Mourning for the City of Angels

The recent fires raging across Los Angeles have had a devastating impact on countless lives, leaving many mentally and emotionally wrecked. The scale of the destruction is immense, with thousands evacuated and homes and businesses lost. The situation is particularly heartbreaking for those with deep roots in Altadena, like my friends Sylvia, Jabali, and Monique. ?

Sylvia’s brother and his wife tragically lost everything in the fires. She is currently in New York City, working tirelessly to raise funds to support them and their child. Monique’s extended family in Altadena has also been severely impacted, with generations now facing homelessness. She grieves from Hawaii, while her daughter Aolani in Oregon shares? images of happier days on Facebook with childhood friends now grappling with the loss of their homes and familiar landmarks.

Having spent much of my adult life in Los Angeles, from my time at USC studying print journalism and international relations to living in various neighborhoods like West L.A., Venice Beach, Hollywood, and Mount Washington, this news hits me hard. I grieve for my friends and associates from Harlem.

The Situation on the Ground:

• Evacuations: At least 153,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, with another 166,000 under evacuation warnings over the weekend, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department. ?
• Casualties: At least 24 deaths are being investigated — 16 from the Eaton Fire and eight from the Palisades Fire Search and rescue efforts are underway. ?
• Destruction: More than 38,000 acres have burned across the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst fires. Over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and places of worship, have been destroyed.
• Containment: The Eaton Fire has spread to more than 14,000 acres and is 33% contained. The Palisades Fire is at nearly 24,000 acres and 14% contained. The Kenneth Fire is fully contained, and the Hurst Fire is 89% contained. ?
• Water Safety: Several drinking water advisories are in effect. A "do not drink" order covers much of northern Pasadena due to damage to pump stations and reservoirs. A similar notice is in place for parts of the Pacific Palisades and areas north of San Vicente Blvd under evacuation orders due to potential fire-related contaminants.Parts of northern Pasadena are also advised against using tap water for any purpose. ?
• Air Quality: The LA County public health department advises those in smoke-affected areas to limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers, and wear N95 or P100 respirators. ?

Maintaining Well-being During the Fires:

This is an incredibly stressful time for those affected by the fires. It's crucial to prioritize physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are some tips for navigating this challenging period:

• Physical Health: Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled water, especially if local water sources are compromised. Protect Your Lungs: Follow air quality advisories. Limit outdoor exertion, use air purifiers indoors, and wear N95 or P100 respirators when necessary. Rest and Nutrition: Get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals when possible. Even small, frequent snacks can help maintain energy levels.
• Mental and Emotional Health:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, scared, and even angry. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment.

Limit News and Social Media Consumption: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to news and social media can exacerbate stress. Set limits on how much time you spend consuming this information.

Connect with Others: Talk to friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and feelings can be incredibly helpful. If you are displaced, seek out support from local shelters or community centers.

Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to cope, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Many organizations offer free or low-cost counseling services. The Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) provides 24/7 crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. ?

Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music. Even small moments of self-care can make a difference.

Focus on What You Can Control: In the midst of chaos, focusing on small, manageable tasks can provide a sense of control. This might include organizing essential belongings, creating a plan for the next few days, or helping others in need.

This is a difficult time for everyone affected by the fires. Remember to be kind to yourself and others, and seek support when needed.