Hollywood hills: Support and Assistance for Wildfire Victims
The devastating wildfires in Southern California have impacted communities, homes, and lives. We stand in solidarity with all those affected, offering support and hope for rebuilding. This article shares resources and a message of unity in the face of tragedy. Find out how you can help and get support
The devastating wildfires that have swept across Southern California have deeply impacted all of us, reaching into communities where we have clients, colleagues, and friends. As a company that cares deeply about the spaces where people live, work, and thrive, we are acutely aware of the immense loss and disruption caused by these tragic events. It’s a time for us to come together, offer support, and acknowledge the challenges our neighbours are facing.
Unprecedented Devastation:
The past few days have seen flames engulf neighborhoods, from the coastal enclaves of Pacific Palisades and Malibu to inland communities like Altadena, Sylmar, and the Hollywood Hills. Driven by fierce winds and tinder-dry conditions, the fires have forced widespread evacuations, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The sheer scale of the devastation is staggering, with initial reports indicating that over 2,000 homes, businesses, and other structures have been damaged or completely destroyed, and the situation is still evolving. The financial toll is estimated to be between $52 and $57 billion, placing a significant strain on the region's resources and those affected.
Impact Reaching Far and Wide:
We've seen the impact of these wildfires reach far and wide. From areas with some of the most expensive real estate in the country, where median home values exceed $2 million, to other areas throughout Southern California. The speed and intensity of the fires have been particularly alarming, with hurricane-force winds carrying embers to ignite new blazes. The situation has put over 130,000 people under evacuation orders, impacting communities from the beautiful Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.
A Threat to Landmarks and Lives:
The fires reach has extended into affluent and densely populated areas, including Santa Monica, Calabasas, and the iconic Hollywood Hills. The thought of the world-renowned Hollywood sign, along with historic landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, TCL Chinese Theatre, and many others, being threatened is unsettling. These landmarks represent not only the rich culture of the area but are also deeply embedded in the memories of many. The fires have become personal with public figures like Adam Brody, Eugene Levy, and Paris Hilton sharing news of the loss of their homes. The image of their properties, homes that once represented comfort and safety, now affected by wildfires shows the devastation these fires has caused.
Resilience in the Face of Tragedy:
While these tragic events are heart-wrenching, stories of courage and community resilience are also emerging. Firefighters have worked tirelessly, battling flames and navigating challenging terrain. The speed at which they have responded, often risking their own lives, and the fact that nature "was a little nicer" to firefighters a few days ago and they could contain the flames before spreading is a small blessing in such hard times. The community has responded to support evacuees, with restaurants providing meals, temporary housing offered by Airbnb, and free transportation provided by companies like Uber and Lyft. Numerous animal shelters have also stepped up to provide care for pets, both large and small, affected by the evacuation. There are also numerous evacuation centers like Westwood Recreation Center and Los Angeles Equestrian Center providing shelter and support for those displaced.
Our Support for the Affected:
Our hearts go out to each one of our valued clients in Los Angeles who are directly affected by this crisis. Knowing the dedication and love our clients have poured into creating their homes, seeing their lives disrupted by these fires is extremely difficult. We stand in solidarity with you and everyone who is facing such unprecedented challenges. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to all affected by the fires, those who have lost homes, those who are displaced, those who are working tirelessly on the frontlines, and all the families and communities impacted. In addition, seeing images of homes such as those of Paris Hilton, Adam Brody, and Eugene Levy impacted by the fires, shows the severity of the situation and reminds us how devastating wildfires can be.
Rebuilding and Hope for the Future:
We deeply understand the significance of "home." It is a sanctuary, a place of comfort, and the heart of a family. We believe in the power of rebuilding and creating safe, beautiful spaces. And even though the emotional scars will be long-lasting, we want to offer hope and support in any way possible. For the communities affected by this tragedy, let us work together and focus our efforts on healing, reconstruction, and resilience. In these challenging times, we want to be a symbol of strength and unity as we navigate through this crisis together.
How You Can Help and Find Support:
Temporary Housing
Available through Airbnb and 211 LA. Call 211 or visit 211LA.org
Free Transportation
Uber ( Use code WILDFIRE25)
Lyft ( Use code CAFIRERELIEF25 ) offering free transportation for evacuees.
Restaurants:Â
Yeastie Boys Bagels
Offering free bagels to first responders and evacuees. Check their
social media for food truck locations.
Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill
Providing free meals to first responders and those in need. Call
(310) 673-3300Â for info.
Altaeats
Free meals on Thursdays for first responders and evacuees.
Located at 1860 N Allen Ave, Pasadena. Call (626) 794-1162
McDonald's
Contact local branches for details
Central Kitchen
Providing meals to evacuees and first responders in Sacramento
Evacuation Centers:
Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025)
Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Pasadena Civic Center – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Pomona Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Small Animals:
Agoura Animal Care Center 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
Large Animals:
Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 Riverside Dr, Burbank)
Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona
Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
Antelope Valley Fair 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536