The recent wildfires that tore through Northern California were devastating to say the least. The damage estimates include at least 42 people dead, over 8000 structures destroyed and over $1 billion dollars will be needed to repair the devastation. However, not all was lost, and now the best that we, as Californians, can do is to help them rebuild, by helping them continue to do business. With this issue, and the three following issues, Outword California has reached out to LGBT-friendly businesses in the effected areas and offered to run ads, free of charge, so they can let people in our community know that they are open for business. We hope that more businesses will take us up on our offer, but for now, you will know their ads by the red border around them. We wish our friends to the northeast the very best, and a speedy recovery, as well as our sincere condolences for their losses.
