January 2025

Fires in LA Occupy Our Attention

By Richard Myers
Posted: 01/22/2025

The 1619, Lingering Imprint Discussion Group met January 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM PST.

The planned speaker was unable to attend due to the Eaton Canyon fires.  There was no substitute agenda and the meeting was an opportunity to discuss various aspects of the fire.

The first item discussed was the media coverage of the multiple fires in Los Angeles County.  It was noted that more attention was given to the Palisades fire than the Eaton fire.  It was noted that the loss of life, loss of homes and businesses and environmental damage was far greater in the Eaton fire than the Palisades fire.  Perhaps because the land mass effected was larger, the Palisades fire was a focus.

It was noted that although some media addressed the large historical African American community in Altadena, most did not. Nothing was discussed to give context to the community.  No mention was made of its association with racial politics or legal property ownership restrictions.
The participants discussed being uncertain of preparing or evacuating as an older adult.

Survivors guilt, whether directly or indirectly affected, was discussed, as was land stewardship.

Acknowledging the upcoming MLK holiday, a participant reminded the group of Dr. King’s references to the "beloved community".  Asking "what would he suggest we do?"  One participant suggested helping those who lost so much, to let go and focus on the future.  Another participant suggested finding ways to be of aid. One participant shared passing out masks to protect neighbors from the ash as they were walking in the neighborhood.  Acting locally was discussed.

This led to a discussion about the negative effects of loneliness and Vivek Murthy's book "Together”.

Two participants who had survived flooding indicated that this event was different.  They shared they knew more people effected; they knew more people who has lost their homes.

Coming together was then discussed.  Including the role of platforms like Zoom.  Allowing people who are displaced to come together with those they know.  Three participants wanted to follow up about this and report back.

The next meeting will be February 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM PST.  In the future, Helene Rheingold will return with another "Conversations with Art" presentation and Bill Gould V will lead a discussion.

We welcome guests in our meeting, as always. Feel free to share the link and we are always on the same link. We will resend the link prior to our meeting.