I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and given the rough start we have had here in Los Angeles, I know it has been feeling anything but. The devastation that unfolded in seemingly an instant, has been overwhelming.
At this point every single one of us has been affected, whether feeling the intense grief of losing a home and/or community, or the mix of gratitude and discomfort felt by those displaced from their homes, or the intense gratitude and guilt felt by those not directly impacted.
Choose Community and Connection
A day before the fires unfolded, I remember reading the “parting prescription” from outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. He wrote ”my final wish for all of us: choose community.”
“Today, we are faced with a profound choice: do we continue with the status quo, marked by pain, disconnection, and division? Or do we choose a different path—one of joy, health, and fulfillment, where we turn toward each other instead of away from each other; where we choose love over fear; where we recognize community as the irreplaceable foundation for our well-being?”
His message outlined the triad of fulfillment: relationships, service, and community. This really resonated with me, and highlighted something my parents always stressed the importance of growing up: doing “seva”, or volunteering time, service, or selfless giving to others in need. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of life, and his message was a reality check on what is truly most important.
Coming Together in Los Angeles
His message turned out to be an incredibly timely message for Los Angeles. It turns out that community, helping each other, and being of service were exactly what got everyone through these last few weeks. When things got scary, people came together and helped not only friends, but also strangers.
Also incredibly relevant — Dr. Murthy had pointed out the increase in loneliness and anxiety in our society, and less connection in real life. Instead people spend way more time on social media, chasing what Murthy pointed out was a different triad, one of fame, wealth, and power. Social media also sells us curated images and illusions of perfect lives. It has been shocking seeing how quickly life can change.
What I’m thankful for — There’s a deep-rooted good and positivity in L.A. that the fires brought to the forefront, in a city that’s better known for glitz and glamour. It showed us when it really matters, we show up for each other.
I took comfort in my WhatsApp group with my neighbors, and was thankful to have that sense of community. We kept one another updated on evacuation zones, gave suggestions on what items to have packed and ready to go, tips on how to quickly turn off gas lines or propane tanks, and similar things that you think you never have to worry about — until you do!
A Renewed Sense of Gratitude and Purpose
I am grateful to live in an area that was spared evacuation orders, and want to continue to do what I can to help. It brings my team and I so much joy to develop long standing relationships with our patients, and knowing some of you were hurting, along with so much of our city, we wanted to be of service and help in any way we can.
The first thing I could think of to help was going through all of my son’s brand new, barely used, or outgrown clothes and toys to donate to families who needed everything in the blink of an eye. I’d been holding onto them because I wasn’t ready for all the sentimental feelings going through what represented the first year of his life, and I immediately recognized that was such a luxury to experience compared to those that will never have that chance since everything is gone.
To build on that, we decided to serve as a drop off center for our patients, friends, and community to bring kids items, for us to take to organizations that were coordinating efforts to distribute these items to those in need.
We also offered to send our patients who lost their homes a high quality skin care regimen. While it’s the smallest of gestures, our hope was to bring a tiny bit of normalcy to an incredibly rough time. If I can help bring a moment of comfort — I’m happy to be able to help.
We decided to cancel our event planned for January, recognizing our city needs to heal. We will plan it again when the timing feels right.
Having lived in Los Angeles for 20 years now, I’ll end with what I do know —Los Angeles is full of people with heart, creativity, and determination, whether they are from here or drawn here to fulfill a dream. I know we will find our way, and be okay in the end, and build an even stronger community.
How to Help
If you would like to help or just want to connect, you can reach out to my office or to these organizations.
- California Community Foundation offers general support.
- Altadena Girls distributes clothes, hygiene supplies, and beauty products in order to help young girls affected by the fires feel normal.
- Project Angel Food delivers meals to people with serious illnesses.
- World Central Kitchen provides hot meals to first responders and affected families at over 20 distribution sites across Los Angeles.