I didn’t feel much like watching fireworks this weekend- mainly because I’ve been so bummed out with the real fires throughout the California coast. Statewide, Calfire reports that 558,788 acres have been scorched since fires started on June 20th. Although some have been contained, there are still major threats. 
One of my favorite restaurants in Big Sur, Nepenthe is still fighting for it’s life. Besides losing revenues of $60,000 per day, they are holding out on evacuating and taking matters into their own hands.
When I was asked why I didn’t want to watch fireworks as this was my patriotic duty, I realized as an American living in this country at this time of upheaval and change, I feel a sense of pride to be an American. Sure the political and economic landscape looks a bit shaky these days but there isn’t any other place I would rather live.
I’m a first generation immigrant- growing up in Italy, we wished for the day when we would move to America. Everytime I walked by fountains in Italy, I threw a coin after making my wish. Finally one spring afternoon, I walked into the livingroom to hear the great news we were moving to California.
For the next few months, we packed and stocked up on the finest Italian furniture and said our good-byes to our Italian friends. By summer, we landed in some hotel on Ventura Blvd in Studio City. I sat in the hotel room for days watching colored TV and eating popsicles while my parents searched for apartments and schools to settle us into.
I still feel the same way I did back them, a sense of wonder and pride of being part of a system that works. This weekend I celebrate that.
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