
A powerful community listening session was held on Jan. 28, 2025, at Leo Baeck Temple in Bel Air, Los Angeles with survivors from the Palisades fire and the Eaton and Kenneth fires. (Cultural News Photo)
LOS ANGELES, CA – Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - At a powerful community listening session held at Leo Baeck Temple in Bel Air, Los Angeles, survivors from the Palisades fire were joined by survivors from the Eaton and Kenneth fires.
Together with local faith leaders and community members, they met with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to share their stories of devastating loss and hopes for regional rebuilding.
United by their shared grief and loss, the session provided a platform for survivors to share their stories from across the region, celebrate resilience, and call for meaningful support for regional rebuilding efforts so that no one is left behind.
Mayor Bass expressed her unwavering commitment to a full recovery for every Angeleno and her support for all survivors. "We are joined at the hip with all levels of government—local, county, state, and federal—to ensure this recovery is done quickly, equitably, and sustainably,” said Mayor Karen Bass.
“We can't have people fragmented. We can't have companies coming in, buying up all the property, and displacing people. My North Star is everybody returning home and to work whole. We will get this done."
"The amount of grief and loss on an individual basis through this disaster is so profound. In the midst of all the grief, people are standing together, willing to share and help others while trying to rebuild their lives."
The Mayor listened to heartfelt testimonies from impacted individuals like Pastor John Shaver, whose Palisades church was destroyed; Shirley Wong, a small business owner who lost her family-run pharmacy; Fe “Bhabes” Inabangan,a care worker who cared for residents at elderly care center and has since lost her job due to the Kenneth Fire; and Donny Kincey, a small business owner from Altadena who lost his home along with other members of his family.
Survivors raised the need for:
• Comprehensive support for everyone, regardless of language, income, or immigration status, to navigate aid, insurance, and other resources
• Protecting renters, homeowners, and small businesses from permanent displacement and speculators preying on people’s land. Ensuring the safety and protection of workers involved in the clean-up and rebuilding
• Economic relief for those who have been impacted by job loss
• Infrastructure for long-term ecological resilience and sustainability of communities.
Unity in Action
The event underscored the importance of collaboration across all levels of government, community organizations, and private sector partners. "Hope is what we cling to — hope and the conviction that only together, only together can we recover and restore new life where there was destruction," said Rabbi Ken Chasen, the event’s emcee.
Voices from the Event
• Mayor Karen Bass: "Leadership in this moment means making sure every voice is heard, every need is met, and every person has the opportunity to rebuild and thrive."
• Shirley Wong, Small Business Owner: “It took us years of hard work and community trust to build our pharmacy. It’s not just about rebuilding a business; it’s about rebuilding our community, where generations of families have lived, worked, and supported each other."
• Pastor John Shaver: "In the ordinary times, God does extraordinary things. This is not a time to point fingers; this is a time to rebuild together. The clergy and faith community stand ready to help calm fears, provide hope, and rebuild the bonds that make our communities strong."
• Rabbi Ken Chasen: "This is a regional climate disaster. It affects us all differently but make no mistake. It affects us all. The recovery must meet everyone's needs, where no person or family gets left behind or stands alone."
• Wally Marks, Fire Survivor: "The notion of losing everything at once is devastating. But even in my grief, I’m optimistic about our community being reimagined and rebuilt—with safety and equity at the forefront."
• Donny Kinsey, Altadena Resident: "My family escaped the fires of Tulsa and came to Altadena, one of the only places Black families were allowed to live. Now, we face loss again—our homes, our businesses, and our history. We must preserve what makes Altadena unique."
The Jan. 28’s event reflects the growing momentum for systemic change in disaster response. By addressing immediate needs and investing in long-term, sustainable recovery strategies, Los Angeles is setting a precedent for how communities can rise stronger from climate disasters. (Source: LA Voice)