Where I was born
Where I was raised
Where I keep all
my yesterdays.
...Author Unknown
No matter how far we wander, our hometowns remain the anchor of our souls. And I am devastated that my hometown is on fire.
A wildfire swept through the coastal Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles forcing at least 30,000 residents to evacuate. There was panic and gridlock traffic and the smoke so thick you could barely see the roads.
The blaze began around 10:30am near a 4 million dollar home, shortly after the start of a Santa Ana windstorm, the strongest to hit in over a decade. The blaze grew to 3,000 acres fueled by the combination of dry conditions (no rain in 9 months) and powerful winds, which will likely strengthen overnight up to 100 mph hurricane force wind gusts. Multiple homes have already burned and flames have jumped the coast highway and set palm trees on fire at the beach.
This is hard to process and I won't get much sleep tonight. I hope that not only my childhood home but structures that hold fond memories are still standing in the morning. If you look at this map, my childhood home is located on El Medio Avenue, which was just outside the fire zone earlier today.
Both Santa Monica and Malibu may need to be evacuated as well.
Several new fires have begun including one near Pasadena. Embers are flying in these windy conditions.
Our online pastor, who lives in Chino Hills, gave a late-night heads up to his followers about this horrific fire, asking all to pray. So, so sorry for this trauma to you and to so many. I do pray this fire has not destroyed your childhood home and other places that hold special memories for you! May you know the peace that can only come from God!
I was thinking about you and pray that your childhood home remains unscathed. I called my cousin who lives in Newport Beach and she was both devastated and horrified at the wild fire. Prayers for the safety of all who are in the midst of this inferno. And, may God cover all those affected with his protection against harm and danger.
Oh no - how awful for you and your family and all of the current residents of that area. Climate change is causing devastating events world wide. I hope this awful fire manages to leave your chidlhood home unscathed. I also hope that the men and women fighting this fire remain safe.
This is so horrible, Cathee! I saw this on the evening news last night. I thought of you, but then I told myself that this is not where you live. But- ohhh- your hometown! I am so, so sorry! Hoping for better news soon! Take care of yourself- xx
So many environmental tragedies in the past year. I'm sorry how this may be touching some of your memories. I've heard from others how this has impacted them and/or their families.
Ian