may not face an immediate threat like the citizens of Los Angeles, they are still not completely out of harm’s way. Because of the high winds, there is a lingering exposure of all the chemicals from the fire that blow over in this direction. Prolonged exposure to this air can lead to respiratory issues and, in very extreme cases, cancer.
While all of this does sound sad and grim, there does happen to be a silver lining that could bring hope to the communities affected by this fire. In a heartwarming show of pure kindness, many generous pop stars have joined forces to organize a benefit concert at the Kia Forum or the Intuit Dome to support those heavily affected by the fires. This concert will raise funds that will later be donated to help the citizens who have lost their homes, belongings dear to them, or even loved ones. However, this event isn’t just about raising money; it’s about raising spirits. With artists like Billie Eilish, Olvia Rodrigo, Alanis Morissette, Green Day, No Doubt, Gracie Abrams, Red Hot Chilli Papers, and so many more, this concert is sure to boost people’s morale. When Cora Davis (10) was asked how she felt about this concert, she claimed, “I think the concept is great, and I think it will help a lot of people out.
The challenges that people face during these wildfires are nothing short of tragic. Imagine growing up in a home filled with nothing but love and memories, only to see it reduced to rubble and ashes. While this benefit concert cannot restore homes or loved ones that have been unfortunately taken away from us, it can still serve as a beacon of hope in the darkness. Through music and the collective generosity that these artists have brought, we can pave a future pathway for those affected by this calamity.