Hi from LA, my family and I are safe, but we’re all in a bit of shock. When my husband and kids and I came to LA four years ago, we stayed our first month in a house near the PCH in the Palisades - that house is gone now. We moved to another house in the Palisades, near Will Rogers park - it’s hard to tell if that one still stands, but I think it does. Our house now is on the border of the mandatory evacuation zone, but it’s fine. We left last night around 7:30, it seemed too risky with the winds getting worse overnight.
This morning is like waking up to an alternate reality, looking at footage of the completely burned down town, literally the entire thing is gone - like if the whole Upper East Side of Manhattan was decimated overnight, except more because it’s also Malibu, Topanga…. and then the fires in Altadena. It’s a nightmare. Friends have lost everything, friends’ children’s schools were burnt to the ground. So many places my family and I loved are gone, the destruction is so vast and so intense, it’s hard to wrap my mind around - despite being pretty much right there.
I’m grateful for our safety and the community who checked in on us - our school’s principal called me personally this morning to make sure the kids were ok, one of my best friends called and made me laugh so hard I cried, total strangers have reached out - and I’m just so grateful. I don’t have any sweet little takeaways from this today, but if you know of resources available for displaced families, or any information about the schools that have been burned, ways the rest of us can help, I hope you’ll put it in the comments here. I know I have a large-ish number of readers in LA, and if you’re struggling, I’m here with you. I’m putting a few resources here, but please feel free to add any in the comments.
This site has an updated look at which areas have been hit with the fires, and the app Watch Duty has been super helpful in tracking the fires and evacuation orders.
“The California Fire Foundation provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve. Your tax-deductible donation will help us provide aid to victims of wildfires or other natural disaster through our Wildfire & Disaster Relief programs.
Your contribution is tax-deductible through the California Fire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation provides support for fallen firefighter families, firefighters and their communities.” Donate Here
“World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Our teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.
WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes to the frontlines with the urgency of now to start cooking and provide meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of food trucks or emergency kitchens, WCK provides freshly made, nutritious meals to communities impacted by disasters quickly and effectively. We know that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis.
WCK has provided more than 450 million fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world. Your donation today will be used to support our emergency food relief efforts.” Donate Here
“The CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation supports firefighters and their families in times of personal crisis, burn victims, and research aimed at keeping our brave firefighters safe. Funds go directly to those who need it most: the firefighter in the midst of hardship, displaced families, those who have lost a home, firefighter parents of an ill child, and those left living to carry on after a sudden death.” Donate Here
The Salvation Army - Support Wildfire Relief
“Rebuilding the community, residences, and homes will take years and The Salvation Army continues to provide financial assistance and support to all communities, as funding is available, until their needs are met. To date, The Salvation Army has provided long-term financial assistance to over 240 households, totaling $564,629.” Donate Here
Try to avoid unnecessary risks, be a neighbor to your neighbors, take care of yourself.
Your friend,
Laurel
All of us in Northern California are thinking of all of you in LA!! This is beyond horrific and we’re sending you all the love. Thanks for sharing the resources to donate to as well.
I don't know what to say more than take care.