This is a look at the smoke that is hanging over much of my neighborhood in Beverly Hills California. Southern California is dealing with an unprecedented fire disaster, with more than 10,000 homes and businesses destroyed so far.
For those who follow along, I wanted to let you know that I will return to posting stories next week, but for now I have paused, as this has been my view for the past 4 days…
This is an area of Beverly Hills, and the fires are a few miles to the north and west of us…the smoke is everywhere and it has been several days of waiting and worrying as the fires continue to spread….here is what I saw walking down an alleyway in the heart of Beverly Hills:
I have shared stories about Malibu, which sits along the Pacific Ocean – and my wife and I have rented houses on the beach for fun getaways….those areas are all destroyed.
Most of the houses on the beach where we stayed have burned down…there are videos online showing the devastation – not only in Malibu, but also Pacific Palisades as well as the AltaDena neighborhood of Los Angeles County as well.
Most of these homes are now gone. It is simply horrific, and many friends have been impacted in a number of ways as more than 100,000 people have been evacuated to date.
It hasn’t been the time to share stories, but I will do so when the fires are contained and disaster relief is underway…thanks for understanding.
Categories: Los Angeles, Memoirs, nature, Travel, Travel Memoir
johnrieber 
Thinking of you and your wife and everyone affected by these fires. It’s so devastating to see, and to have an up-close perspective. I hope you’re staying safe and as well as you can.
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I have been watching the stories with horror my heart goes out to those who have lost their homes I am relieved to know that you and Alex are safe..Fires are so dependent on wind changes so it must be so scary for you both I applaud you for pausing your posting while this tragedy unfolds…Be safe John …
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The devastation is almost beyond comprehensions…literally more than 20,000 homes and businesses destroyed, and over 100,000 displaced or evacuated. I just shared a story of how one Chef is helping feed the displaced.
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Such a tragic event! We all probably know someone who has been directly affected. It’s understandable that it doesn’t seem appropriate for you to post happy stories when so many of our fellow citizens have had their lives turned upside down.
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So awful,glad you two are safe in my thoughts go out to all the other people suffering
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Prayers for you and yours
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Such a tragedy. I’m so thankful you and Alex are safe. Continuing to pray for all those impacted by these terrible fires.
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All I can do send positive thoughts and prayers your way, John. Watching this from across the country is heartbreaking, and even though I can’t quite put it into words, just know that my wife and I have you all in our hearts.
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This is a horrific scene…please be careful and stay safe. chuq
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I have been watching and following the news. The internet only seems concerned with what celebrities have lost their homes, but the pictures say a lot more! Take care, John.
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I had been wondering if you were alright, and it’s good to know that you are. This is a terrible situation, the loss of property and life is horrendous. I just hope that your government can set things in motion for the relief that is needed before 20th Jan, after which I suspect that the will to do so will disappear.
Stay safe 🙏
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Oh John, I have thought about you and Alex many times over the past few days. You must have plenty of friends back home there who are nail-biting, hoping their homes are not destroyed. Are you there now, or are the videos from friends? Stay safe!
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This is so terrible John. Hope everyone you know is safe and that the fires will stop soon. My thoughts go to you and yours and everyone affected by this tradgedy
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I have been thinking about you and Alex. Thanks for letting us know you are OK. But so sad for all those who have lost everything.
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stay safe, John. This is a terrible time for California. My thoughts are with you
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Terrible indeed, John. I am pleased to know that you and Alex are safe my friend.
Best wishes, Pete.
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