theorion.com
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Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
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Vol. 81, Issue 10
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INSIDE Vol. 81, Issue 10 CONTACT | EDITORIAL Phone: 530.898.5627 Email: editorinchief@theorion.com
Editor-in-Chief Julia Maldonado Content Managing Editor Alex Grant Art Director Sergio Delgado Chief Copy Editor Katya Villegas News Editors Josh Cozine Mathew Miranda Opinion Editor Karen Limones Sports Editor Andrew Baumgartner A+E Editor Natalie Hanson Multimedia Editor Caitlyn Young Designers Chris Godbout Griffin Wooldridge Copy Editors Salma Reyes Hailey Vang Adviser Diego Aparicio
CONTACT | BUSINESS Phone: 530.898.6919 Email: orionadvertisingmanager@gmail.com Website Fax www.theorion.com
The ‘Camp Fire‘ destroyed thousands of acres and homes in Paradise and the surrounding areas.
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JOSH COZINE—THE ORION
PAGE 11
IMAGE BY THE MOTHER HIPS - THE ORION
Musicians are fundraising money through CD profits and benefit concerts to donate to people affected during the Camp Fire.
PAGE 12-13
GETTY IMAGES PHOTO BY MICHAEL ZAGARIS
Sports teams all over California gave back to Paradise High School during the Camp Fire.
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530.898.4799
CORRECTIONS
ALEX GRANT - THE ORION
Look at the photos from the Camp Fire on day one and a week later in Chico and Paradise.
JOSH COZINE - THE ORION
Wondering how you can get involved with giving back to the Camp Fire evacuees? Read about the best places to donate money and the best items to give during this time of crisis.
BRIEFS
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Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
Laurie Jones evacuates a burning Paradise Ricardo Tovar Staff Writer
Editor’s note: All briefs are a summarized version of The Orion’s podcasts during the Camp Fire. Laurie Jones is a mother of three and grandmother of six. She and her family escaped their apartment in southeast Paradise on Nov. 8, the day the Camp Fire started. Jones was washing dishes while her granddaughters, whom she was babysitting, ate breakfast. She noticed through the kitchen window the sky had taken a red hue and she saw smoke rolling in. Frightened and worried, she called her son to return and get the girls. Shortly after she hung up, police contacted her son and told him to get out of town. They taped printer paper on their door to let firemen know they had evacuated, and left right away. On their way down they were at the mercy of the fire. “The flames were on the side of the road, on both sides,” Jones said. “The embers were just shooting at our car. It was scary. At that point it got to be (dark as) midnight and all you could see was flames on both sides, houses gone.” Jones met up with her husband and more family at the end of Skyway where she and her family were once again evacuated. They have since been bouncing around temporary housing solutions, staying first at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church before it
JOSH COZINE—THE ORION
Steve Caput has been volunteering at East Avenue Church during his off hours as a paramedic, providing medical services to evacuees. closed as an evacuation center. Ricardo Tovar can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter
Magalia couple recount evacuation Ricardo Tovar Staff Writer
Maggie and Michael Crowder evacuated from Magalia after Michael heard of a small fire in Paradise that was ten acres on the morning of Nov. 8. Within half an hour, the fire had blown up, and half an hour later his pastor called him and told him he may need to evacuate. He checked outside and saw
smoke reaching Magalia, and so, around 4 p.m., they decided to leave. As they evacuated, Michael— riding ahead of his wife on his Harley down highway 32—could feel the hot ashes on his face as the fire was visible on both sides of the highway. It took them four hours to wind up at the Walmart parking lot in Chico where they stayed for several days with other evacuees. Their house in Magalia remains standing, and the couple have moved on from the impromptu Walmart parking lot evacuation area while they await the news that it is safe for them to return. Ricardo Tovar can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_ news on Twitter.
Steve Caput provides paramedic relief Ricardo Tovar Staff Writer
Steve Caput, a paramedic with Butte County Emergency Medical Services, as well as an educator for Dignity Health in Sacramento, was one of the first on the scene day one of the fires. He drove up and down the road to Paradise rescuing people caught up in the chaos. After the craziness that was the first few days of the fire, Caput, like many other paramedics, has since been helping out at shelters. Specifically, he has been at East Avenue Church in Chico along with a ragtag staff—some
survivors of the fire themselves who lost their homes—who have banded together to help as many people meet their medical needs as possible. Ricardo Tovar can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter
Read more on theorion.com
4 CRISIS
NEWS
Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
FEMA plans to stay in Chico as Camp Fire statistics continue to rise body to come in here and say FEMA is going to put my house back the way it was,” Mansell said. “That is the furthest thing from the truth. FEMA is going to provide you resources to help you get back up on your feet.” Mansell suggests fire survi-
Mathew Miranda News Editor
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he Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue operating at the local assistance center in Chico until Jan. 12 at the earliest. However, the probability of staying beyond that date remains high according to FEMA officials. The Stafford Act, a prescriptive law approved by Congress dictating the way FEMA will function in a disaster, mandates the agency to stay 60 days after the federal disaster declaration, which occurred Nov. 12. 60 days is also the allotted time fire survivors have to register for assistance. As of Monday night, FEMA had received 17,635 applications for individual assistance and given out $21,595,120.70 in assistance to Butte County residents according to statistics provided by FEMA. In comparison, FEMA has received 2,663 applications and given out $911,563 in Los Angeles and Ventura County combined. Daniel Winn, a Public Information Officer and American Sign Language Interpreter for FEMA, believes the agency will remain in Chico for a significant amount of time after the required 60 days because of the steps that follow registering. “People don’t only come here to register,” Winn said. “They also come in here to follow up on the case, bring additional documents and appeal decisions.” According to Winn, the center averaged over 1,500 people per day last weekend. Frank Mansell, Public Affairs
BRIAN LUONG—THE ORION
A man enjoys a meal provided by World Central Kitchen at the Disaster Recovery Center located inside the Chico Mall. The center provides Camp Fire evacuees with resources to help with recovering documents, counseling and other kinds of support. Specialist for FEMA, spoke on the comprehensive application process, which takes approximately one hour to complete, and the issues that may arise from it. “It’s a very detailed interview. That’s why the program works,” Mansell said. “It’s also why people think they’re being shortchanged. ‘It’s because my neighbor got an extra $10,000 and I didn’t.’” Mansell explained that individuals are looked at on a case to case basis and the assistance program they receive are based on the answers given on the application form. “We don’t get any commission for short suiting anyone,”
Mansell said. Steve Johnson, a disabled veteran who lost his home in Paradise, could not be more appreciative of the people working at FEMA. Although Johnson realizes some people may be impatient, given the long lines and wait times, he gave credit to FEMA and the other organizations for their handling of the situation. “Under these circumstances, with as many people as there are for them to deal with, they’re doing it in a very organized way,” Johnson said. “I’m impressed by it. There are some people that are upset, but that’s going to be (a) given.” One of the main premises be-
hind the detailed application is to ensure FEMA does not duplicate benefits covered by insurance. According to Mansell, many household policies include extending living allowance, which insure damages. “A lot of people with homes will get a letter saying ‘you’re not covered because you have an insurance policy and your insurance company is already giving you $50,000,’” Mansell said. Mansell stated missing forms and insurance are the two main reasons people get denied from FEMA. He also clarified a common misconception many people may hold. “It’s not uncommon for some-
vors check with their insurance company and policy immediately so FEMA can better assess their eligibility for programs and assistance. Additionally, Mansell recommends applying regardless of an individual’s circumstances or insurance. However, Mansell did make sure to explain the difference in the assistance FEMA provides compared to insurance coverage. “We replace functional items,” Mansell said. “You had an 80-inch television. We’re going to give you a 32-inch television if you don’t have insurance. It’s as simple as what are the necessities.” The local assistance center is open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and operating in the old Sears building at the Chico Mall. Mathew Miranda can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @MathewMiranda24 on Twitter
NEWS ANIMALS
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Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
Volunteers seek to reunify pets and owners here Multiple groups take care of pets for people evacuated from the Camp Fire
Olyvia Simpson Staff Writer
T
housands of people have been displaced by the Camp Fire, and so have
their pets. Hundreds of animals have been rescued from evacuation sites but many are still waiting to be reunited with their owners. “We are currently in the reunification phase where animals are being picked up by their owners,” said Norm Rosene, the head Public Information Officer for the North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG). NVADG is an all-volunteer organization that works with Butte County Animal Control to evacuate shelter animals in times of disaster. Other groups from across the nation, like the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and RedRover have also come to help. “We currently have 1,600 animals in shelters,” Rosene said. Animals sheltered range from dogs and cats to reptiles and even horses. In some cases, the animals have been claimed, but their owners are unable to pick them up. “We will feed and shelter the animals until the owners have a place to stay and keep their animals,” Janice Rosene, Norm Rosene’s wife, and deputy NVADG public information officer said. There is a team of shelter operation volunteers who care for the animals being safely sheltered in addition to the team of specialized NVADG volunteers
who go to the evacuation sites to care for the animals there. “Our evacuation teams go daily into the evacuation zones to feed and water more than 600 animals that are safely sheltered-in-place,” Norm said. The organization often works alongside firefighters and emergency personnel. Rebecca “Becki” Brunelli is a volunteer with NVADG and runs the website for rescued Camp Fire animals with pictures that people can check to see if their animal is at one of the shelters. “The community’s support has been outstanding, just with the number of volunteers and all of the resources and money donated,” Brunelli said. “It’s been really emotional and difficult, but I live for the reunification,” she said. Those who visit a shelter to claim their animal “must provide photo ID of your pet, describe unique markings or identifiers, or let us know anything else that will help us ID the pet as yours,” according to the NVADG website. “Helping animals helps people,” Janice said, “and our goal is to reunite every owner with their animals.” Those who are interested in donating or volunteering with NVADG can find more information on their website, NVADG.org
OLYVIA SIMPSON—THE ORION
Jan Reale, NVADG volunteer since 2008, with Pericles, one of the sheltered dogs being cared for at the shelter by the Chico Airport.
Olyvia Simpson can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @OSimpson15 on Twitter OLYVIA SIMPSON—THE ORION
A board with posted pictures from pet owners of their animals still lost from the Camp Fire and not cared for in a NVADG shelter. There are also some pictures of dogs that were found by other people.
6 MODEL U.N.
NEWS
Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
John Crosby’s home after the destruction of Camp Fire.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RON BELSER
MATHEW MIRANDA—THE ORION
John Crosby took his members of his class to Washington D.C. unsure of the status of his home.
Political science lecturer loses home while traveling to Washington D.C. Justin Jackson Staff Writer
John Crosby, Political Science Lecturer and Model U.N. Adviser, lost his home in Magalia due to Camp Fire. The following is the story of how he traveled across the nation without knowing the status of his home. The morning of the fire Crosby and his students were headed to a Model U.N. competition in Washington, D.C. During the drive to the San Francisco airport, he got a call from his wife saying she was being evacuated. He debated with himself
whether to head back or not, but ultimately decided to go through with the trip due to his inability to help the situation. He also lost contact with his wife, at this point, as she was out of cell phone range. After landing in Washington, D.C., Crosby finally got back in contact with his wife and she informed him that he made the right decision. By not heading back she was able to fit more personal belongings in their car. After returning Monday morning, Crosby joined the thousands who had lost their homes. His house was completely burned down. One of the few
items still partially intact was a broken dolly. Even though, Crosby was in the army for 20 years, deployed dozens of times and traveled around the world with his wife for another 20 years, they’ve always had a home to come back to. “There’s a lot of stuff there from traveling and all the memories with the kids,” Crosby said. “I’m devastated because I lost a home, but my wife had a lot of her personality and emotional investment in it and now it’s gone.” Soon after returning from the Washington, D.C. trip, students from Model U.N. past and present started a gofundme page for
him. Many of the students credit Crosby for being a coach, mentor, instructor and above all a friend. David Ramirez, a student officer for the class, has known Crosby for almost four years. “He went beyond the borders of being a professor,” Ramirez said. “He’s shown himself to be a real friend.” The page has currently raised $8,535 and aims toward reaching $10,000. However, Crosby feels others need the assistance more than him. “There are people in much worse condition than I am,” Crosby said. “So it’s a matter of how do I help people.”
Crosby did acknowledge the impact the loss of personal belongings will have on himself and those who have lost everything. “Certain things you’ve invested are now gone, and it’s a matter of how to get past that,” Crosby said. “I think it’s time. Certain things you can’t get past, but you have to put it behind you and just move forward.” Those desiring to help Crosby can donate to his gofundme or share the page. Justin Jackson can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @JustJack0176
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EDITORIAL
EDITOR’S TAKE
Camp Fire flames settle, yet the housing crisis rages on Alex Grant Managing Editor
A flame-shredded American flag hangs in the still, grey air. Its flagpole barely holds on to a vertical gutter that’s attached to a burnt piece of wood. A charred chimney stands intact behind the flag. Blackened, brown and green tree trucks, limbs and leaves stand behind a chimney in a thick, ash-filled atmosphere. At this moment on Nov. 15, a week after the Camp Fire began, this Paradise home and community appears to be in shambles. However, for thousands of evacuees, life goes on. This is the scene on Wildwood Lane behind the Cozy Diner in Paradise. The seared American flag once belonged to family’s front door area. It once belonged to a home. Now, it’s just a burned down house. The flag and chimney are the only home or family symbols that still stand. Several other destroyed houses looked similar to this house; pipes twisted together in piles, pieces of roof flattened on the ground, small pillars of smoke rising from holes in the ground where tree trucks once were planted. Yet most also had a charred yet intact chimney and other somewhat intact artifacts; what I saw as glimmers of hope. However, some structures were completely intact and unharmed. This was the case for the apartment building next door to this Wildwood Lane house. The apartment building was unscathed; even trees and scrubs surrounding the building were untouched by the flames. When I saw this
ALEX GRANT—THE ORION
A burnt flag stands despite the Camp Fire burning through Paradise. apartment building intact, I was thrilled as myself and a group of reporters were looking for this home for an evacuee named Lourie Jones. We met Jones at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church on Nov. 14, the night before we ventured out into Paradise. She told us her evacuation story. Jones told us how her and her family drove to Chico the first night the Camp Fire was raging on. She described how flames and embers surrounded her car
on both sides of Skyway Road. When we spoke on Nov. 14, she had time to reflect and told us that her family was making the best out what life handed them. “Deal with what you can, best you can and hope for a better tomorrow,” said Lourie Jones an evacuated Paradise resident. For Jones, her husband and their three kids and six grandchildren, life is anything but normal now. While Jones’ apartment home on Wildwood Lane survived
the fire, her family is now displaced and unable to return home for an unknown amount of time. This is the grim reality for many people not just from Paradise but also from Pulga, Cresta, Parkhill, Big Bend, Concow, Magalia, Centerville, Mineral Slide, Irish Town and Helltown. While Jones and her family were fortunate to survive the flames, they now join thousands of evacuees who must either choose to move on from these areas or
choose to rebuild their lives here in Butte County. While the actual flames of the Camp Fire are now 100 percent contained, the long fight for many families is just beginning.
Alex Grant can be reached at
newseditor@theorion.com or @ AlexThomasGrant on Twitter.
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Natalie Hanson and Josh Cozine Arts Editor and News Editor
A
s the sun rose Nov. 8, the sky in Butte County filled with smoke and began to darken. Around 6:30 a.m., fire ignited in the small community of Pulga and rapidly advanced to Concow, then towards the nearby town of Paradise. By the end of the day, it had become the most destructive wildfire in California history. Shortly after the fire was reported, firefighting units were dispatched. However, due to unseasonably low humidity, and heavy winds in the area, the fire continued to grow rapidly. The first evacuation orders came at 7:23 a.m. for Pulga. By that point, the fire was moving so quickly that it was consuming as much ground as a football field per second. The sheer speed of the fire prevented many in the community of Concow from leaving, and many had to try to escape the flames on foot. Named the Camp Fire, its flames were now headed straight for the town of Paradise. By 8:30 a.m., the huge cloud of smoke was visible in Chico. The sky turned a strange pink, then a deep purple, as the cloud grew. By 10:30 a.m., the fire was everywhere in Paradise, and a deep gridlock made it necessary for fire units to tweet out avoidance of the bottom of Skyway in Chico, where evacuees were flooding into town.
COVER
Paradise had been ordered to evacuate as early as 8 a.m.
fearing the worst. Reinforcements for CAL Fire from all over the state
However, within the next hour, flames had already reached the town limits, surrounding residences and streets. The fourlanes of Skyway—the main source of transportation from Paradise to nearby towns—became residents’ only hope to escape, and the limited streets of the town quickly gridlocked as residents poured into the highway. Cars inched down the road trying to reach safety in Chico, as flames rapidly advanced on their vehicles. Some were forced to flee their cars and escape on foot as heat rose and tires melted. Those who did reach Chico had to fight increasing traffic to reach the hastily opened shelters in town. The Park Ave off-ramp was closed before noon due to the heavy traffic. The situation was not much better on the east side of Chico for those who used Highway 32 and Old Humboldt to escape. At Forest Ave, cars waited hours in bumperto-bumper traffic as the fire grew and advanced to the edge of town. By night, evacuation orders would come for several areas around the town. By the end of the night, it was uncertain which shelters had the capacity for more evacuees, and a new danger seemed more possible—the fire had the speed and size to threaten Chico. Many students and residents left town,
and arrived in a convoy ready to fight off the flames, as the fire became visible from East 20th St. By the next morning, the danger for Chico had passed, and evacuation orders for south side of town were lifted. Those who had not left in the night awoke to a nightmarish reality. The skies were dark with thick orange smoke, and breathing felt nearly impossible with ash already covering the streets. N95 masks quickly ran out at vendor locations until special orders began to arrive later. In the days following the evacuation of Paradise and surrounding areas, road access was restricted to emergency responders, utility workers and media only. The death toll continued to rise day-by-day as law enforcement and other agencies sifted through the ashes, searching for signs of human remains. The town itself, despite being evacuated of residents, was still a hub of activity in many places. Pacific Gas and Electric trucks and employees operated throughout
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STORY the destructed zones, removing destroyed power poles, and felling trees too far burned near still standing poles. Fire trucks from across the state criss-crossed the burned areas, watching still smoldering patches and ensuring the fire didn’t pick back up. Law enforcement, many also from out of county, patrolled the streets, checking unmarked vehicles and turning away those who shouldn’t be there—looking for, and arresting would-be looters wherever found. The fire itself was completely indiscriminate in its path of destruction. Some streets looked mostly intact. Others were completely leveled. Some houses and businesses stood, looking nearly pristine—aside from an ash covering—oddly surrounded by burnt frameworks on all sides, with nothing, but brick chimneys remaining as the only indicators that anything had ever been there. Slowly, the evacuated streets have been cleared of burned husks of cars that didn’t escape in time, and people are being allowed back in to assess the damage for themselves. Residents and businesses will have a decision to make: rebuild Paradise and the affected areas, or find new life elsewhere. Even those with houses and businesses still standing may not have power or other services for months to come. The ash in many areas is considered hazardous and the clean-up could take even longer. Time will tell how long the reconstruction of the area will take, and how many of its original residents return.area will take, and how many of its original residents return. Natalie Hanson and Josh Cozine can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter.
The cloud from the Camp Fire in Paradise shadowed fleeing residents on their way into Chico on Highway 32 by Old Humboldt Road.
NATALIE HANSON—THE ORION
NATALIE HANSON—THE ORION
Vehicles were abandoned on the Skyway after being burned in the fire, such as this Ford pickup that was left on the road between the highway lanes.
10
ARTS
Wednesday Nov. 28,Oct. 2018 Wednesday 31, 2018
FUNDRAISING
IMAGE FROM THE MOTHER HIPS
The Mother Hips will perform at a benefit concert for Camp Fire survivors.
Musicians collaborate to donate proceeds to Camp Fire relief Local musical artists and Chico State alumni play to benefit Paradise evacuees Natalie Hanson Arts Editor
The Camp Fire has had a devastating effect on thousands of lives in Butte County. And in Chico, since the start of the fire many members of the community have stepped forward to offer support. Some of these include local musicians who are lending their support to the many people who have been affected or displaced by the fire. A Chico State alumna and musician began offering CDs of her debut deluxe EP with 50 percent of the proceeds to go toward the
fire effort. In a Facebook statement, Madeline Matthews of the group “MAWD” said, “I’ll be selecting some trusted Go Fund Me accounts to donate to. If you have any you suggest, please comment them below.” She stated that so far nearly $100 has been raised through sales of her CD to donate toward the wildfire relief. Several benefit concerts are planned within the next month with the purpose to fund wildfire relief efforts. On Friday, the El Rey Theater will be hosting the Family Jam: A
Shasta Fire Benefit concert with live music from the groups The Mother Hips and Achilles Wheel. Tickets will be $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and the show is open to all ages. Doors open at 7 p.m. This show is not designed to fund the Camp Fire but will benefit families impacted by the Carr Fire that took place in August in Redding who are still being impacted by their displacement. Some benefit concerts will even be taking place outside of Butte County. The Blue Lamp, located at 1400 Alhambra Blvd. in Sacramento will host a Butte County Fire Relief Benefit Show on Dec.
14. The show will feature artists such as Arden Park Roots, One Sharp Mind and Riotmaker as well as a DJ, a live art show, food and raffles. Presented by Jscript Media, the event will open at 4:30 p.m. but is open to those aged 21 and older only. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. On Dec. 19 to 21, the El Rey Theater will again host a large benefit concert with a long lineup of many different regional musicians. This concert will run for three nights, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. each night, and will be open to all ages and free to those 12 and under.
The complete artist lineup, including musicians like Pat Hull, Velvet Starlings and Sunday Iris is available on the El Rey’s Facebook events page. Keep an eye out for more concerts in Chico by local artists for the community, and watch out for other opportunities to help support those affected by the wildfires. Natalie Hanson can be reached at artseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_arts on Twitter.
SPORTS GIVING BACK
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Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
Paradise High School athletes find solace in pro sports
Many California sports teams donated hundreds of thousands of dollars
Unfortunately, because of the Camp Fire many Paradise Students are without a place to play or practice. Chico State donated the use of Acker Gymnasium for Monday’s season opener against
Ricardo Tovar Staff Writer
People often question the validity of sports in our society; For Paradise athletes, sports was a way for them to escape the harsh reality of their situation. Many of these athletes have no place to play the sports they love and some don’t have homes to go back to. #ButteStrong #PrayForParadise #ParadiseStrong, these were all trending on social media at one point and got the attention of a handful of local California based teams. These teams and some of their players took it upon themselves to donate money or invited Paradise athletes to attend a game. No athlete caught people’s attention during the crisis more than Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a born and raised Chicoan. Rodgers wore a Butte Strong hoodie before and after his Week 11 game against the Seattle Seahawks. He also took to Twitter and told of his intentions of donating a million dollars to help with Campfire relief, as well as to retweet his tweet with #retweet4good. State Farm donated a dollar for every retweet of Rodgers’ post up to Nov. 25. The San Francisco 49ers donated $100,000 for fire-relief efforts, as well as raising an added $15,000 from auctioning six worn player jerseys. On top of it all, 60 members of Paradise High’s football team, coaching staff and cheerleaders were hosted by the 49ers at the Monday night game,
GETTY IMAGES PHOTO BY MICHAEL ZAGARIS
The San Francisco 49ers invited the Paradise High School football team to their Monday night football game against the New York Giants. on Nov. 12, against the New York Giants. The Golden State Warriors also welcomed the Paradise High School girls and boys basketball teams on Nov. 21, a home game against Oklahoma City at Oracle Arena. The Warriors similarly auctioned off six player worn jerseys; as well as launching a CrowdRise site to help raise relief effort funds and pledged to match all donations up to $25,000. The Sacramento Kings are the latest to host Paradise athletes, and welcomed Paradise’s basketball teams to their home game on Nov. 25 against the Utah Jazz. The Kings also raised $75,000 for
American Red Cross California Wildfires relief efforts. The Oakland Raiders have also stepped in and donated $200,000 to fire relief and recovery, as well as an additional $50,000 worth of supplies like gift cards, nonperishable food, shoes and new clothes. “As a Chico alum, the Paradise Camp Fire struck very close to me,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a news release. The San Francisco Giants donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross and the North Valley Community Foundation, through their community fund. The Oakland Athletics pledged
$10,000 to fire relief and set up a GoFundMe page open to more donations. The A’s will also host Paradise Little League at Youth Baseball and Softball Day on March 31, as well as donate equipment to Paradise Little League.
“As a Chico alum, the Paradise Camp Fire struck very close to me,” Mark Davis, Oakland Raiders owner said in a news release. The San Jose Sharks, San Jose Earthquakes and California Golden Bears have all stepped up and made donations of their own as well.
Chico High School. Both teams had been practicing at Chico High. All proceeds went to the Paradise High Athletic Program. As many of the athletes lost their homes in the Camp Fire, and all but one girl on the Paradise girl’s roster lost their homes. Sports is bringing a community together and is distracting from the harsh realities they are facing. With the deadliest fire in California history still lingering in the air, it will continue to affect these athletes for their entire lives. It’s uplifting seeing sports bring people together and help get them past the hardest of times. Ricardo Tovar can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_sports on Twitter.
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CHICO
Wednesday Nov 28, 2018
‘camp fire’ flames and smoke force evacuees into Chico
nov. 8 6:29 A.M.
The fire started burning off of Pulga Road at Camp Creek Road just east of Paradise. This photo was taken off Honey Run Road Thursday evening.
nov. 8 9:13 p.m.
nov. 8 11:41 p.M.
Sam Zuckerman evacuated with his friend and his friend’s dog Molly on Thursday. They found their way to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, an unofficial Camp Fire evacuation center. This evacuation center, unlike some, allowed pets.
Several firetrucks lined up down East 20th Street late Thursday night to ensure Camp Fire flames didn’t cross over into the residential Chico area. This road and Skyway Road were the closest areas the fire got to residential homes in Chico.
nov. 9 5:16 p.m.
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY ALEX GRANT
About a day and a half into the Camp Fire, the flames burned 90,000 acres and was only five percent contained. As vehicles drove down Skyway Road, the heavy, smoke-polluted air was barely visible. The air quality index reached 310, which is within the hazardous zone. The low air quality forced many in the Chico area to evacuate as well.
13 PARADISE Flames leave paradise with burnt debris and Glimmers of hope Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
nov. 15 1:25 p.M. nov. 15 1:31 p.m.
While most homes and buildings were burnt down on Skyway in Paradise, some storefronts and homes were spared by the Camp Fire flames.
The burned remains of this house on Wildwood Lane are located right behind the Cozy Diner. Yet the neighboring apartment complex next to this house was completely intact. This scene showed how unpredictable the fire’s path can be.
nov. 15 2:44 p.M.
While one side of this van was blackened and partially melted, the other side still was its original white color. This van was the only vehicle on Mark Lane that was still somewhat intact. Every house and building surrounding the van was destroyed.
nov. 16 5:22 p.M.
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY ALEX GRANT
The historical Paradise Flumes were at least partially burned by the Camp Fire flames. The extent of the damage to the Flumes is still unknown. This photo was taken off Dean Road which is roughly the middle point of the Flumes.
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COMMUNITY
Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
OPINION
Camp Fire: What this means for homelessness Rayanne Painter Staff Writer
M
any of us have not truly experienced what it means to be homeless or housing insecure. Rent isn’t cheap and sometimes it’s hard to get food on the table. But we get by. Some of us even have parents or family members helping us pay rent, bills or tuition. We may have a family home to fall back on, if times get real rough. Personally, I know there is never a moment in my life where I fear becoming homeless because of my family support. I think these privileges are ones often taken for granted, for those who have them. But life can change in a single heartbeat, as the world tragically witnessed on Thursday morning of Nov. 8. Citizens of Paradise sat peacefully in their intact homes and businesses on Wednesday evening and were displaced by the raging flames in less than 24 hours. Families of all sizes and variety now sleep in $30 tents in the Walmart parking lot. Older folks lay in cots and wall-to-wall in shelters while Norovirus spreads quickly across nearly every shelter. People sleep in cars, sleeping bags, in the dirt and in vacant Toy’s “R” Us warehouses. The air is toxic with the particles of incinerated houses, cars and wildlife while the thick layer of smoke cools the air down to a chilly 37 degrees some nights. These people have no choice but to survive in these conditions. This is all they have.
JOSH COZINE—THE ORION
A donation center for #CampFire evacuees in the old Toy’s “R” Us parking lot. On Nov. 18 Tobias Van Gelder with Youth With a Mission said they are taking donations of new products. This is what utter tragedy looks This generosity is contagious and Before the Camp Fire displaced population in Butte County is like. Our community has banded equally as inspiring. thousands, more than 1,900 only going to continue to rise, together in this time of despair I’m incredibly humbled by people were already homeless in especially after this disaster. I and we grieve together by helping the effort being put out by the Butte County (more than 1,000 can only hope that this all has others. community. Nothing can replace in Chico alone), as reported by opened our eyes to what we could Emergency volunteer centers the loved ones, memories, items the 2017 Homeless Point in Time possibly accomplish. We can open are overflowing with volunteer and homes that survivors of the Census and Survey Report on up shelters for all, we can provide applications. Endless piles of Camp Fire have lost, but this page one. There can be no more countless donations, we can help clothes and shoe stand at every sense of community is a beginexcuses about not using our people. This is not just up to city shelter and donation site, so ning to healing. community activism to help their council, the governor, or anybody much so that many places have But all of this is far from over. communities as well. We have far in executive government. This is asked for folks to stop donating. There are many months and proved that we are absolutely caup to us, our community, to make Most days as I walk into a grocery years of work and recovery ahead pable of helping homeless people. the changes needed to help any store, I watch both customers of us and it is going to take every But yet, rarely anybody would see person struggling among us. and employees tearfully pay for single one of us to get to the other businesses and civilians holding Rayanne Painter can be reached at evacuee’s groceries or offer them side. We not only need this energy out helping hands to people expeopinioneditor@theorion.com or free store items. Nearly every to last through the hardships to riencing homelessness before this @rayphenomenon on Twitter food truck and restaurant are come in the wake of the fire, but tragedy. offering up food for those in need. far past that. The permanent homeless
OPINION
15
Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018
RELIEF EFFORTS
Monetary donations are not the only way to help Donating items and time can bring happiness during a time of hopelessness
Rachael Bayuk
Donating time can be just as valuable as donating items. Volunteer at an evacuation center, or an animal shelter that has taken in displaced pets.
Staff Writer
T
he Camp Fire has taken lives and homes, but it will not take our hope. Our
community needs to stand together, stronger than ever before. Part of standing together will be rebuilding lives. While sentimental things can never be replaced, there are so many things that can help. Donation locations are all around Chico. Also, evacuation centers in Chico are a place to contact and ask what specific things families need. Everyone’s needs are different. Some people had time to pack up, while others did not. So calling and finding out what can best help is a good option. Deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other personal care items are always a good thing to donate. Don’t forget about women’s personal care items. Periods are hard enough, so donating pads, tampons and Pamprin can be a real blessing. Now, this is a college town and a lot of people want to help but just don’t have the funds to donate or run to the store and get supplies for evacuees. That’s OK, you can still help.
A quick closet clean out is the first step to helping. Clothing items are a good thing to donate. Even though most shelters are no longer taking used clothing donations, this does not mean it is not necessary. Maybe that coat you bought, but don’t
To volunteer, contact Caring Choices by calling 530-899-3873 or going to the office at 1398 Ridgewood Drive in Chico. According to their website, they are only accepting volunteer applications from California state employees or licensed medical personnel
To volunteer, contact Caring Choices by calling 530-899-3873 or going to the office at 1398 Ridgewood Drive in Chico. Do whatever you can, even if all you can do is send well wishes. Do that, show support. We are a community of love and we are strong. Fire will not change that.
JOSH COZINE—THE ORION
Lourie Jones put up “Evacuated” and “Not Home” signs on all of her neighbors’ doors that had left due to the Camp Fire. really wear too much, or the pair around the corner and families share those good reads you’ve of hiking boots you swore you becoming homeless, clean clothes been cherishing. A book can take would used but never got around are a basic necessity. us far away, it can change a whole to. These items could make day and entertain for hours. someone’s day a little brighter, all Going through your book stash while keeping them warm. Take and donating some of the gems Here are a few places to call time to look through Facebook, is a great step too. about donating these items to there are groups and community Some books can bring a much evacuees. members always looking for help. needed smile too. If you are like The Salvation Army in Chico You can also reach out to students me, you probably collect books (530) 342-2192 on campus. With winter just all over. This is a great time to Butte County Fairgrounds in
For more information about the Camp Fire, call the Cal Fire information hotline at 530538-7826. Rachael Bayuk can be reached at opinioneditor@theorion.com or @BayukRachael on Twitter.
The Salvation Army in Chico (530) 342-2192 Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley (530) 846-3626 Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City (530) 674-1280
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SPORTS