This native Northern Californian’s heart is breaking for my Southern California neighbors. Thanks for the “Los Angeles is Burning” song. I’ve added to my “California’s Burning” Spotify playlist. Dave Alvin (Downey, CA native son) has a great song. “If the fires don’t get you, you know the mudslides will.”
Dave Alvin is the best! Check out albums “Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women” which has “California’s Burning” on it and “West of the West,” all covers by California song writers. Everything he does is so good.
Thank you Mr. Estrin, for sharing your thoughts and reactions in your usual straightforward and insightful way during this terrible time. Sending love!
I’ve had that song in my head for days. I’m so sad for everyone, losing so much and having to hear all the bullshit in our media and internet… You are so right to describe the threat and loss of both the tangible and the memories, so devastating for families and communities. Phoenix is sending help and so many of us are praying for our CA neighbors.
Nothing said in a comment will be sufficient and I doubt anything I could say IRL would be any better. I just hope, while so much is proving to be cruelly impermanent, you can/will take comfort in your constants. Christina. Mortimer. Your friends. And your memories. Because they're/we're not going anywhere. 💛 Take good care, please.
I’ve been turning my head towards the helpers, there are so many and that helps keep the anxiety slightly at bay. Tragedy and disaster seem to bring out the best and worst of us. My heart aches right along side yours and with so many others. Love to you and yours and all impacted. 🩵
Excellent point. I’ve been moved to tears by all the help pouring in. It warms the heart to see fire departments from across the west, Canada, Mexico, and elsewhere.
sad to think it takes an event like this to perceive the myriad disparate parts that make your city so uniquely representative of the best in human spirit: resilience, creativity, an appreciation for the past and future
I live just to the south in Orange County, and one of my favorite things to do is drive up to the Getty Villa. While the Villa has survived so far, I know that drive along PCH won’t feel the same for quite a while. My heart goes out to you and everyone else affected by this tragedy.
What's nuts is that both Getty museums are in harm's way. My understanding is that they have the best fire defenses money can buy. But yeah, that PCH drive is gonna feel very different.
Yeah, the Getty Center is meaningful to me too. When my family moved back to California, our first weekend was spent there and at a (Shaq and Kobe era) Lakers game.
The suffering, the fear, the relentless onslaught of threat and fear is horrifying. Thank you for the link to ways that we can help. And for calling out the shame/blame game -- I hate that this tragedy is already being politicized. Sending you and all Angelenos good thoughts. love and caring. And even that sounds so lame in the face of what you're all going through.
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.
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.
Thank you for the donation list. I want to warn people about go fund me. I’ve used it (and will use again) many times, but you have to be very careful of scams. People can raise funds for “others” and just keep the money. Probably best to go with a regulated charity if you want to do something immediate.
Similar feelings about Gofundme. My understanding is that they've created a hub for verified campaigns, although I'm not sure what the verification process is. My usual rule with Gofundme is to give to people I know or to people who are one-degree removed.
Most of the destructive natural events have some warning. Unfortunately, southern California seems to have more than their fair share of sudden events. The live streams from the SoCal TV stations are heart breaking.
Stay safe and if the evacuation warnings happen, get out!
There are three levels of evacuation orders. The first level is a warning — be ready to move. We have go-bags packed and we made a plan to move at the first level of warning. Thankfully, the two closest fires to us are mostly contained; the palisades fire is visible at night if you look across the valley, but it’s far enough off that we’re out of the warning zone.
This native Northern Californian’s heart is breaking for my Southern California neighbors. Thanks for the “Los Angeles is Burning” song. I’ve added to my “California’s Burning” Spotify playlist. Dave Alvin (Downey, CA native son) has a great song. “If the fires don’t get you, you know the mudslides will.”
I need to check out Dave Alvin. Thanks for the rec, Jessica.
Dave Alvin is the best! Check out albums “Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women” which has “California’s Burning” on it and “West of the West,” all covers by California song writers. Everything he does is so good.
Also love Dave Alvin. The King of California album -- so good.
Thank you Mr. Estrin, for sharing your thoughts and reactions in your usual straightforward and insightful way during this terrible time. Sending love!
Thank you, Anne.
I’ve had that song in my head for days. I’m so sad for everyone, losing so much and having to hear all the bullshit in our media and internet… You are so right to describe the threat and loss of both the tangible and the memories, so devastating for families and communities. Phoenix is sending help and so many of us are praying for our CA neighbors.
Thank you, Robin. I’ve seen many fire crews out of Arizona. A very welcome sight
Nothing said in a comment will be sufficient and I doubt anything I could say IRL would be any better. I just hope, while so much is proving to be cruelly impermanent, you can/will take comfort in your constants. Christina. Mortimer. Your friends. And your memories. Because they're/we're not going anywhere. 💛 Take good care, please.
Thank you for this comment, Meg.
I’ve been turning my head towards the helpers, there are so many and that helps keep the anxiety slightly at bay. Tragedy and disaster seem to bring out the best and worst of us. My heart aches right along side yours and with so many others. Love to you and yours and all impacted. 🩵
Excellent point. I’ve been moved to tears by all the help pouring in. It warms the heart to see fire departments from across the west, Canada, Mexico, and elsewhere.
sad to think it takes an event like this to perceive the myriad disparate parts that make your city so uniquely representative of the best in human spirit: resilience, creativity, an appreciation for the past and future
you are all embraced in our thoughts
Thank you, this comment hits just right.
I live just to the south in Orange County, and one of my favorite things to do is drive up to the Getty Villa. While the Villa has survived so far, I know that drive along PCH won’t feel the same for quite a while. My heart goes out to you and everyone else affected by this tragedy.
What's nuts is that both Getty museums are in harm's way. My understanding is that they have the best fire defenses money can buy. But yeah, that PCH drive is gonna feel very different.
Yeah, the Getty Center is meaningful to me too. When my family moved back to California, our first weekend was spent there and at a (Shaq and Kobe era) Lakers game.
The suffering, the fear, the relentless onslaught of threat and fear is horrifying. Thank you for the link to ways that we can help. And for calling out the shame/blame game -- I hate that this tragedy is already being politicized. Sending you and all Angelenos good thoughts. love and caring. And even that sounds so lame in the face of what you're all going through.
Thank you, this comment means a lot, Stephanie.
There’s something so apocalyptic about fires.
From my burnt nation to yours, here’s hoping conditions change soon.
Thank you, Sophie. Apocalyptic indeed.
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.
Thank you, Asha. I’m so sorry for your cousin.
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.
Thank you, Vicki. It’s actually very comforting receiving love, thoughts, and prayers from across the pacific.
Wishing you and your neighbors safe passage through this hell.
Thank you, Morgan.
I’m glad you are safe, Michael. This is such a massive disaster - thanks for highlighting opportunities to help.
Thanks Bill.
Thank you for the donation list. I want to warn people about go fund me. I’ve used it (and will use again) many times, but you have to be very careful of scams. People can raise funds for “others” and just keep the money. Probably best to go with a regulated charity if you want to do something immediate.
Similar feelings about Gofundme. My understanding is that they've created a hub for verified campaigns, although I'm not sure what the verification process is. My usual rule with Gofundme is to give to people I know or to people who are one-degree removed.
So sad to hear what you are going through. Words don’t suffice. Hoping for the best.
Thank you.
Most of the destructive natural events have some warning. Unfortunately, southern California seems to have more than their fair share of sudden events. The live streams from the SoCal TV stations are heart breaking.
Stay safe and if the evacuation warnings happen, get out!
There are three levels of evacuation orders. The first level is a warning — be ready to move. We have go-bags packed and we made a plan to move at the first level of warning. Thankfully, the two closest fires to us are mostly contained; the palisades fire is visible at night if you look across the valley, but it’s far enough off that we’re out of the warning zone.