provide refuge

The combination of too-frequent wildfires and drought amplified by climate change poses a growing threat to wildlands that deliver drinking water to millions, provide refuge from Southland sprawl and — 142 years after Muir penned his mash note — are still home to mountain lions, bears and big-eared woodrats.

The 18th Street Gang claimed the territory, exacting “rent” from vendors and drug dealers, and while gentrification has uplifted the neighborhood, its lawns and trees still provide refuge for the unhoused, whose tents are often pitched in the shadow of Otis’ outstretched arm.

This has led to profound transformations in community structure, as the species that have declined the most, such as Gelidium corneum, are structuring, i.e. they create three-dimensional environments that provide refuge for a wide variety of organisms.

They may also have to provide refuge for Hamas leaders—who, if they really do free all the hostages, will want to leave Gaza to avoid almost certain death by Israeli missiles or commandos.

The goal is to provide refuge for more than 1,000 people.