For LA's wildfire victims, Thanksgiving has become a test of resilience and community. Last year, Jon Cherkas was preparing to host a festive feast with relatives, friends, and neighbors in his home, which he had lived in for over 20 years. But this year, the couple is taking a different approach. Instead of celebrating at home, they're planning to dine out with friends in Arizona.
Cherkas' experience is not unique. The devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County last January left thousands without homes and a sense of community shattered. The fires destroyed over 16,000 structures, including Cherkas' house, which overlooked the Pacific Ocean. At least 31 people were killed, and more than 57,000 acres were scorched in densely populated areas.
For many survivors, the reminders of what was lost – empty lots where homes once stood – serve as a bittersweet reminder of what's been taken away. But for Cherkas and others, the absence has also brought a renewed appreciation for life and community.
So, instead of gathering at home, some families are spreading out across the city. Tom Reed, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, is hosting Thanksgiving dinner with his extended family at a rental condo in Arizona. While they can't host their annual egg hunt, the adults have found a new way to celebrate – by dressing up as if it's Easter.
Reed's decision to take a different approach this year reflects a broader effort to adapt and find joy in the face of loss. The rebuilding process is slow and challenging, with only 2,000 permits issued out of 5,000 applications received to date.
In Altadena, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents are finding ways to come together despite their losses. Some have organized block parties on vacant streets, while others meet for weekly game nights or gatherings throughout the area.
For Keni "Arts" Davis, a resident who lost his home after 45 years, Thanksgiving has become a time to focus on what he still has – family and gratitude. His daughter recently secured a grant to plant gardens at dozens of destroyed homes, each with a bench for people to gather or simply enjoy the silence.
As for Davis, he's been involved in beautifying Altadena during its recovery, painting murals and visiting places he once frequented. He and his wife will soon move into their daughter's guest house and begin rebuilding their own home.
In the end, it's clear that this Thanksgiving season has brought out the resilience and creativity of LA's wildfire victims. While the fires may have taken away homes and community, they can't take away the strength and spirit of those who've lost so much.
Cherkas' experience is not unique. The devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County last January left thousands without homes and a sense of community shattered. The fires destroyed over 16,000 structures, including Cherkas' house, which overlooked the Pacific Ocean. At least 31 people were killed, and more than 57,000 acres were scorched in densely populated areas.
For many survivors, the reminders of what was lost – empty lots where homes once stood – serve as a bittersweet reminder of what's been taken away. But for Cherkas and others, the absence has also brought a renewed appreciation for life and community.
So, instead of gathering at home, some families are spreading out across the city. Tom Reed, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, is hosting Thanksgiving dinner with his extended family at a rental condo in Arizona. While they can't host their annual egg hunt, the adults have found a new way to celebrate – by dressing up as if it's Easter.
Reed's decision to take a different approach this year reflects a broader effort to adapt and find joy in the face of loss. The rebuilding process is slow and challenging, with only 2,000 permits issued out of 5,000 applications received to date.
In Altadena, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents are finding ways to come together despite their losses. Some have organized block parties on vacant streets, while others meet for weekly game nights or gatherings throughout the area.
For Keni "Arts" Davis, a resident who lost his home after 45 years, Thanksgiving has become a time to focus on what he still has – family and gratitude. His daughter recently secured a grant to plant gardens at dozens of destroyed homes, each with a bench for people to gather or simply enjoy the silence.
As for Davis, he's been involved in beautifying Altadena during its recovery, painting murals and visiting places he once frequented. He and his wife will soon move into their daughter's guest house and begin rebuilding their own home.
In the end, it's clear that this Thanksgiving season has brought out the resilience and creativity of LA's wildfire victims. While the fires may have taken away homes and community, they can't take away the strength and spirit of those who've lost so much.
. But at the same time, I love how they're finding ways to adapt and make the most out of a tough situation. Like, hosting Thanksgiving dinner in Arizona instead of at home is such a great idea - it shows that even though some things are gone, their community and family is still there 
. And those block parties on vacant streets? Genius! 
Its amazing how people are coming together to support each other during this difficult time 
. I mean, not everyone has to go through what Jon Cherkas did, losing their home and everything. But for those who have, it's amazing how they're finding ways to come together and make the most of it.
. It just shows you don't have to stick to traditional norms when life gives you a curveball. And in Altadena, with all those block parties and game nights, it feels like people are really embracing the community aspect again.
. That's the kind of resilience that can get you through anything. And I love how they're involving their daughter in planting gardens at the destroyed homes, it's like a little way of honoring what was lost while also finding solace.
. It's not always easy, but when you come together and support each other, that's when the magic happens 
. Like, I get it, loss is tough and all, but some of these moves are giving me LIFE 
! Tom Reed's Easter-themed dinner party at a rental condo in Arizona? Genius 
. And Keni "Arts" Davis' daughter securing grants to plant gardens at destroyed homes? Pure heart 
. It's like they're saying, 'You know what? We can't bring back our old lives, but we can build new ones... and make them better than before!' 
Those LA wildfire victims are giving us all a masterclass in resilience and community spirit 
I feel for these people, you know? Los Angeles is supposed to be a city with sunshine and hope, but now it's like... well, not even sunny anymore 
. Fires destroying homes and lives? That's just devastating. But at the same time, I'm so proud of these LA residents who are finding ways to come together and rebuild. Like, hosting Thanksgiving dinner in Arizona instead of their own home? That takes a lot of courage! And it's awesome that Tom Reed is dressing up as if it's Easter - that's just what we need right now: laughter and joy 
.
. We need more people like him. And I'm so grateful for his daughter securing a grant to plant those gardens - it's like a little ray of sunshine in the middle of all this destruction 
.