The city of Los Angeles is nearly 500 square miles large. The 2 largest fires were approximately 2o miles from each other as the crow flies – about 35 miles as the car drives. They engulfed their communities and thousands of homes and businesses were burned to the ground. I live about 6 miles from Altadena. Here’s a factual update: The winds have been very quiet in my neighborhood of North Highland Park. Even if they kick up again, they are unlikely to be of the velocity of the rare wind event that occurred on the night of January 7th. But this is a geographically huge area and the winds vary depending on the terrain. Every Angeleno is praying for calm winds to reduce the spread of fire. I predict our prayers will be answered.
Both in my neighborhood and downtown LA (Chinatown) where I work, the air quality has been really good the last 2 days. But again, this will vary depending on one’s location.
I snapped a few photos out of my car window on Friday. This candelabra euphorbia salutes everyone who passes by the Vietnamese Grace Baptist Church and the police museum. Hello, hello citizens of the world. Look at me!
Meanwhile the wolf moon photobombs from above.
The 14,000 acre Eaton fire in Altadena is 33% contained. That doesn’t sound like much to someone who doesn’t live in wildfire country, but for those of us who do, we know how incredible that progress is. The Palisades fire, is the larger of the 2 fires, at nearly 24,000 acres. It is 14% contained. Also remarkable progress.
The magnitude of what has happened to the residents of the Palisades and Altadena is unprecedented. The wind wave that came down the mountain in Altadena has been described as a blow torch. I steer clear of the regular television news and prefer to keep my eyes on Watch Duty app and read factual updates from their staff reporters who keep political commentary, nonsense, and blame absent from their reports. Just the facts please. Also 60 minutes had a really good piece the other night.
I include scenes from my local neighborhood on January 10. We were some of the lucky residents of the city of angels. Relatively untouched, despite the evacuation warnings, losing power, and being scared shitless the night of January 7th. No big deal.
But for the dear souls of the Palisades and Altadena we all collectively mourn. What has been lost is great.
I got out the ipad and scribbled a few things the other day when poor air quality kept me inside.
The cat posse are back to their usual tricks.
I put fresh sheets on the bed. Then bright and early this morning I went back to school where the crew (the kids)and I had many hours of pure foolishness and a little bit of work. One kid made an improvisational speech to the class while we listened to elevator music (his choice).
My wigs all waved hello when I walked inside.
I’ll keep you updated as the days pass. Thanks for your kind words and well wishes. I was deeply touched and felt very surrounded by goodness.
Good night dearest middle-aged mammals. Sleep tight. xo
p.s. waves of undying love and gratitude to the brave firefighters doing battle to save our homes and city. This photo courtesy of Insight LA Meditation Center
