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As I'm sure a lot of people are aware, the San Diego area (my area) is being hit by a lot of fires.  While there haven't been any fatalities (thankfully), there has been a lot of property lost and there are a lot of displaced people right now.  The Red Cross is taking care of the evacuees; while they haven't put out an on-air plea for donations, I'm sure they can use any extra support possible.

If you'd like to donate to help (or help spread the word), this is the website they're directing everyone to donate at:  http://www.redcross.org/ca/san-diego


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Also, on a related tangent, the recent disasters in the U.S. show why it's so important to have an emergency plan in place.  A lot of areas in the state (and other states, I'm sure!) have high fire risk at some point(s) in the year.  Other states have their own unique risks, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and so on.  A lot of the people affected by these fires have only had minutes to grab what they could and leave.  So make sure you have those important items together (papers, documents, digital media, etc.), and make sure you and your family stay connected when there's a disaster.  I've been through 3 wildfires in the part of San Diego I live in.  Trust me, it's super-important.  Fires -like many natural disasters- can hit hard, and they can hit fast.  (I know in 2003 a lot of the people who died in the Cedar Fire had almost no warning it was coming until it was too late.  So sad.)

Is there any update to the status of approvals for panels?  I'm still waiting to hear on my two panels, and the only word I've gotten was over on the Fanime Panels Twitter from 4/7, stating their main scheduler was having major tech issues.  With all the other issues in communication this year has already had, can those of us who are waiting please get some updated info?

Sorry if this has been answered in some format.  I have looked over all the appropriate FAQs and information and still didn't find this answer.

I have the opportunity to attend Fanime this year with a Press badge.  Looking at the Press information & FAQs I see that Press badge holders cannot participate in Masquerade (understandable).  If one does have a Press badge and wishes to participate in Masquerade, can they purchase any form of an attendee badge and participate?  Or is it a 'Press badge OR Attendee badge, not both' sort of thing?  I have no issue purchasing a day badge with my Press badge (if allowed) or purchasing a full weekend attendee badge (if it's the 'either/or' scenario), I just want to make sure I'm following the rules properly.  Thanks!

I just heard last night that this panel was approved.  Check this space for details!

Date: Friday, 5/23
Time: 7PM - 8PM
Location: Panels Room 2
List of series to be discussed: TBA

Basic Summary:

Think magical girl anime are nothing more than sparkles and rainbows?  Think again!  Come join in the discussion of the 'darker' themes that are present in some of the more popular and well-known magical girl series, and find out why these themes actually are a good thing.