California On Fire

California On Fire 

California recently had one of the largest fires in history, called Camp Fire. Camp fire scorched 142,000 acres of California land, over 12,000 structures, and stole more than 70 innocent lives. The exact source of the fire is uncertain, but heads are turning toward PG&E electrical company who is infamous for starting wildfires in California since the pipeline explosion in 2010. PG&E reported to having a faulty outage within one of their lines 15 minute prior to the start of Camp Fire. In addition, the day prior to the fire PG&E placed flyers in certain neighborhoods warning they may shut down power temporarily for safety reasons and to prepare. Did they have a feeling this fire was going to happen and could have they prevented it? It is still made unsure in a report from Vice, “The investigation into what caused the Camp Fire is still ongoing, but PG&E cited “actual and potential liabilities” in its decision to file for bankruptcy.”   
VICE News. “California's Largest Power Company PG&E Filed for Bankruptcy after the State's Deadliest Wild Fire.” VICE News, VICE News, 30 Jan. 2019, news.vice.com/en_us/article/wjm5aw/californias-largest-power-company-filed-for-bankruptcy-after-the-states-deadliest-wild-fire.
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People Making an Impact

People Making an Impact

Everyone hates potholes, but how much? Two guys calling themselves the Pothole Vigilantes living in Oakland absolutely  despise them, and are on a mission to fix up the community. “You can't can't go one block without hitting a massive pothole and having your coffee jump out of the coffee holder,” said one vigilante named Brian. At first, they started with the ones they drove over everyday, posting the finished work on Instagram where they received a lot of positive feedback. The men started a Go Fund me account to earn money for the materials, and started fixing more potholes at the request of the donors. Now, they have filled 50 potholes and are continuing to map out roads that still need work. However, city officials are not pleased, saying that it is a violation of safety and ordered them to cease. In spite, the vigilantes continued on with their diligent work. Finally, to satisfy to the good people of Oakland and relieve the pothole vigilantes, officials have hired full-time work crews specifically to fix potholes. This is a classic, inspirational story of how anyone, no matter your size or place in this world, can initiate change!   

Welch, Brady, and Alzo Slade. “Meet the Masked Vigilantes Filling Potholes in Oakland.” VICE News, VICE News, 29 June 2019, news.vice.com/en_us/article/neayzg/meet-the-masked-vigilantes-filling-potholes-in-oakland.

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California Quakes

California Quakes 

California has just recently experienced the largest earthquake in 20 years, and residents are in fear of what could come next. One day it was a 6.4 magnitude earthquake shaking the people of California from their homes.The very next day, things got even more frightening when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit. Now, Californians are forced to consider the horrible truth that might be their futures. A video presented by Vice and HBO shows how one family living in Trona, struggling to find safety outside of their dilapidated homes. Pitched up in a home-made shelters made of sheets and blankets, families with small children camp out under the stars in case another quake hits again. One victim of the earthquakes said, “After being caught off-guard the second time, I'd rather sleep outside knowing I'm safe than be there.” To them, outside is safer than inside right now. Trona, California is home to these people but their home is not safe, and that's frightful.

Ucar, Ani. “The Town at the Epicenter of California's Massive Earthquake Feels Forgotten.” VICE News, VICE News, 10 July 2019, news.vice.com/en_us/article/vb9amj/the-town-at-the-epicenter-of-californias-massive-earthquake-feels-forgotten.

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