LA's Wildfire Victims Turn Thanksgiving into a Test of Resilience and Community Spirit
In the wake of last year's devastating wildfires, Los Angeles residents are finding creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in a city where destruction and loss have become all too familiar. For Jon Cherkas and his wife, hosting relatives for the holiday has been replaced with a dinner out in Scottsdale, Arizona, as they grapple with the reality of rebuilding their home.
The fire that ravaged Los Angeles County left 31 people dead, over 57,000 acres scorched, and 16,000 structures destroyed. Thousands of empty lots now dot neighborhoods that would once have been brimming with holiday decorations. Survivors say these inescapable reminders of what was lost have given them a renewed appreciation for the holiday.
For Tom Reed, who also lost his home in the Palisades Fire, this year has become a study in creative problem-solving. Instead of hosting an Easter egg hunt for his grandchildren, he and his wife threw a party in their rental condo courtyard with adults wearing T-shirts adorned with eggs on velcro. The kids "hunted" for grandparents instead.
Reed's experience is not unique. Thousands of residents are splitting up Thanksgiving plans due to the displacement caused by the Eaton Fire, which destroyed seven properties, including homes and businesses owned by his extended family. This year, Reed will spend the weekend at Lake Arrowhead with his family, a far cry from the traditional gatherings he once enjoyed.
Meanwhile, in Altadena, Freddy Sayegh is hosting a 1980s-themed extravaganza called Back to Altadena to bring back some semblance of community spirit. The event will take over a small block on the western side of the neighborhood near the worst of the destruction.
For Keni "Arts" Davis, who lost his home of 45 years, Thanksgiving this year is about being grateful for what he has. He plans to spend the holiday with one of his daughters in Los Angeles, where her new guest house awaits. An accomplished artist, Davis spent much of the last year painting the rebuild and visiting places he once frequented.
As the city begins to heal, residents are finding ways to nurture their community's essence despite the destruction. Block parties on vacant streets, weekly game nights, and gatherings throughout the area are just a few examples of how people are coming together to support one another.
In the wake of last year's devastating wildfires, Los Angeles residents are finding creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in a city where destruction and loss have become all too familiar. For Jon Cherkas and his wife, hosting relatives for the holiday has been replaced with a dinner out in Scottsdale, Arizona, as they grapple with the reality of rebuilding their home.
The fire that ravaged Los Angeles County left 31 people dead, over 57,000 acres scorched, and 16,000 structures destroyed. Thousands of empty lots now dot neighborhoods that would once have been brimming with holiday decorations. Survivors say these inescapable reminders of what was lost have given them a renewed appreciation for the holiday.
For Tom Reed, who also lost his home in the Palisades Fire, this year has become a study in creative problem-solving. Instead of hosting an Easter egg hunt for his grandchildren, he and his wife threw a party in their rental condo courtyard with adults wearing T-shirts adorned with eggs on velcro. The kids "hunted" for grandparents instead.
Reed's experience is not unique. Thousands of residents are splitting up Thanksgiving plans due to the displacement caused by the Eaton Fire, which destroyed seven properties, including homes and businesses owned by his extended family. This year, Reed will spend the weekend at Lake Arrowhead with his family, a far cry from the traditional gatherings he once enjoyed.
Meanwhile, in Altadena, Freddy Sayegh is hosting a 1980s-themed extravaganza called Back to Altadena to bring back some semblance of community spirit. The event will take over a small block on the western side of the neighborhood near the worst of the destruction.
For Keni "Arts" Davis, who lost his home of 45 years, Thanksgiving this year is about being grateful for what he has. He plans to spend the holiday with one of his daughters in Los Angeles, where her new guest house awaits. An accomplished artist, Davis spent much of the last year painting the rebuild and visiting places he once frequented.
As the city begins to heal, residents are finding ways to nurture their community's essence despite the destruction. Block parties on vacant streets, weekly game nights, and gatherings throughout the area are just a few examples of how people are coming together to support one another.
. But honestly, I think it's really beautiful that people are finding ways to celebrate Thanksgiving despite everything they've lost. Like, Tom Reed throwing a party with T-shirts and egg hunts – that's some crazy creative problem-solving right there! 
It just goes to show how resilient this community is.
. And I love that the city is coming together to support each other – block parties and game nights? That sounds like so much fun 
! It's amazing how communities can come together like this after going through such tragedy. People are making the most of it by creating their own fun events and gatherings instead of the usual Thanksgiving traditions. 
And it's great to see people using art as a way to cope with loss too. Keni Davis is an inspiration! 
. i mean, los angeles is literally on fire & ppl are still findin ways 2 come together 
. and kenis art tho, losin his home of 45 yrs but still paintin & creatin 
its crazy that la has been thru so much already and people r still finding ways 2 come 2gthr 4 this thxgiving 
. i mean, u can feel the community spirit when ur walkin down the block n seein ppl havin these impromptu gatherings & block parties 
. It's cool to see how people are coming together despite everything 
. The 80s party in Altadena sounds like so much fun 
.
Still can't believe what happened last year 
People are finding ways to cope and come together 
So I was thinkin', it's pretty cool that LA residents are findin' ways to still celebrate Thanksgiving despite goin' through so much trauma last year. It's like, they're takin' back control and makin' the most of the situation. I mean, some people are even hostin' parties in empty lots or rental condos! 
And it's awesome that there's a sense of community spirit goin' on, with block parties and game nights and all that. It's like, they're sayin', "Hey, we've been through tough times, but we can still come together and have fun." 
like jon & his wife are goin to scottsdale arizona cuz their own place is a mess 
but on the bright side ppl r comin together