The people of Los Feliz, CA (East Hollywood area), were tested by the devastating and ongoing LA fires that have ravaged the communities and wilderness areas of LA County and beyond. Our resilience did not break when a section of the Los Feliz area lost power for three days due to the Santa Ana winds, which toppled large-growth trees onto the old-timey electrical lines along Los Feliz Blvd. We in this community stood firm in the adversity and feel fortunate not to have experienced any fire damage as of this writing.

Many families, including ours, were evacuated during the Griffith Park fire in 2007, which I still remember as though it were yesterday. My heart goes out to all the families and individuals who have been displaced and suffered psychically or physically from this terrible climatic event. To the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and everyone who has worked to alleviate the pain and suffering of the LA County community and beyond, I praise you. I am in awe of your bravery and the challenging work you have confronted.

As I mentioned, living in Los Feliz means being next to one of the largest city parks in the nation, with its forests, chaparral, and acres of grasses. We are acutely aware of our proximity to the park and live in a state of preparedness for an immediate departure from our home. Our essentials include our pets, photo albums (“pre-cloud” photos :), water, and anything else that can fit in a vehicle. It is ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

Once this uncertainty phase is over, Angelenos will have their work cut out for them. We will rebuild, heal, and persevere. We also must have rain. I decided that once I am back in the studio working, I will start playing one rain-related tune daily. Music to inspire, perhaps humorous or meditative. We will have rain again.

I look forward to digging in and helping restore and enhance the art community of LA County. Also, all artists must remember to continue working and achieving their creative goals and express what they are going through daily. I, for one, will not let this horrific event or other excessive situations keep me from pursuing my passion, my necessity for being, and my life. I hope the people reading this are OK, recovering, and remain hope-filled. Please feel free to reach out.