Today, I walked through Hitcher Park Trail, and I couldn’t help but notice how dry everything felt. It hasn’t rained in a while, and the trees, which would normally look vibrant and full of life, seemed parched and brittle. The ground beneath my feet was covered in dry leaves and dust, making every step feel like a reminder of how much the land is craving water.

Even though the trail still had its usual peaceful charm, there was an undeniable sense of change in the air. The lack of moisture made me think about how vulnerable these trees are, especially with California’s wildfire season becoming more unpredictable. I found myself wondering—if it doesn’t rain soon, how much drier will this place become?

That thought stayed with me as I reflected on the recent wildfire at Palisade Park. The memory of it is still fresh—blackened tree trunks standing like charred skeletons, the once-green hills reduced to ash. Wildfires have always been a part of California’s reality, but this one felt different. The fire didn’t just consume trees and grass; it took with it a sense of security, leaving behind a community shaken and struggling to rebuild.

Even though I live in Orange County and wasn’t directly affected, I can’t help but worry about the long-term impact. Rising insurance rates, stricter regulations, and the overall economic impact are things we’ll all have to deal with sooner or later. What happens if wildfires become so frequent that people can no longer afford to live in high-risk areas? Will homeowners be forced to move because fire insurance is out of reach? Will the state invest more in fire prevention, or will we just continue reacting to one disaster after another?

As I stood there on the dry trail, looking at the trees that hadn’t seen rain in weeks, I felt an overwhelming sense of both worry and appreciation. Worry for what the future holds, and appreciation for the beauty that still remains. California has burned before, and it will burn again, but the spirit of those who call it home will always rise from the ashes.