Pacific Sotheby's International Realty agent Amelia Smith demonstrates how heroes are made

The word "hero" often conjures up mental pictures of red flapping capes, over-the-elbow gloves and bold breastplate logos. But perhaps the accessories don't make the hero. Perhaps heroes are defined by something else.

Maya Angelou said, "I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people."

The recent California wildfire season was the worst in history. With over 1.3 million acres of the state ravaged by flames that destroyed homes and lives, it would be easy for everyone to be disheartened. But even clouds made of smoke can have a silver lining.

That silver...