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Mark Dolan's avatar

A heartbreaking story Michael. As usual, your tone was just right for the moment. I have a relative who lost their home outside of Santa Barbara a few years back -- total loss. Another relative on the border of Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica previously evacuated and assessing the damage close to the Getty. Nature is undefeated. I hope the community can heal and bounce back stronger.

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Martha Nichols's avatar

I’m so sorry, Michael. I know what you mean about memories burning.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Martha.

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Toby Neal's avatar

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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Alena Nevarte Nahabedian's avatar

Dear Michael,

My heart is with you. I concur. It is not the time to be pointing fingers and hating and being all fucking agro. It is a time to come together and use our strength for the power of good. I grew up down there. Watching from afar is heartbreaking, sickening, stomach turning....I am grieving for all of you, and I am grieving for the cougars and the oak trees too. I want you to know that I am with you, in solidarity, from Portland, Oregon and I can smell the eucalyptus smoke all the way from here. Tears. Alena

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful comment, Alena.

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Betsy Brazy's avatar

Here is the good news: people around the world love California, so they are sending their finest firefighters to help. I’m sending love from NorCal and wishes for a gentle rain to clear the smoke.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you for reminding me of this, Betsy. One especially heart-warming thing at this time is seeing help come from so many different places.

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James Hart's avatar

Very glad you and your family are safe, Michael. Surreal is probably the word to describe a lot if it, including much of the public reaction. Thanks for sharing a charity list. Also hoping for the best for you and yours and, well, everybody.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thanks James!

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Keep safe, Michael. We’re watching with horror and great sadness here in the UK.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Yasmin.

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

Thinking of you Michael and all those affected by this catastrophe. I pray the fire stays away from your home and neighborhood. Thank you for sharing the list of organizations. I’ll peruse through and send a donation. It doesn’t feel near enough. Take care over these coming days.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Kim.

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Claudia Befu's avatar

I’m sorry that you have to live trough this tragedy, Michael. I wish all the best and stay safe.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Claudia.

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Sophie Blackshaw's avatar

There’s something so apocalyptic about fires.

From my burnt nation to yours, here’s hoping conditions change soon.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Sophie. Apocalyptic indeed.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

I'm so sorry, Michael. I think I've mentioned I was born in LA, grew up in the Bay Area, but my extended family is there, and many childhood memories. Everyone's safe and most are OK, but my cousin lost her home and possessions (and entire town) in Altadena. It's an epic tragedy, and I'm so so sorry.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Asha. I’m so sorry for your cousin.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

You’ve got a spammer in your comments, Michael. 👇🏽 👿

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thanks for the heads up. I reported him. Please do the same.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

Done. I reported the comments and the user.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

I grew up in LA and my sis is still there. My sis evacuated two days ago. We know a couple of people who lost their home where they raised their kids. My nephew has 3 friends who lost their family home.

This is all so heartbreaking. I disagree with you regarding emotions. It's understandable if folks feel sad AND angry at the same time. It's natural to ask, How? That said, everyone has a different range of experience and feelings. I respect that.

I hope there will be support for the collective PTSD. It's odd and crazy and tough to comprehend.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thanks for the comment, CK. I don't think I said people shouldn't have emotions. That's completely natural. I am sad AND angry all at once. My problem is with people who deliberately use a crisis to talk shit about their opponents, spread lies, and impede the flow of life-saving information. That kind of crap is a booming business on social media.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Click bait sucks.

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Michael, I'm watching from afar with my heart in my mouth at the horror that's unfolding. Although I'm in New Zealand, I already personally know 2 different people who have lost their family members' homes (and whole communities) entirely. It is so traumatic and devasting for all concerned. I am sending love, thoughts, and prayers in your direction.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Vicki. It’s actually very comforting receiving love, thoughts, and prayers from across the pacific.

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Thank you Mr. Estrin, for sharing your thoughts and reactions in your usual straightforward and insightful way during this terrible time. Sending love!

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Anne.

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Morgan Rider's avatar

Wishing you and your neighbors safe passage through this hell.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you, Morgan.

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Bill Southern's avatar

I’m glad you are safe, Michael. This is such a massive disaster - thanks for highlighting opportunities to help.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thanks Bill.

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