The Los Angeles fires have affected people far from California. A Westport woman who grew up there writes:
As third-generation Angelenos, my brother, sister and I were raised in Pacific Palisades during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.
The Palisades is such a special place that you never really want to leave — and if you do, you dream of returning one day.
Much like Westport, the Palisades is a close-knit coastal community. Stunning ocean views blend with a deep sense of connection and shared history among its residents.
Westport and the Palisades share many similarities: a comparable population size, a handful of public schools, one main high school, and a library cherished by the community.
The Palisades’ central park, recreation center and charming downtown shopping area form the heart of the neighborhood, just as Westport has its own vibrant hubs of activity.
On Tuesday morning, with little to no warning, an apocalyptic nightmare unfolded. In less than 24 hours, everything changed. Our hometown, the place where we grew up and built so many memories, was wiped off the map.
Miraculously our parents’ home, where we grew up and they’ve lived for over 50 years, was spared. It is unclear though whether they will be able to return.
My brother Doug and his family were not as fortunate. Their home, along with all their belongings, was destroyed.
What makes their situation even more challenging is their 17-year-old daughter Ciaran.
Ciaran and her family, before the fire.
When she was 2, she incurred a series of life-changing strokes from a deadly E. coli infection. Despite her positive attitude, she lost most of her motor skills (walking, talking, hand coordination). She requires full-time care and specialized medical equipment, as she is confined to a wheelchair.
When Doug returned to their property to see what remained, the only thing left in the ashes was Ciaran’s burned wheelchair frame. All her medical equipment –including a lift, bathing chair, and custom orthotics — was completely destroyed.
All that is left of Ciaran’s house.
When they were forced to evacuate, Doug, Shannon, Ciaran and Kellan (12) left with only the clothes on their backs. Ciaran, a senior at Palisades High School, was preparing to graduate this spring. But her school burned down, and her dedicated teachers and aides have scattered. The road ahead is overwhelming.
While life will never be the same, we are holding onto hope. With your support, we can help Doug, Shannon and their kids rebuild their lives and replace critical items — especially Ciaran’s medical equipment, which is essential for her care.
If you’d like to help, please consider donating through our GoFundMe page. Your contributions will make an enormous difference to my brother’s family, as they begin to navigate their new reality.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and generosity during this unimaginably difficult time.
Hard to wrap one’s mind around the situation people are facing who have lost their home. The Pacific Palisades is Westport on the West Coast. I played in the first home football game at Palisades High school in the early 60’s and now I understand it has been heavily damaged.
Having gone through the 1994 Northridge earthquake and losing a home I have real empathy for these folks. The rebuild process is stressful and very difficult. There are not enough building contractors in America that can come and start the rebuilding process.
Folks count your blessings for living in Westport.
Hello Tom,
My name is Baxter Urist. I have been living in Westport for 49 years. I was born in Santa Monica and lived in the Palisades on Amalfi Drive until I went to college. I am just reaching out to say I completely agree what a loss the fires have done to our home town. It is tragic, the town had so many magical treasures and great citizens. Just like Westport.
Baxter