As I sit here, anxious, watching the coverage of flames barreling closer and closer to the backside canyon towards the home of my childhood—I think about how this could change my family’s future while simultaneous obliterating the beautiful memories the past. Photos, holidays, the only videos that exist of my dad who passed away in 1980— wedding photos, graduation photos , memories that my family made in that house for 40 years could go up in flames at any moment. I sit here anxious thinking about the people who’ve already lost everything that they worked their entire lives for. My heart breaks for them, even as my own heart races for my family. I sit here, anxious for my city. I grew up in Los Angeles, the city of Angels, the city that raised me. Other than the four years I spent in college—I’ve never lived anywhere else. I love this city so much because there’s no place like it. I sit here anxious with the reality that so much has been destroyed. The reality that the character of it will never fully be restored. Even if rebuilt, it’s impossible to duplicate the imprint. Now, for those who have quick opinions and sharp tongues, please understand this: whole communities are experiencing trauma in real time. People of all ages, races and backgrounds. If you don’t have anything kind to say, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. Thinking you know about someone’s life or how it’s structured doesn’t mean you actually know. Lastly, the fires in Malibu and along the beachfront don’t just affect the people who live there. So much of this city uses that area as a refuge. The drive along Pacific Coast Highway is magical, a place to heal, a place to clear your mind, a place to reflect or escape whatever is going on in our lives. That beautiful drive is a place to feel the wind and gather fresh energy. The beauty of that drive is a source of repair for everyone, not just the people who live there. So if you think this only affects the “rich” families who live there, you’re wrong. This affects all of us. This destruction affects all of us. #palisadesfire #pasadena #californiafires #losangeles