I had a post all ready for today, sharing my hopes and feelings about the new year. But life, as it often does, threw an unexpected curveball. On Tuesday night, a fire broke out just 10 blocks from my home here in Pasadena. Before we knew it, evacuation orders were issued, and we found ourselves hurriedly packing up, unsure of what we would return to.

We were lucky. We managed to find a hotel room, safe and away from the flames. Others weren’t as fortunate, but the overwhelming sense of community has been nothing short of inspiring.

Several fires are raging across Southern California, and as devastating as it looks on television, it is only half the story. The other half is the outpouring of kindness and solidarity. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers offering a place to stay, and people just checking in on each other — it’s a testament to the strength of our state.

It may feel apocalyptic, but there’s also a quiet beauty in watching how everyone comes together in the face of disaster. In the midst of the smoke and chaos, it has been a deeply humbling experience to see how people can be so compassionate, gentle, and supportive. It reminds me that even in the hardest of times, there is light and hope in human connection.

I am so incredibly proud of California right now. Despite the fear, uncertainty, and loss, there is also hope, resilience, and a sense of unity that’s impossible to ignore. As we look toward the new year, I can’t help but feel grateful for the community around me and more committed than ever to doing my part in caring for it.

~Staci Kennelly
*Images are old film images from Malibu, one of the cities currently burning.