Shabbat shalom.
Several JNR readers, friends and family alike, reside in the Los Angeles area, some currently under threat of the Palisades fire heading east, or some new conflagration erupting in urban/suburban areas that were once thought to be safe from any Santa Ana wind-whipped flames. As of this morning, at least 11 deaths from the fire are confirmed, over 100,000 have been evacuated, and over 10,000 “structures” have been burnt and destroyed. Many of those “structures” are people’s homes, rich and poor alike. The hell released by these fires does not discriminate. And the scale of the destruction defies comprehension: think Dresden after the fire bombing in WWII. And this madness is not yet contained, despite the brave and relentless courage of the fire fighters and civilians working feverishly to stop the madness before it spreads even further. One of my friends in West Hollywood is currently safe, but texted this yesterday, “Still good for us thankfully… but terrible situations elsewhere. Scenes of devastation from the Palisades are shocking. That was one place we looked when moving here in 2016, and the houses we checked out all seem to be gone. Awful, sobering and so sad for the thousands of people affected.” Indeed.
One Substacker, JD Hayman, put it this way:
You hear this refrain again and again: People have lost everything. Movie stars and paupers alike are leveled by an uncontrollable elemental force. “Everything” can’t quite convey the enormity of the loss. It includes the dumb, sweet gimcrack of our lives—photo albums and pajamas, old love letters, faded heirlooms, warm coats, toothbrushes, a pillow. A friend took a video of the ruins of her home, burned down to its foundations, with only a charred child’s soccer goal left standing. She wrote: It really puts things into perspective when you have one pair of socks and shoes.
Angelenos can be blasé about most of the environmental forces that buffet their lives. You get used to tremors—those moments when it feels as though the earth is trying to shrug humanity off its back. Searing droughts are followed by torrential rains that can turn a trickle in a culvert into a raging flood. A Mission Revival villa may be obliterated by a mudslide, and the family Shih Tzu carried off by a coyote. But this is different. Driven by the Devil Winds that howl in from the Mojave, fire is defiant, feral, and ravenous. And these fires, raging across the spine of the city, are the most terrible in memory.
I am finding it difficult this week to train my thoughts and writings on other issues, Jewish or not, given the scope of the devastation we are witnessing in California. My wife and I will be traveling there in February, to do our annual snowbird escape to Palm Springs, a desert oasis and another jewel in the Californian crown of geographical splendor and beauty. We heard just recently that the air quality there is not good, and masks are recommended. But our thoughts now are focused on the welfare of all Angelenos, and the hope that this nightmare will end soon, and the death and destruction will be contained.
Be safe everyone.
Brad out.
If you want to know how to help, here is a list of organizations that will gladly accept any donations:
American Red Cross
The Red Cross has deployed volunteers to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those displaced by the fires. Donations can be made here.
Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is distributing essentials to vulnerable children and families, including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. Volunteers can assist by packing supplies at their L.A. headquarters.
Best Friends Animal Society
This group supplies essential pet care items and necessities for humans impacted by the wildfires. Donations are accepted via their website.
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation
The CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides funding and support to firefighters and their families affected by disasters. Make donations here.
California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund aids California’s neediest communities affected by wildfires.
California Fire Foundation
The foundation works with local agencies and community groups to assist those impacted by wildfires. Donations support survivors in L.A. County and across California.
Canine Rescue Club
This local network of foster caregivers is providing shelter for dogs affected by the wildfires. Interested volunteers can find more information here.
+COOP
Real estate broker and boutique owner Jenna Cooper turned her Beverly Boulevard store into a wildfire relief pop-up where those affected can pick up donated clothing and other items (7278 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles).
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is distributing free N95 masks to residents in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and other areas impacted by smoke. Donations go directly to individuals affected by the fires and other California disasters.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The L.A. Food Bank is partnering with agencies, religious groups, and nonprofits to distribute food and other essential items.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides water, food, and emergency relief, as well as longer-term assistance to those impacted.
Set Active Clothing Donations
L.A.-based Set Active is accepting clothing donations. Residents can contact them via Instagram for drop-off details.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
The YMCA is collecting donations of essential items for wildfire survivors at its Westchester and Koreatown locations.
World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andres’ relief organization is partnering with local restaurants and food vendors to provide meals for emergency workers and those displaced by the fires. Donations can be made here.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way has established a Wildfire Response Fund to support marginalized communities disrupted by the fires.
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