When nothing
goes right,
go to sleep.
...Anonymous
Sweet Katniss. She was out like a light in a deep sleep. I didn't want to wake up either and hoped I’d just had a bad dream.
I checked my phone and my sister in law had left me a message, "News this morning says Pacific Palisades has been essentially wiped off the map. So sorry, this is so sad."
She was correct. As the day went on, I learned of more devastation. Will Rogers Park had burned and his historic home and the beautiful white barn where I kept my horse was gone.
I would walk to Palisades Village from my house...the library, grocery store, movie theater, bank, deli, dance studio, garden shop, various businesses and the homes surrounding the village have been reduced to rubble.
My elementary school and high school burned. The beautiful building called The Business Block commissioned in 1924, where my mom worked, was ravaged by fire. Historic Villa de Leon 1927 burned down.
I do not know about my childhood home yet but I sat and cried all day while watching the unimaginable news. It felt apocalyptic. I am heartbroken.
The Pacific Palisades fire grew to 16,000 acres, burned more than 1,000 structures so far and there is 0% containment. The fire has been spreading towards Santa Monica and Malibu. This is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles County history. My town is gone.
The Pasadena fire (Eaton fire) has been brutal as well.
A fourth fire has broken out in the Hollywood Hills, near the infamous Hollywood sign.
Katniss has the right idea...wake me when it's over.
So heartbreaking reading your narrative! I have been watching the horrifying scenes on the news - just so scary for all those living there. Big hug - stay safe!
I love the picture but most of all I'm so sorry for what's happening to you.
My first trip to the USA was in California. I was 14 years old, travelling alone to stay in a family in the North of the state but we landed in LA. It was the early morning. The view of the city from the plane with its streets still lighted and the beautiful orange sunrise is still one of my fav memories called "wow! that's stunning" even 54 years after.
Sweet Katniss! If only you could sleep these horrific developments away. Beyond imagination, even as pictures of the destruction are available for the world to see... Wishing you God's matchless shalom (peace in the midst of chaos) to embrace you as your mind and heart try to absorb this ongoing news!
There are no words to make things better, Cathee! This is horrible beyond belief! Heartbreakingly tragic in so many ways! The loss, the devastation is unimaginable! The trauma is so hard to absorb! I hope you can find a little comfort with Katniss and your family and friends! Huge hug!!!
Thank you all for your support and understanding. I not only mourn for myself but for those all affected by the fire this horrible week. The unimaginable has happened. Pacific Palisades began in 1922 and burned to the ground 2025.
January 17th, 2025
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
My first trip to the USA was in California. I was 14 years old, travelling alone to stay in a family in the North of the state but we landed in LA. It was the early morning. The view of the city from the plane with its streets still lighted and the beautiful orange sunrise is still one of my fav memories called "wow! that's stunning" even 54 years after.
Thank you all for your support and understanding. I not only mourn for myself but for those all affected by the fire this horrible week. The unimaginable has happened. Pacific Palisades began in 1922 and burned to the ground 2025.