Tag Archives: news

The Importance of Community During Tragic and Unsettling Moments

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I am sitting in my lovely VRBO this morning, thinking about the last week.

FIRE

The Los Angeles fires were horrific. So many people lost their homes, their livelihoods, and so much more. What saddens me is hearing people say that because some who lost their homes were wealthy, they can just replace what has been lost. If only it was that easy.

Emotionally, no one’s life is the same after a horror like this. Money or no money, the emotional toll remains for most.

Did you know that many organizations in Los Angeles are helping their own and those further abroad? When I began exploring how to help those in need, I found organizations I did not even know or think about.

How The Arts & Entertainment Industry Is Supporting Los Angeles Fire Relief

Alt Comedy All-Stars 2025

On Jan. 31, Alt Comedy All-Stars 2025 will occur at the Fonda Theatre at 8 p.m. The benefit show for Comedy Gives Back will raise funds for comedians affected by the wildfires. The talent lineup includes Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Bob Odenkirk, John Ennis, Jill Talley, and more.

Celebrity Donations & Volunteers

An abundance of the Hollywood elite has taken to Instagram, donation drives and more to help rebuild Los Angeles. Paris Hilton, whose Malibu home was destroyed by the Palisades Fire, launched an emergency fund through her foundation, 11:11 Media Impact, to aid displaced families with young children. She urged Instagram followers to donate and kicked off the fundraiser by committing to match the first $100K raised and contributing another $100K.  Beyonce’s foundation, Beygood, also announced a $2.5 million LA Fire Relief Fund to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area, during the week after the fires began (Jan. 13 to 17). As confirmed by People, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have taken in friends who were forced to evacuate to their homes and have plans to take action through their Archwell Foundation. Eva Longoria was among volunteers cleaning up the streets of Pasadena. She also pledged $1 million to support relief efforts and urged followers on Instagram to support The California Community Foundation and The Latino Community Foundation.  

Getty’s L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund

The J. Paul Getty Trust has teamed up with the Mohn Art Collective (Hammer Museum, LACMA, MOCA), East West Bank, Mellon Foundation, TheBroad Art Foundation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums and Ford Foundation to establish the $12 million L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, the emergency fund will support artists and arts workers in all disciplines who have lost residences, studios or livelihoods or have otherwise been affected by the wildfires. Applications open on Jan. 20. 

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre donated $125,000 to five organizations: the Los Angeles Firefighters Foundation, the Los Angeles Police Foundation, the Entertainment Community Fund, Project Angel Food and Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires impacting Los Angeles and our surrounding communities,” said Jeff Loeb, president of The Hollywood Pantages Theatre. “We are deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our firefighters, first responders, and the countless neighbors who have stepped up to lend a helping hand during this difficult time. Your courage, resilience, and compassion inspire us all.”

LA Gives Back Fire Relief

On Jan. 29, The Bellwether will host LA Gives Back, and 100 percent of proceeds will benefit charities that support the community, firefighters, and animals affected by the wildfires.

Netflix

The streaming titan donated $10 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Community Fund Wildfire Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, Motion Picture and Television Fund, and Entertainment Community Fund. “For many people who aren’t familiar with it, Los Angeles conjures images of palm trees and red carpets; mansions and movie stars,” co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “But for those of us lucky enough to call this city home, Los Angeles is far more than that. It’s a family — one made up of extraordinarily talented, hardworking people from all over the world and all walks of life, many of whom came here chasing a dream.”

The Producers Guild of America

The Producers Guild of America and the Entertainment Community Fund have established a fund to support film, television, and emerging media producers affected by the fires. Producers can apply online for financial assistance, and those seeking help can donate through the Entertainment Community’s website. Already, $300,000 has been raised. 

Universal Music Group

Leading the way for the overhaul of Grammy week, Universal Music Group canceled all of its Grammy-related events on Jan. 13. Instead, it will redirect the resources it would have used for the events to assist those affected by the wildfires. “L.A. is home to so many of us,” UMG said in a statement. “We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams, and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.” 

Warner Bros. Discovery

Alongside setting up an emergency relief center on its studio lot, Warner Bros. Discover pledged $15 million to immediate response and rebuilding efforts. “Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

YouTube x Google

YouTube teamed up with Google and Google.org to donate $15 million to organizations offering immediate relief in Los Angeles, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. “Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all over the world,” YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said in a blog post. “It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners, and our employees call home. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want to do our part to support the community as it rebuilds.”

And these efforts are just an example of how Los Angeles and those further away are helping everyone recover from this life-changing event.

Loss on a Local Level

The North Shore community has been suffering a tragedy for the past four days. Over the weekend, there have been big waves, up to a forty-foot face on some waves. Two local teens disappeared after a date at Sharks Cove on Friday night. Sharks Cove is a well-known snorkeling spot.

When they didn’t return home, the girl’s mother notified the authorities. They found their clothes and car on a beach north of the cove. The Coast Guard, the Life Guards, and local organizations got involved. Over the weekend, they dove, snorkeled, flew helicopters over the site, and used jet skis to transport all the searchers. The family sat on the shore and looked out to sea. As of today, they have not been found. Slowly, the energy returns to normal, yet losing these two young lives will forever affect the community.

It makes me aware that no one is on permanent vacation or holiday. Reality has a way of shaking me out of my comfort zone. What can I do? For now, I can donate money to the victims of fires. I can help in the best way that I can. I can hold them in my thoughts and give prayer.

It is more complicated with the local community here on the North Shore. When they asked everyone to keep an eye on the water, I did. I noticed others walking among the lava rocks on the rocky coast. Everyone was looking. For a brief moment, the community, locals, and visitors alike searched the best way they could while not getting in the way of the Coast Guard and Searchers. Now, through breath and prayer, we can hold these families of such tragic loss in light, in prayer, or however you individually honor those in need of loving, non-judgemental, emotional support.

As my world gets thrown asunder, for a moment, a day, or longer, I will continue to find ways to lovingly support those in need. I can do this physically, financially, or through prayer. I can identify when making an unsound judgment on others, take a breath, and release the judgment so those unfounded feelings are not released into my universe or the universe. These are not the times for personal judgment. This is not about me; it is about others and me stepping out of the way so those in need will find unconditional love and support.

Today, I breathe deeply and send what I can to those in need. I hope that my breath will wrap around all of them, and maybe I will create one little spark of love and hope in a world that needs it so desperately now.

Today I am Thankful.

Honoring Jim: A Legacy of Love and Community Support

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Twelve years ago, my husband, Jim, died. It was such a heartbreaking moment in time. It took me a long time to meet him, and he died too soon. He had just turned sixty. Sigh.

We had such a good relationship. It was not perfect, but it was pretty darn close. We laughed and explored life together. He saw things in me that I never knew existed. I helped him create his adventuresome side. As Jim would say “We’re a team”. And what a team it was. And even though it is twelve years, I miss him dearly.

At this time of the year, I like to remind people about the scholarship I created in his name. The Jim Fenningham Memorial Scholarship was created at Grossmont Community College in San Diego. Jim was a believer in education for all people. The Scholarship is doing well. We have actually increased the amount offered to a student each semester. I feel good that people donate and the fund is managed well. It was a good thing to do. He would be proud.

I have given some thought to this usual reminder of Jim, our life, and the scholarship. This is like raising money for public radio. There is so much going on in this world and so much need for money and time. Since the scholarship is going well, I would prefer to ask for contributions to other causes.

So many people have experienced hard times over these last few months. When requesting donations, I decided to focus on helping others this year. The Hurricane Relief Funds need everyone’s contributions. Yes, the first helping phase has been in effect for a while. Many of us know that it takes a long time for things to return to normal, whatever that is. The hard work often begins when early help is completed.

Donations in cash are the best choice. Here are some organizations that need our financial help.

North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina encourages individuals to donate. Contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will help communities recover from the extensive damage Helene has caused. Donations can be made by visiting NC.gov/donate. All donations will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims.

The Florida Disaster Fund: The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund. It was established to assist Florida’s communities. The fund helps as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. You can donate online, by mail or with PayPal. 

One SC Fund: 99% of donations are granted to local nonprofits providing disaster relief and recovery in South Carolina. The remaining 1% are directed to outreach, research, reporting, and the administration and oversight of grant contracts. Donations to support Hurricane Helene relief can be made online. 

East Tennessee Foundation Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund: This fund exclusively aids the response and recovery in East Tennessee. It focuses on helping after the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Donate online.  

The Humane Society Emergency Animal Relief Fund. We can’t forget all our furry friends and their need for rescue, food, and recovery.

These are a few suggestions. Some will contribute $5, while others will contribute more. No amount is too small or too large. Listen to your heart and your pocketbook.

As another year of life unfolds, I continue to move ahead alone. I acknowledge the continuing phases of grief as I try to embrace life and others to the fullest. I will always be thankful for the time I had with Jim. It was an incredible time of my life and such a gift. Now, I can help others, which must be enough.

Today, I am thankful that I am alive and can continue to move ahead with my life. I am thankful for the time I had with Jim. I am thankful that the Jim Fenningham Memorial Scholarship is performing so well. I am thankful for those who have loved and supported me. Now, I am thankful that I can help others.

Today, I am Thankful.

Mouselinni the Rat

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I have had some exciting experiences with mice and packrats in my rig. I have successfully live-trapped four of these little buggers over the years and released them into the wild, hopefully, to never be seen by me again.

I have been staying in San Diego this winter to help a friend of mine confront all the stuff that happens after the loss of a partner. Don left in early December. Tina and I have been slowly getting “things” done while forming a wonderful friendship.

A few days ago, Tina noticed some things happening in her garage. Bags of cat kibble were torn open. The latest one was the bag of catnip scattered on a shelf. And then we saw it: a large vermin, most likely a rat, was having a hay day in her garage. Mouselinni (named by Tina) was a brazen little bugger. It was busy whether she was home or not. It would scamper around the garage, exploring all the collecting bags as she cleaned out the other condo. It didn’t even care if Tina was in the garage. Brazen, I tell you.

I told Tina about my live traps. I have two of them, one small and one medium size. After a trip to my storage unit to pick up the traps, we were ready to live trap the bugger in her garage.

Success! We were cleaning and sorting this afternoon at her husband’s condo. Before she drove me back to EmmyLou, my home, we stopped by her house to see if the trap had gone off. Success! In the Medium-sized trap, there was Mouselinni. Anxious to be let out, anxious to be back in the garage creating havoc.

We had other plans. We went to the same canyon where my last catch, Ratty-pa-Tatty, the pack rat, was released. When I opened the trap, Mouselinni did not want to come out. How could he not like such a beautiful, lush outdoor area? I heard it saying, “I want to return to the garage”. He finally came out and disappeared into the plants. Tina and I celebrated the end of the adventure with this little rat.

Just in case the traps have been reset to make sure Mouselinni did not have any friends with him. Peanut butter works well for bait.

Janet 5…Mouse or Rat 0.

I am feeling thankful.