California fires

Yes, I add my condolences to any and all affected…. What a nightmare…

Rocky

@marlinjack - I agree with you.  These fires have destroyed complete neighborhoods, it will never me the same.  I live is a fire ares and in 2008, we lost 32 homes, the area is still not completely rebuilt.  We need to pray for all the families that lost their homes.  They will need it.  Larry  

All our thoughts and empathy from Australia. Larry are you Ok ?

When those mature blue gums go up they simply explode. But I am now reading news articles they are not to blame ....??? Sure didn't help here the last few seasons .

After the experience of appalling fire events in Australia  over the last few years all you can do is contain contain contain- regardless of the cost of bulldozing firebreaks or backburns .

You cant outrun or outfight a fire front travelling at 15 MPH.

Cherish your fire crews - they are pure gold.

@Percy - Thanks for asking, I am ok.  I live in Yorba Linda which is in Orange County, south of Los Angeles.  We ar about 25 35 miles away away from the fires.  This afternoon was the 1st. Day that we smelled the fire.  I just pray that no more lives are lost.  They think it was people starting the fires.

One of my oldest friends (I've known him for over 60 years) lost his home a couple of days ago.  He's probably been in the house for close to 40 years and lost everything.  I have several other friends and clients who live in the Palisades Highlands who have been waiting to see what they have left.  The devastation is hard to believe as the latest numbers are saying over 5,000-12000 structures were destroyed!  One of my friends who I know from the Jaguarforums thinks his home is still standing but a neighbor reported to him that his beautiful XKR convertible was incinerated.  Palisades High School is gone, several elementary schools as well, and the shopping village area has suffered severe damage.  We've offered our home to several who have either lost their homes or are evacuated indefinitely.  The rebuilding of Pacific Palisades will take decades.  Very sad...

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good way to donate to the reconstruction that will be used appropriately?

There’s lots of “gofundme” pages out there, but…. I’d like to donate to something that would be used more globally.

I was thinking about a donation to the Altadena Rotary club….

There will not be any rebuilding in Pacific Palisades for quite a while.  Even those who's homes were spared will not be able to return as the infrastructure which includes all of the utilities will all have to be rebuilt throughout the entire community.  That will take considerable planning and a lot of time.  Contrary to what city officials are saying about streamlining permits, Building and Safety will not be able to issue permits before utility infrastructure is reestablished.  And how are you going to build without electricity which can't be turned on. The rebuilding of now more than 15,000 structures will take a decade if it can even be done in that amount of time.  I have worked on many homes in the Palisades, it was such a beautiful community.  It's just hard to believe when you see the devastation.