For the past 4 years, at some point during the late summer and early fall, I’ve had to work outside in thick, long lasting smoke. Each morning during (and well after the fires) I had to battle with the decision between my health and my ‘wealth’. My job always won. I’ve put my job and it’s priorities before myself every single day (especially during the fires and COVID-19) even if it means my health is at significant risk. Imagine serving up to 70 people a day- outside in 100 degree weather. Now, imagine that plus wearing a mask due to the pandemic. Now, imagine all that plus THICK SMOKE and fires continuously burning all around you. Now, imagine ALL that plus your boyfriend just losing his job due directly to the fires. That’s where I’m at.
After my fourth evacuation in 4 years I sit with an extension of every decision I’ve ever made in Sonoma County. I now battle with the decision of ‘what to do and where to go’, instead of ‘how do I continue?’. I know for sure that I can no longer justify serving a non-essential item to the over-privileged consumer. Especially while people like me continue to suffer not only financially, but both physically and mentally too. There has been a huge housing crisis, a deadly global virus take over and now a national ‘state of emergency’. The very least I can do is take care of myself. I have no time to worry about tourists or their wine tasting. We all need a break. Fuck your mind over matter bullshit.
annaxmalina
titsay