On The Path To Recovery
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
My motto for 2025 is simple:
"The most punk thing you can be nowadays is an optimist". It’s a thought that keeps me grounded during these tough times and also reflects how I feel about this site.
Through realistic optimism and thoughtful advocacy, we can push for better sidewalks and infrastructure here in LA. That thumbnail of the blue Volkswagen bus standing strong amidst all the destruction perfectly captures the feeling of hope I’m talking about—a quiet resilience.
With that in mind, as the fires begin to die down, it’s time to turn to the questions and answers that will guide us forward
It’s been many heartbreaking weeks for all Angeleno’s as the Palisades and Eaton fires ravished through 1000s of homes, businesses and livelihoods. My heart goes out to everyone who’s been a victim of these devastating fires.
As the Palisades fire’s containment levels creep towards 100, I know many people are wondering about their state of their home. Many important institutions, such as churches and schools, including my own high school: Palisades Charter High School has been damaged by these fires.
We’re wondering when we can go back to these neighborhoods, see our favorite places, local businesses and parks. As the question of rebuilding starts to linger among our minds. I have another question. Where do we go from here?
The path rebuilding will not be an easy one. There are many unanswered questions and unknown variables.
Are we to rebuild again in the same way?
Are we to use fireproof materials in our homes?
Are we to massively rethink how seriously we anticipate the threat of climate change?
The way evacuations were ordered were actually very effective and probably saved many of lives. I know there was a lot of confusing and conflicting information (Mis & Disinformation) all across social media networks about whether the FD was actually defunded or the mayor cut the budget. This video by a climate expert has more information
The causes of the fires are under investigation and I'm going to be keeping a close eye on new reports.
I was in Santa Monica, the other day attending a local night event, dedicated to helping Palisades Charter high school, and the Palisades rebuild.
Through the next couple images, I wish to show you how community events like this help people reconnect with their lives.
Climate change is a real threat and we must start to combat these problems. Last weekend, we finally got some rain, I know everyone was overjoyed with this news.
Earlier this week the Palisades area just opened for residents so I'm glad that they were finally able to get back. Whenever it's possible I hope to go take photos and see with my own eyes what actually happened. It's been a tough January for everyone regardless of where you live.
Reconstruction
Concerning the reconstruction, it was quite disappointing that the five county supervisors ignored the supporters of Streets For All. (Item 13-C, sub item 30) could potentially suspend every progressive housing and development state law enacted in the last five years. This would reverse all the advancements achieved in improving housing. Los Angeles is currently in a midst of a housing crisis and has the largest homeless population. Helping residents recover is the highest priority. However we should build for the future, higher density and less car-dependent. Unfortunately, this is backward; we need better infrastructure, and this is not the way.
If you're feeling down or upset at home, I suggest getting involved in the rebuilding efforts by donating or volunteering. A lot of people have had their lives turned upside down, and your help can really make someone's day better. We as a city showed up for each other and were always stronger together.
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