Community Food Share’s Post

What does fire have to tell us? We are watching multiple wildfires spread through the residential districts of Southern California. My business coach, and dear friend Cara Kovacs has been evacuated to Joshua tree, posting a picture of her sweet corgi bathing in the sun. As of this writing, there is no power in Joshua Tree or Southern California. John Kim, the co-founder of my coaching training program, has posted a video on Instagram of the space where his home once stood, followed by a reel of him shopping for basics to get him and his family through the day - a successful therapist with 416K followers and a book on the shelves at Target, starting from square one - socks and underwear. I woke this morning thinking to myself, what does fire have to tell us? This morning, I meditated on the fire inside the wood stove in the corner of my frigid front room. I thought about how fire moves - its capacity for destruction and regeneration. Some will rebuild. Countless others have lost everything with no safety net in sight. This wildfire is the direct result of years of extraction and suppression. It’s the result of the rampant disregard of the wisdom of indigenous fire management practices. It’s the unquestionable result of an ecosystem buckling under the weight of extreme climate change. But under the scorched earth, mycorrhizal networks are preparing to rebuild. And, like them, we can be of most use when we step away from the collective narcissism and crushing loneliness of our times, and reach for each other. We may feel helpless to stop what we’re facing as a collective, but we are part of a long tradition of people working together to challenge seemingly untouchable power structures.   While the Palisades Fires are still at 0% containment, the best we can do is to hold our loved ones close, donate what we can, take a deep breath, and continue to move into our power, one healing step at a time. Here is a list of resources gathered by Mutual Aid LA for those impacted by wildfires in the LA area: https://lnkd.in/ga3g_-yD #WildFires #ClimateJustice #SouthernCalifornia #LandBack #CorporateAccountability #Community

Keeping California in Our Hearts Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in California who is affected by the devastating wildfires. To the residents who have lost their homes, cherished belongings, and sense of security: we stand with you. To the brave first responders battling the flames and working tirelessly to keep communities safe, we are deeply grateful for your courage and dedication in the face of unimaginable challenges. Wildfires are a harsh reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of those impacted. Together, we can make a difference by offering support. Here are some ways to help: • Donate: Contribute to organizations like the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund, or local food banks assisting those displaced. • Volunteer: If you’re nearby and able, look for opportunities to help through local shelters or disaster relief groups. • Spread Awareness: Share reliable information about evacuation centers, aid resources, and safety updates. • Support First Responders: Consider donating to firefighter relief organizations or writing letters of gratitude. Let’s rally together to support our neighbors in California during this difficult time. Stay safe, stay strong, and know you are not alone. https://lnkd.in/ghzrvKYi #firesafety #staysafe #firstresponders #cawildfires

Asheville, NC update: for those who are eager to help and have not already, pause for a moment. Buncombe County is saturated with resources, volunteers, food, water right now. Please give our community time to distribute and organize. What we will need is support in 3-4 weeks once these supplies are depleted. Needs may also change at that point, and the media buzz about WNC might be quiet(er). That is when we will need your support to sustain the community and fuel rebuilding efforts. If you need to take action now, I recommend Manna Food Bank: a community lifeline that was already serving food insecurity needs across 16 counties in western NC (for the last 40 years!) Their primary warehouse was lost to flooding, and they are rebooting to meet the needs of our area. They are well connected across the region, managed to save their distribution trucks, and have the means to reach rural areas with most need: https://lnkd.in/enZn3RXF

Rapidly changing conditions in wildfires demand real-time data and actionable insights.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating California fires. ❤️🩹 If you or someone you know has been impacted, the U.S. Small Business Administration has disaster assistance available to help navigate these challenging times. For more details, visit: https://bit.ly/4aiaN18 #californiawildfires #disasterloans #lafires #smallbusiness

Whatever I wanted to post about the challenges of my diet and exercise regimen, Days 6 and 7, are so inconsequential when I consider the death and devastation that's going on in Southern California because of the wildfires. This is now being known as the most destructive fire in LA history with a reported more than 17,000 -- that's thousands! -- acres destroyed, more than 1,000 structures, businesses and homes -- and zero -- that's zero- containment. These numbers are on the low side since it seems there are at least two major fire events - the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Words are so empty at times like this. I remember going back a few decades when there was another devastating fire in California. My colleague had a friend in her apartment building in New York, a talented pianist. She used to play at the networking parties my friend would have from time to time in Manhattan. My colleague shared with me that her friend's daughter who was in her 20s had been living in the woods at the time a devastating fire broke out and could not escape the flames in time. Hopefully the fires will be contained as soon as possible. Firefighters, other first responders, all those impacted by these fires should know that the rest of the country cares about them and what they are going through. TIME magazine listed legitimate organizations you can contact if you want to contribute and help the victims of the California wildfires. (It's important to choose how you help wisely to avoid those who are taking advantage of this tragedy and who are scammers/not legitimate helping organizations.) TIME lists these organizations: California Fire Foundation; World Central Kitchen; Salvation Army; California Community Foundation; CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation. You can do a Google search on the TIME article, "How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires," by Simmone Shah, posted on January 8, 2025, and that will provide you with links to these organizations. Jan

Landscape Architects can help today and in the future supporting municipalities and residents to design firebrakes , planting and plan regular maintenance.

Our hearts go out to the people of California, especially those in the Los Angeles area, who are enduring devastating wildfires. The Palisades and Eaton Fires have claimed at least 24 lives, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and scorched more than 40,000 acres. The situation is expected to worsen as strong Santa Ana winds are forecasted for the next two days, creating "extremely dangerous fire weather conditions. In response to this crisis, Beyoncé, through her BeyGood organization, has pledged $2.5 million to support relief efforts, aiming to assist families who have lost their homes and to provide aid to community centers addressing immediate needs. Additionally, recent legislative changes have made tax breaks more generous for natural disaster victims, offering some financial relief to those affected by the wildfires. As the fires continue to rage, the resilience and unity of Californians remain evident. We stand in solidarity with all those affected, offering our deepest sympathies and support during this challenging time. #CaliforniaStrong #WildfireRelief #HopeAndResilience #CommunitySupport #RebuildingCalifornia #CaliforniaWildfires #FromAshesToHope #WildfireRecovery #CaliforniaUnity #PrayforCalifornia #ModernSolutionsPlusCares

Los Angeles is facing one of the most catastrophic wildfire seasons in its history. Over 35,000 acres of land have been reduced to ash, and thousands of families have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire have collectively wreaked havoc, taking lives, displacing residents, and leaving a staggering toll on the community. Insured losses are projected to surpass a heartbreaking $20 billion, making this a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Yet, even in the darkest times, the spirit of Los Angeles refuses to be broken. First responders are working around the clock, risking their lives to combat the flames. Volunteers and organizations are stepping up, providing food, shelter, and emotional support to those in need. Communities are coming together, proving that even in our darkest moments, humanity shines brightest. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. To those who have lost their homes, to the brave souls fighting the fires, and to the countless individuals providing aid—we stand with you. Let’s continue to support relief efforts, spread awareness, and help rebuild the city we all love. Together, Los Angeles will rise again. 🛑 Stay safe. Stay united. Stay strong. #LosAngelesFires #CaliforniaWildfires #SupportLA #FireFightersHeroes #WildfireRelief #StaySafeLA

Our hearts are with California and everyone affected by the devastating wildfires. 💔   If you’re looking for ways to help, consider supporting the SEARCH Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting individuals in the event, meeting, and catering industry facing crises, including catastrophic losses like these fires.   Here is the link to SEARCH Foundation- https://lnkd.in/eSm_4Zjm