The Los Angeles County Fires

Here I want to say that my heart is with the people of Los Angeles County as much of the area has been devastated by wildfires. I hope that all of the fires can be contained soon and brought to an end. I am always concerned any time California (or any other place, for that matter), but these wildfires have distressed me more than most. For one thing, I have many friends in areas that have been endangered by the fires, although as of yet none of them have had to evacuate. For another thing, as a classic movie buff, I love Hollywood and its historic sites. Indeed, a fire that broke out in Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills threatened such sites as the Magic Castle, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the El Captian Theatre, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the Hollywood Bowl, and other historic sites. An evacuation order was in effect for a time but has since been lifted.

As it is, so much has already been destroyed by the fires. The Pacific Palisades effectively no longer exists, most of the neighbourhood having been burned to the ground. Will Rogers's historic ranch house and many other structures at Will Rogers State Park were destroyed. Palisades Charter High School, where parts of such movies as Carrie (1976) and other movies were shot, sustained damage from the fires. The famous Bunny Museum in Altadena burned to the ground. While only a few of the museum's artefacts were saved, the bunnies and cats in the museum were all saved. The Topanga Ranch Hotel, the motel built by William Randolph Hearst in 1929, burned to the ground. Several businesses and other establishments have been destroyed, including the Reel Inn Malibu, Altadena Hardware, Foxs Restaurant in Altadena, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Centre, and much more. Many, many people have lost their homes. At least five people have died, although officials have said the death toll is likely to be higher.

Right now my thoughts are with the people of Los Angeles County. I hope that the fires come to an end with no further substantial damage. If you would like to help those affected by the fires, this article from the Desert Sun has lists of various charities. Right now my heart is breaking and I hope that the people and places I love can make it through the fires okay.