Email us at shoeboxartsla@gmail.com to add any resources.
Thank you all for your support and community!
Credit to Anuradha Vikram
Here is a list of artists that need help via Go Fund Me / Venmo, etc.
From a friend:
"If you are saying “MY FRIEND JUST LOST THEIR HOME IN A FIRE" Here is what you can you do to help:
******Please be KIND, validate how awful it is and no need to tell them how they should feel or think instead. Let people grieve and feel their feelings.
If you are feeling overwhelmed reach out for Mental Health Support******
1. Remember that they don't realize yet that they don't even own a toothbrush. The first day is OVERWHELMING to say the least.
2. Respect the fact that they are being overwhelmed by phone calls and text messages and may not be able to get back to you. Be patient.
3. If you want to help, Venmo them money or offer them gift cards to places like Target
4. Offer to house their pets if they are displaced in a hotel.
5. Do not overwhelm them with a bunch of items they have nowhere to put. Only necessities first. Keep it simple with single store gift cards. I mentioned Target because that store saved us on day 1 when we realized we didn't own underwear or socks or pajamas or phone chargers.
6. Cash is king. Venmo or Zelle. They will need to go shopping at the places that bring them comfort once they realize what they need. (How can I nicely say....don't show up with bags of your old clothes unless they request it specifically when you ask them.....you are creating an extra job for them to dispose of what doesn't fit or they don't want and they don’t want to hurt your feelings so they take it anyway)
7. Many will refuse help out of pride. Remind them that it will bring you JOY when they accept your monetary gift and not to feel guilty about taking it. I learned the hard way that I was taking away people's joy by refusing their help. I am not very good at receiving ( still working on that one) I didn't want people spending their hard earned money on me when I knew we had insurance. I am sorry if you tried to help me and I wouldn't let you. I was trying to help you before you could help me. Please forgive me, I understand now.
8: Offer to make them dinner and invite them to your home or go to a restaurant. They have nowhere to go. It is nice to feel normal after so much turmoil before deciding what is next.
9. Don't stop reaching out. The love we felt from friends and even perfect strangers completely restored our faith in humanity.
10. Encourage them to find temporary rental ASAP before they are all taken up.
11. Advise them to hire an insurance advocate so that they will get their full insurance policy. The insurance company is going to try to give an offer that is much less than what is due. Do not let them accept the first offer. I used John Joubran 714-345-4727. He was probably one of our best decisions.
12. Remind them that if there was not lives lost, then the rest IS JUST STUFF and can be replaced.”
******Please be KIND, validate how awful it is and no need to tell them how they should feel or think instead. Let people grieve and feel their feelings.
If you are feeling overwhelmed reach out for Mental Health Support******
Credit to @artworldfirereliefla
With grief and hope we invite our community in the Los Angeles area and beyond to join us in raising crucial funds to help artists and art workers impacted by the devastation of the Eaton, Palisades, Sunset and other fires in the Los Angeles area that have broken out this week. This is a two-pronged plan of action - information gathering and fundraising. Please see our links in bio to contribute now, share your urgent needs, or let us know what forms of mutual aid you can offer. With gratitude, Kathryn, Andrea, Julia, Olivia, and Ariel
Credit to Tanya Aguiniga
LA Mutual Aid Artists Benefit Auction
Starting to gather names and resources to help our LA community… Artists/Educators/Collectors/Curators/Gallerists/Students/ Museum workers… please fill out and share with anyone who is interested in helping xoxo
LA Fire Community Support List 2025
LA2050
As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, our thoughts are with those who have lost homes or loved ones, and also with those who are working tirelessly to keep the people and place we love safe.
To Angelenos: we see you, hear you, and are standing by you.
To our first responders: we are so deeply grateful.
At LA2050, we believe in the power of community even in our darkest times.
Together, we can overcome. Together, we are strong.
To help navigate these challenging times, we've compiled two blogs: one with resources for those affected and one with ways to help including volunteer opportunities and donation drives.
Credit to Leah Knecht
A little unsolicited advice for those whose homes survived, and are cleaning up yard debris themselves. Wear a mask, gloves, and long sleeves. I raked and swept up most of our yard today, wearing a KN95 mask and gloves, but short sleeves. When I washed the dust from my arms in the sink afterwards, it started stinging and burning, so I showered. When authorities are saying the debris is toxic, they’re serious. All the homes that burned with asbestos and other harmful materials, that’s what’s in the ash. It looked like it was snowing today! Plus ask your gardeners to wear masks. I saw one at the Stater Brothers blowing the parking lot without one.
When our garage burned to the ground years ago, I saw the power of fire up close, and it melted metal and destroyed concrete. Took the fire unit hours to put out, and all the burned contents were left on our patio and front lawn. Huge piles of it. After a few days, I had a bad reaction to the toxins being released, and my throat and eyes swelled almost shut. Went to urgent care, and was treated immediately. Insisted my insurance company haul that stuff away after that. They were taking their time doing it, since they’re supposed to tag and photograph each item before removal, and it takes time to schedule a team to do that, but I had to pressure them to speed it up the process.
So don’t try removing that kind of burned debris yourself. I think FEMA or other sources will pay for removal, or at least reimburse you. So should your insurance if you have it, and you want to receive a payout.
Credit to Kristen Wolfram
Not that this info will add to a lot but here’s some info for fire survivors.
Not a wildfire house fire survivor but a recent house fire survivor, I can attest to all of this. (And am a wildfire survivor, too. Ours burnt when I was 10 so I was blissfully unaware of logistics.) And my cousin was a major incident adjuster for years. And have some things to add.
1.) Your possessions will be reduced to line items. In your mind’s eye, walk yourself through your home and make a list of all possessions. You have far more than you think. Insurance will depreciate everything you own and choose the most generic cheap possessions. You can and should dispute them with receipts. Comb through your emails and wallet to find your receipts. You should have up to a year to audit them. Find old pictures you may have taken of your home. They will be like gold. Costco can and will provide you with years’ worth of receipts.
2.) Contact the county assessor’s office because the value of your home will need to be reassessed. Yes, you will have to continue to pay your taxes. And your mortgage despite the condition of your home. Trust. They will not bend.
3.) If anything is left, board up from the inside. Unfortunately thieves may be lurking. And if possible, board it up yourself. Boarding up our 1300 sq ft home cost over $3500 from a company.
4.) If any possessions are salvageable, Dawn dish soap combined with OdoBan works wonders. An ozone machine will salvage paper products.
5.) This will be a long and grueling process. Your insurance company will raise your rates. You can file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner but but be prepared that your rate may double.
6.) Read your insurance policy front to back. They may pay your rent to be housed. They may not. Depends on your policy.
7.) If/when you’re housed, your policy may have something called ALE. Additional Living Expenses. Keep ALL your receipts for having to live after the fire. You can claim those expenses with your insurance and you can claim the differences in utility bills at your rental vs your home if there is an increase. Your utility companies can send your a ledger of what you paid each month in the previous year.
8.) This is a huge Life event. Expect grief and lots of it. Yes, it’s “just stuff” but it was your stuff, your story, your family heirlooms and pictures. It hurts.
9.) Regather all important documents related to your home and you. Vehicle titles, birth certificates, passport, marriage licenses and house deeds. Lock your credit.
10.) It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
My deepest most heartfelt empathy and compassion.
Los Angeles Wildfire Resources
Staying Safe and Being Prepared
Our hope is that you and your loved ones are safe. Wildfires can be unpredictable and change at a moment’s notice. If you have a wildfire in your area, please follow the local evacuation orders and please stay prepared.
A major disaster declaration has been made on January 8th for the California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4856). Information on DR-4856 can be found at 4856 | FEMA.gov.
Please continue to reach out to your members and constituents to help gather reports of damage, identify any unmet needs, and share the following resources:
I. Were any cultural institutions or arts organizations affected? If so, how? Please encourage those impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms:
II. Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
III. Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
IV. HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/save-family-treasures. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Fire: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures”, “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures”, and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.
Please convey any questions to me at fema-hentf@fema.dhs.gov.
There's an incredible amount of information out there to support our fellow Angelenos affected by the recent wildfires, so we started a running resource list of them on our website
💙 This is a 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 and will continue to be updated as this situation evolves.
Importantly, this list contains updated language from FEMA regarding disaster assistance, based on announcements from a few hours ago. We also recently added information for US Small Business Administration assistance.
🔗 Visit LTSC.org/LAFire2025 to view the resource list. Due to the volume of information, this resource site is best viewable on desktop or your mobile browser oriented horizontally.
FIRE CONVERSATION ETIQUETTE 101: What NOT to do and say to those affected by the #fires
credit to Dete Meserve
In 2018, my house burned and my family and I were displaced for 20 months while we rebuilt. The outpouring of support was amazing but here are a few thoughts to share about what not to say when someone has endured that kind of loss:
1) Don't offer something specific (e.g. I have some extra jackets, would you like them?) because then you put the person in the position of having to say no to you when they are already overwhelmed. Offering broad support is so much easier: I'm here. Whatever you need. Anytime.
2) Don't offer support that requires them to be somewhere at a specific time. They are living each day as it comes and while your offer to bring dinner at 7pm on Thursday is generous, they don't know where they'll be at 7pm or whether they'll be interested in dinner.
3) Don't ask them for the specifics. What did you lose is the worst question you can ask.
4) Whatever you do, don't ask to see pictures of their burnt down home and don't visit their burnt property unless you're specifically invited. This is extremely painful—like looking at a dead carcass of your memories.
5) The worst question and comments are those that somehow imply they could've done more. For example, don't casually mention "my friends in Altadena hosed down their house and their house was spared." or "My friends just cleared the brush from their house last year so their house is fine."
6) Don't tell them about other people who have it worse. Their pain is their own. Your compassion comes from listening, not telling.
7) Don't "look on the positive" to them. Don't say "at least you're all safe. That's more important than things." That implies they don't already know that. Believe me, they do!
😎 Don't add to their grief. When I told one friend my house had burned, she broke down sobbing and I had to console her. This is not the time to break down about your grief in their loss.
9) Don't tell them that this loss is the universe/God telling them something. If this is your belief, hold it to yourself. No one going through this wants to hear someone else interpret what the universe/God is telling them or that there is a lesson you think they need to learn.
10) The natural tendency is to try to learn from what happened by asking detailed questions that will keep us safe in the future. Don't do that. Don't ask if they evacuated on time or their smoke alarms went off or if they hosed down their house.
Simply tell them you are grateful they are safe. You are there for them, whatever they need. And let them tell you their story when they're ready. The most wonderful thing someone did for me — something I'll never forget — is to bring me a cup of tea and stand with me quietly.
FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER:
If you are looking for someone impacted by the fires in Los Angeles,or want to inform people of your safety-please contact the Red Cross at 800-675-5799.
Credit Jon Fox: My friend’s son made a site of #LAFire resources that works offline, too.
MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources : Available Resources
Everyone should be prepared.
The list below is what you must have prepared to take and also scanned and uploaded. More info in slideshow: They strike fast and with little if any warning. How to Prepare for and Survive a WILDFIRE
New volunteer list just dropped!!
_________________________
Later, the maps will come. The clever people will publish tidy diagrams about what happened, and essays about what should have happened. But right now, things on the ground are a cacophony of hands and voices and quickly drafted signs and cobbled-together internet resources. There's a lot of people who need help, a lot of people who want to help, and a thousand logistical challenges between matching the two.
MALAN (Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network) has been doing an incredible job getting separate organizations and volunteers to synchronize efforts, and the people at each independent hub are cheerful and generous, carrying stacks of medical supplies and sorting through endless bags of clothes. The process is organic and messy, but it's completely human and real -- something we could all use a bit of right now.
"We're all connected," one of the organizers at Bike Oven says. "When one of us is hurt, the entire network comes to their rescue."
There are no answers but the ones we make up as we go. You could be part of it. Donate. Spread the word. Show up! See you out there....
Credit Rebecca Solnit
While everyone's talking about go-bags, let me recommend creating a hard drive or flash drive that has all your digital essentials--scans or photos of legal documents, passwords, financial records, key contracts-- and digital things you cherish--photographs, writings, etc.
Then send it to a friend or relative who's in a different place, so that it will be intact when the disaster comes to your house--fire, flood, hurricane. Because no one's home is completely invulnerable (and yeah, I've heard of the Cloud and redundancy is security). Just do it without a disaster looming, and update it every now and again.
LA fires Mutual Aid for art community
This spreadsheet was created by Lindsay Preston Zappas (Carla) to the best of my ability. I have collected some art community Go fund me pages + collated other lists that others have created. If you have collected a list of funding pages DM @contemporaryartreview.la and we will add a link to this list. Note: This list is meant to be a resource, but we don't have bandwidth to vet every list or fundidng page linked to here.
ARTIST resources from Los Angeles Performance Practice
Please share.
~ If you can give:
ARTIST RELIEF OPPORTUNITIES
Playwrights and librettists in need of financial aid due to the impact of the wildfires in Eaton Canyon, Pacific Palisades, and the greater Los Angeles area are eligible to apply for a Dramatists Guild Crisis Relief Grant. Crisis Relief Grants are available to support housing and utilities costs, medical bills, groceries, legal fees, and other essential expenses.
If you are a craft artist impacted by disaster, The California Arts Council suggests The Craft Emergency Relief Fund's emergency relief assistance program, which includes grants, no-interest loans, access to resources, waivers and discounts on booth fees, and donations of craft supplies and equipment.
New York State Council for the Arts
has opened its Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, which provides up to $5,000 to visual artists, filmmakers, digital artists, and choreographers facing recent medical, dental, or mental health emergencies. Applications are due January 14.
To all those affected by the LA fires
Our hearts are with you. At After the Fire USA, we are here for you as 3rd responders, supporting you from day one until everyone is home. Below, you’ll find immediate resources we recommend to help you navigate this challenging time. You are not alone.
Credit to Connie Lynne
I see a lot of people asking how they can help folks who lost some/most/all of their stuff in the fires, and I'm going to suggest some things you can do. The reason I'm suggesting this is because "figuring out what help you need and giving yourself permission to ask for it" is really hard for people who've just experienced great trauma. So if you can offer these rather than just ask "how can I help/what do you need," it already makes life easier.
My experience with this is (a) having helped two sets of friends whose houses burned down and (b) having been through great trauma myself. And I'm not saying this to scold, but as a reminder of the effect your good wishes might have on others: Remember to firmly assess with yourself whether you're in an emotional/physical/financial space to actually offer these things. Not following through on those offers increases the chaos and trouble in already-suffering people's lives.
* Housing, especially longer-term, with furnishings, and allowing pets.
* Money. Set them up a gofundme, or offer to write up a list of what they need and coordinate it, or to publicize their venmos/paypals/zelles/cashapps. Run any of this past them before you make it public.
* Food delivery like doordash, giftcards for food delivery services, or making something and bringing it to them.
* Take them shopping for immediate necessities, or help them make a list that you can go get. Or, if you know them well, just ask if you can wing it for them. Things like: underwear, clothes, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.
* Help them navigate the vast quantity of bureaucracy they are likely suddenly faced with.
* Sit with them. Visit with them. Let them process at you for a bit.
* Check in with them later -- two weeks after, a month after, once the initial rush of help is gone.
I'm no expert here, but these are what seemed most helpful when I've either been in these situations or been helping friends in similar situations. My heart goes out to everyone who is dealing with this stuff, whether they’re stuck needing to ask or wondering how to give,
Credit Lina Lecaro
Los Angeles is coming together & rallying to help each other & it’s a beautiful thing. In the wake of tragedy, loss & despair we always show we have each other's backs like nowhere else in the world…. I love my Angeleno brothers & sisters so much & I’m grateful I have a platform to help share info like this! I’m updating this list of #LAFIRE #FIRERESOURCES #FIRERELIEF daily for @lamag & highlighting everything I can to help fire victims, first responders & those on the frontlines. Free & discounted food, water, clothing, lodging, animal care, phone services, transpo & more. Next update will be tomorrow morning so tag me for consideration & please share!
Credit to Brewery Artwalk
Los Angeles is facing devastating fires. Here at The Brewery ArtWalk we are deeply saddened by the loss experienced by so many in our community. To the artists who have lost their homes or studios, and to cultural institutions forced to close, we extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity.
Immediate Support Resources
🛠 Emergency Assistance for Artists
CERF+ Emergency Relief: cerfplus.org
California Arts Council: arts.ca.gov
Red Cross: Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for disaster relief.
📍 Evacuation Centers
Westwood Rec Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. (small pets welcome)
Pasadena Convention Center: 300 E. Green St.
Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Ave. (large animals welcome)
Essential Services
🍴 Food, Showers & Wi-Fi
Planet Fitness: Free access for fire-affected individuals & responders.
Boomtown Brewery (Arts District): Taproom available for respite and Wi-Fi.
Odyssey Games (Pasadena): Charging, snacks, and restrooms at 1795 E. Colorado Blvd.
☎️ Stay Connected
AT&T offers free unlimited talk, text, and data in fire-affected ZIP codes.
Ways to Volunteer
🤝 Volunteer Opportunities
@caninerescueclub: Help displaced pets. caninerescue.club/foster
My Safe LA: Enhance community resilience. mysafela.org/volunteer
Red Cross LA Region: Shelter volunteers needed! redcross.org/volunteer
How to Donate
💡 Support Recovery Efforts
Wildfire Recovery Fund: calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund
Habitat for Humanity: habitatla.org/support-us
California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org
World Central Kitchen: wck.org/news/first-alert-ca-fires-jan25
How to Donate
💖 Support Relief Efforts
Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: calfund.org
Habitat for Humanity LA: Help rebuild homes: habitatla.org
California Fire Foundation: Disaster relief cash cards: cafirefoundation.org
World Central Kitchen: Meals for affected communities: wck.org
Stay Safe.
Credit to Allison Wyper: I compiled this list of emergency resources when I was working at CCI. Please share it wherever it may be helpful!
Fellow So. Californians, U-Haul is offering 30 day free storage to those affected by the fires.
United Way does a good job of routing assistance through groups with community connections on the ground: https://unitedwayla.org/wildfire-response-resources/
And Pasadena Humane Society is boarding 300+ animals right now and needs money and fosters: https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/
SoCal Wildfire Resources
These are all vetted methods of direct aid for people impacted by the Jan 2025 wildfires in Southern California
Need help? Want to help? Here's a list of resources, updated as we go.
(LAST UPDATED: FRI // JAN 10 // 11PM)
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VOLUNTEER.
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DONATE.
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- Most places are NO LONGER asking for donations for clothes and toiletries -- they are literally full to bursting!
- The next big thing we'll need are CLEANUP supplies: gloves, eye protection, rakes, chainsaws, shovels, backpacks, plastic bins, trash bags. Bike Oven continues to be a good distro source; find others below.
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FIND HELP / GET INVOLVED.
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- HUGE list of ALL the mutual aid resources:
... now in easier-to-navigate website version! Wow!
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STAY INFORMED.
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- Reddit (especially the megathreads):
- All the news channels, all at once:
From Annie Sprinkle
There’s so much loss and suffering in LA right now. It’s heartbreaking especially to see the less privileged people who lost it all. In our movie that Beth and I are making about the fire we escaped in Boulder Creek (coming soon) we have a scene where Beth & I visit a witch/therapist and she gives us these 10 tips to deal with fire and climate change, and also for painful social fires. We’ll share them with you now. Pass em on.
Deborah Oak’s
10 TIPS TO STAY SANE IN INSANE TIMES
1. BREATHE! It’s the best way to regulate the nervous system.
2. TUNE INTO AND NURTURE YOUR COMMUNITY. It’s who you show up for and who shows up for you.
3. TRAUMA IS REAL. Learn how to recognize it and take some simple steps to treat it. Therapists are not the only healers.
4. HELPING IS THE ANTIDOTE TO POWERLESSNESS. We can all do something.
5. HUMOR BUILDS RESILIENCE. Encourage laughter.
6. GIVING WORDS TO YOUR EMOTIONS HELPS MOVE THEM. Express yourself! Ask others how they are feeling.
7. LOOK TO THE ANCESTORS of spirit and blood for inspiration, guidance and courage. They lived through all kinds of fuckery, and we can too.
8. COME TO YOUR SENSES. See, hear, smell, taste and touch something that delights you daily.
9. NATURE HEALS. If you can’t get outside, find that place in nature in your imagination that gives comfort and strength.
10. SUPPORT, MAKE, EXPERIENCE ART IN ALL FORMS. It changes our consciousness and nervous system for the better.
PS—The photos are from our shoot with Oak, for Playing with Fire—An Ecosexual Emergancy. She's awesome!!!
We are a Words organization. Today, we have none.
The Get Lit Team is sending love and support to all of our students, teachers, donors, family, friends, and everyone who has been impacted by these devastating fires.
We wanted to pass along this comprehensive list of resources from our friends over at Big Sunday. - Follow the link.
With all of our love & care,
Diane & The Get Lit Team
FIRE DONATIONS NEEDED!!!
To help where we can Torrance Art Museum (TAM) will be accepting donations (in goods, not money) for those families devastated by the Los Angeles fires. You can drop off things you think they might need to TAM: Tues 13 - Sat 18, from 10am-4pm. Please ring the bell at the staff entrance (not Museum entrance) around the back, to drop off your donations: 3320 CIVIC CENTER Drive, Torrance, CA 90503
The Torrance Theater Company will also be accepting donations at the same times: 1316 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
We are especially looking for:
Clothes and shoes
Personal hygiene items and sanitary products - new toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, diapers, etc
Tinned food, bottled water, dry goods, snacks, baby formula
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
Charging cables and extension cables
Books, puzzles, games, cards
These items will be delivered by TAM staff to the Bendix Building at 1206 Maple Ave, downtown LA, and available for those hit by the fires to collect on Sunday 19th January, 10am-4pm in suite 800, on the 8th floor.
Make your contribution to our fellow citizens. Help us spread the word and tell anyone you know affected by the fires to drop by and pick-up what they need…..
Credit to Brian Fies
I thought I had nothing original, constructive or useful to say about the heartbreaking fires in southern California, but several people have asked so here's my input this morning:
IF YOU ARE IN AN EVACUATION ZONE: Take it seriously. Do what you're told. Don't sightsee. Assume you will never see your home again and pack accordingly (if you have time to pack at all). Seven years on, the things we miss most weren't the most valuable in terms of money, but in sentiment: family photos, keepsakes, heirlooms, memories.
If you didn't prepare a "go bag" (and few do), grab your wallet/purse, birth certificate, passport, deeds, and insurance and other legal papers because you'll need them to rebuild your life. Computers and backups. Prescription meds. Eyeglasses. Charging cords for phones and laptops. Set up a safe meeting spot for everyone to gather. If you can, leave early to avoid the rush.
EDITED TO ADD: Here's a good idea from a commenter that I wish we'd done: If you have time, go around the inside and outside of your house and take a video of everything. It will help with insurance and other tasks later.
IF YOU HAVE LOST EVERYTHING: Take some time to gather your wits, then make a list. Every day, check things off that list and then, tomorrow, make a new one.
Contact your insurance company. They probably already have a platoon of representatives in the area who will meet with you and may be able to cut a check on the spot. Register with Red Cross and FEMA. Get a FEMA number: that number will be a key to unlocking many services, resources and discounts.
Get a P.O. box or ask a trusted friend to handle your mail, and submit a change-of-address form to the post office.
Look out for scams, especially fake government websites.
If you can get to your property, take photos of everything from every angle. If you can't get to your property, be patient. This is difficult; you want to go home. But there is really nothing you can do there and the authorities are making sure it's safe, searching for bodies, etc. It may be weeks before you get in. That's OK.
Be willing to accept help. I can't tell you how many people after our fire said, "I don't need it, give it to someone who needs it more." Today, that someone is you. Take it.
Don't make any rash decisions. Nothing needs to be done RIGHT NOW. You're in a marathon, not a sprint. Get something accomplished every day, but take it as easy on yourself as you can.
Finally, I'll recommend three trusted Web resources:
After the Fire USA https://afterthefireusa.org/ is a great clearinghouse for all firestorm-related information and resources. I know the people who run it and they're the best.
United Policyholders https://uphelp.org/ is a nonprofit that can help you understand your insurance situation and fight for your rights to get the service you paid for.
Cal Fire https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/ has excellent advice for both preparing for and preventing wildfires, and what to do afterward.
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO LOST EVERYTHING: Your friends or loved ones may be out of touch for a while. Don't pester them, they have a lot on their plate.
Ask them what they need and really listen. They probably don't want piles of clothes, or teddy bears, or pots and pans, or canned food from the back of your pantry. For the next few weeks they'll be living in a motel or a friend's couch and have nowhere to put that stuff.
What we really appreciated were gift cards to big-box stores like Target, Walmart, Safeway (and, later, Home Depot), which allowed us to buy what WE thought we needed. Say what you will about those companies, but they were open and had everything we wanted in one place. When I gave similar advice before, some people commented that "cash is king" and can be spent anywhere for anything. True! That's fine! I still think it's easier to carry a few cards in your pocket than a wad of bills, and safer to mail.
Honestly, Karen and I find it very hard to watch the news because we know what those folks are going through now, and what they'll be going through for the next months and years. It's too much. They'll get through it but it's not an ordeal I'd wish on anyone.
As for the MAGAs who are gloating, laughing, and mocking fellow Americans without showing an ounce of empathy or compassion--especially the MAGA-in-Chief who's taking the opportunity to spew playground insults and uninformed idiocy--I wish they could take just a moment to reflect on how they became such terrible people. They won't, I know. They think they're the good guys. The worst villains always do.
Credit to Tre Temperilli
HELLO EVERYONE, as we continue to recieve news from Los Angeles there will be a call for immediate resources that Los Angeles County is highlighting and requesting.
Currently people will be in need of basics, clothes and meals, and The Humane Society in Pasadena has issued an urgent request for donations to help care for the influx of animals they’re receiving and treating.
I will post a list of links in the comments where you can donate and will keep adding to this thread as more information becomes available. Give what and only if you are able to.
I have vetted each one and suggest keeping donations to local organizations with the exception of the WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN-Chef Andrés directed efforts to Los Angeles yesterday:
PASADENA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:
Dear Arts for LA Community Members,
We hope you and your loved ones are safe.
There have been 180,000 evacuations (and growing) across LA County over the last 48 hours due to the wildfires. Entire neighborhoods in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, Sepulveda Basin, Sylmar and the Hollywood Hills are gone. All schools in the LA Unified School District are closed. Businesses and cultural institutions have been entirely destroyed by the ongoing fires. This is the most destructive fire in LA history.
Los Angeles, our hearts are with you, especially those who lost loved ones, lost homes or were displaced during this crisis. We also recognize all of the first responders who are at this very moment fighting these fires, and helping people to safety no matter how dangerous it might be. This is one of those moments where we must come together as one community to take care of one another with small and big actions alike.
Below are resources that we hope will help you or can be forwarded to help your loved ones:
If you have been displaced and are seeking temporary housing, you can go here
LA Unified School District Updates and meal distribution for LAUSD Students here
You can register for LA County Emergency Alerts here
For a trusted and locally-based guide to LA Services, you can go here
Mutual Aid LA’s List for a region-wide list of resources here
If you are able to, make a financial contribution to Wildfire Relief efforts here
If you are able to, support local American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts here
To local artists and leaders of our local cultural institutions: if you have been impacted,
please contact us so that we will know the impact this crisis is having on our local arts ecosystem and so that Arts for LA can be a connector to others that can help.
We recognize that recovery from natural disasters can take years. Let us come together now and strengthen one another in this time of great need.
In Solidarity,
Arts for LA Board and Staff
California Wildfire Info
If you’re reading this, this probably is a very scary day, and I’m sorry! I hope this helps you prepare. Please see if you can help your elderly, disabled, and vehicle-less neighbors evacuate. They might not be able to evacuate on their own or may not have help.
CERF+
Several fires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, are burning in Los Angeles County. The fires have caused at least two fatalities, destroyed at least 1,000 structures, and are threatening many neighborhoods. Multiple evacuation orders have been issued, and Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.
The Palisades Fire (11,800+ acres) is affecting the Pacific Palisades area, and the Eaton Fire (10,600+ acres) is affecting a broad swath of the San Gabriel Valley from La Cañada east to Monrovia. Both fires are currently 0% contained.
CERF+ is connecting with local partners on the ground to learn more about the needs of local artists and offer resources to craft artists who are affected by the fires. If you are a craft artist or artisan affected, please visit our studio protector resources and submit an application for our Emergency Relief program. For any inquiries regarding the application process, please feel free to reach out to us at programs@craftemergency.org. We're here to assist you every step of the way.
The Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation.
Each grant is given as one-time assistance for a specific emergency, examples of which are fire, flood, or emergency medical need.
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