Resilience After the Blaze

The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have been so catastrophic, destroying livelihoods, homes, businesses, and more. These fires hit very close to home as I’ve witnessed friends and their loved ones being impacted. They’ve left their homes with the clothes they’re wearing with their children and pets. The flames quickly spread, so they only have a few minutes to grab everything they need and pray for the best.

Los Angeles is a unique city. You can find people who immigrated with hopeful dreams. You can also find people whose families have been here for multiple generations. There is a budget and culture for everyone. You can enjoy Thai food and Mexican food, which can be minutes from each other. You can also enjoy high-end food. Los Angeles can be for the creative, the athletic, the leisure, and whoever you want to be.

What happened this past weekend proved the famous quote that “LA is full of fake people” wrong. These people? They went out to help as a community. It doesn’t matter whether they had the least or most – they found a way to help. LA always comes together, whether we won a sports championship or a community is hurt.

I am so fortunate to be in a position where I helped over a dozen families. My heart aches for all of the victims. My heart aches, especially for the strongest victims who broke seeing the aftermath of their livelihoods being gone.

Take Care of You

Take care of yourself. We saw what happened with mental health after going through the pandemic. That isolation and media overload takes a toll on your brain. You can get overwhelmed seeing the devastation. It is okay to feel the emotions you feel. That means you have empathy. At the same time, take care of yourself. I’ve spoken to many friends – it is okay to still do things to keep a sense of sanity and routine. It is okay to go to that workout class. It is okay to still enjoy the things you like. You will feel guilty that YOU CAN, and you’ll feel humbled.

I’ve struggled because I spent so much of 2024 practicing golf at Eaton Canyon. I’ve also spent many rounds playing solo. I was just there on New Year’s Day. Now, the driving range and a couple of holes are burnt. I feel horrible, but I do feel like that is selfish – people did lose their homes and businesses. It’s okay to feel how you feel.

Helping the Fire Aftermath

• Donate Directly to Impacted Victims: You can also donate to the Firefighters Foundation, the city’s local animal rescue/humane, and local non-profits helping the fire victims. You can also donate directly to the impacted victims to help them get back on their feet and rebuild their homes.
• Volunteer: There are MANY ways to volunteer
  • Local animal shelters are looking for help on-site or with fostering
  • Food banks are looking for help sorting food or prepping food
  • Donation centers are looking for help sorting out supplies and handing them out
  • After the OK – help people clean
  • Transport goods
  • MORE!!
• Cooking Meals: Cook meals for firefighters, local responders, victims, and volunteers.
• Donation: Donate necessities – I’m talking about the essential items for everyday usage. Victims come in all ages – think of what a kid or teenager needs as well. Some victims are children who only got to enjoy their Christmas presents for a couple of weeks. Junior golf clubs perished as well from Altadena/Eaton Canyon.
• Pro Bono Services: If you’re a lawyer, mental health specialist, health specialist, or any other specialist, you can lend your expertise to fire victims and firefighters for free. Hair stylists are offering free washing and blow drying to fire victims.
• Support Local Businesses: Some victims may still have standing businesses. Go support them because they’re relying on business funds to rebuild.
• Donate Blood
• Support Fundraisers: It’s okay to participate in raffles and events, with proceeds going towards fire victims.

The community is strong. The community will rebuild.