Soon after wildfire began incinerating dozens of square miles of Los Angeles, President-elect Donald Trump blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom for keeping policies that limit the amount of freshwater able to flow from northern California to the parched southern part of the state.
“He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Now the ultimate price is being paid.”
Trump’s claim about California depriving water where it’s needed most, all to save a small fish known as Delta smelt, is not new.
“In order to protect a little tiny fish called the smelt they send millions and millions of gallons of water out to the Pacific Ocean, way up north,” Trump said at a September 2024 campaign appearance in Los Angeles. “You could revert water up into the hills where you have all the dead forests, where the forests are so brittle.”
Scripps News Truth Be Told checked with the California Department of Water Resources and learned it is true some water from northern California is sent to the Pacific to support wildlife and fish, including the endangered Delta smelt.
But the water flow rules are mostly about preventing saltwater from contaminating water used for drinking and irrigation, said Karrigan Börk, professor of law and co-director of the California Environmental Law and Policy Center at the University of California-Davis.
“It’s really only a very small amount of the water that goes into the ocean that’s about protecting the fish,” Börk said. “I think it’s important to be really clear that there’s no tie between the amount of water being released in the ocean and the firefighting efforts in southern California.”
When the wildfires broke out, there was briefly a shortage of water in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, where 200 fire hydrants ran dry.
Authorities have said the hydrant system was temporarily overwhelmed, not because the region lacked water, as a firefighter explained to billionaire Elon Musk during a live event on the platform X.
“In the Palisades there was a shortage of water at a certain point, or was that not accurate?” Musk says.
“Well we were just, we were flowing just an amount of water the the system couldn’t … It was overbearing just because of how much water these firefighters were utilizing,” the firefighter responds.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California said despite the region’s drought, there is a record amount of water in reserve to support firefighting efforts.
Newsom has ordered an investigation into why the Santa Ynez Reservoir located near Pacific Palisades was empty and awaiting repairs while homes burned. It’s not yet known whether more lives and property could’ve been saved had the reservoir been filled.
Despite widespread beliefs and speculation, there is actually no concrete evidence to support the claim that California’s water policies are making wildfires worse. While it is true that water management practices can play a role in fire risk, such as inadequate water resources for firefighting or vegetation management, there is no direct link between California’s water policies and the severity of wildfires.
It’s important to recognize that wildfires are a complex issue influenced by a multitude of factors, including climate change, land use practices, and natural weather patterns. Blaming California’s water policies alone oversimplifies the issue and detracts from more holistic solutions to prevent and mitigate wildfires.
Furthermore, California has implemented various measures to address wildfire risks, such as increased funding for firefighting efforts, improved forest management practices, and community education programs. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to protecting communities and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of wildfires.
In conclusion, while water management is an important aspect of wildfire prevention, it is essential to consider the broader context and explore comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of wildfires. Let’s focus on evidence-based solutions and collaborative efforts to safeguard California’s landscapes and communities.
Wildfires in Los Angeles raged through the star-studded Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, and Anthony Hopkins were among the celebrities who lost their homes.
The average house price in the northern LA area is around $4.5 million.
The biggest of the wildfires in Los Angeles has been burning the Pacific Palisades neighborhood for over a week, razing one of the nation’s most prosperous neighborhoods.
Stars including Paris Hilton, Milo Ventimiglia, Billy Crystal, Mel Gibson, Miles Teller, and Anthony Hopkins, have lost their homes.
The area, between Santa Monica and Malibu in northern Los Angeles, is home to some of the country’s most expensive real estate. The average house price is about $4.5 million, according to Realtor.com data.
Much of it has been on fire since January 7, when a small blaze in the neighborhood exploded to engulf many thousands of acres, prompting evacuation orders for tens of thousands.
As of Tuesday evening the Palisades Fire had burned some 24,000 acres. It was 18% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Bella Hadid said her childhood home was destroyed
Bella Hadid posted a photo on her Instagram story on January 10 showing her childhood Malibu home in flames.
She wrote: “Thanks to everyone reaching out. The memories we made in this house, the love my mama put into building it, the family times, the stories, the friends, the love. I will miss you 3903 carbon canyon rd.”
The house was originally owned by Yolanda Hadid, the model’s mother, and was featured in “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” People reported that it was sold for $19.5 million in 2015.
Bella Hadid shared the image of her childhood home burning on Instagram.Instagram
Milo Ventimiglia of ‘Heroes’ watched his home burn down on security cameras
Milo Ventimiglia, known for starring in “This is Us” and “Heroes,” watched his home in Malibu burn via security cameras with Jarah Ventimiglia, his wife, who is nine months pregnant.
Speaking near his home on January 9, he described watching his house burn down to CBS: “I think there’s a kind of shock moment where you’re going, ‘Oh, this is real, and this is happening.’ And then, at a certain point, we just turned it off. What good is it to continue watching? We kind of accepted the loss.”
Bryan Greenberg confirmed on Instagram that he and Jamie Chung, his wife, lost their house
Actors Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung, who are married, confirmed on January 9 that their home had burned down but that their family was safe.
Greenberg shared a photo of the wreckage on his Instagram story, writing: “It was all a dream. Thankfully the family is safe. Thank you to all of the firefighters risking their lives. Stay safe out there.”
Mel Gibson said his house burned down while he was away recording ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’
Mel Gibson told NewsNation on January 9, that he learned about the fires in his Malibu neighborhood while recording an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” in Texas.
He said: “I was doing the Rogan podcast, and kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighborhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there. But when I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there.”
Gibson added: “Obviously, it’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. “
Paris Hilton said she ‘built precious memories’ at her destroyed Malibu home
On January 8, Paris Hilton shared on Instagram that she was “heartbroken beyond words” to learn that her Malibu home had been destroyed in the fire.
“Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” Hilton wrote. Although the loss felt “overwhelming,” she said she was grateful that her family and pets were safe.
Hilton returned to her home on January 9 and posted a video of the wreckage on Instagram.
In the caption, she said: “The heartbreak is truly indescribable.”
Miles Teller and his wife evacuated before the flames consumed their property
Miles Teller, a star of “Top Gun: Maverick,” also lost his home. His wife, Keleigh Teller, shared on Instagram on January 10 that the couple’s Pacific Palisades home was destroyed.
Alongside a series of photos — one showing the remains of their home — she wrote: “I wish I grabbed my wedding dress.”
“Wish I did a lot different but it doesn’t matter, stay safe, get out,” she added.
The home of Jennifer Grey, the ‘Dirty Dancing’ star ‘burnt to the ground’
Stella Gregg, Jennifer Grey’s daughter, told followers on her Instagram Story on January 8 that her mother’s home “burnt to the ground,” but confirmed that the actor and her dog were safe.
On January 10, Gregg posted: “Was lucky enough to call Samoa my home for a bit. Thank you mama for making it what it was and allowing me to make such beautiful memories there. Home isn’t walls and frames. Home is family. Stay safe. Hug your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Joan Rivers’s daughter says she saved her mom’s Emmy
Melissa Rivers, the daughter of late actor and comedian Joan Rivers, said her home burned down in an Instagram post on January 8.
“My family and I have safely evacuated, and we are deeply grateful to be unharmed,” she wrote. Rivers also shared more details about her evacuation in an interview with CNN, and urged others to be prepared.
“To be 100% honest, I grabbed my mom’s Emmy, a photo of my dad, and a drawing that my mother had done of me and my son,” she said.
Billy Crystal’s home, where he’d lived with his family for 46 years, was burned to the ground
“We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this,” Crystal said in a statement to Business Insider.
“The Pacific Palisades is a resilient community of amazing people and we know in time it will rise again. It is our home,” he said.
Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles, said her Malibu bungalow was destroyed in the fires
Tina Knowles said in a post on Instagram that her coastal Malibu bungalow had been burned down in one of the blazes.
“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone,” she wrote.
Knowles, who is also mom to singer Solange Knowles, went on to thank the “brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions.”
“This could have been so much worse without the dedication of the disaster workers and first responders,” she added.
Cary Elwes said he and his family evacuated the area safely, but said their house was destroyed
On January 8, “The Princess Bride” actor wrote: “Sadly we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.”
Ricki Lake said that she escaped from her house with her dog and ‘not much else’
Ricki Lake, the star of the original “Hairspray” movie and her self-titled talk show, wrote in an Instagram post on January 8 that her “dream home” overlooking Malibu was “gone.”
In the caption, Lake said she and her husband escaped from the house with Dolly, their dog, “and not much else.”
He said on Instagram that he had left his Malibu home on January 7 with his wife, Marilou, and their dog, Trixie. He described it as the “most horrific fire since ’93.”
On January 12, he thanked Instagram followers for their concern and said that his home “amazingly” survived.
Jamie Lee Curtis said ‘many’ friends lost their homes
On January 8, “Halloween” actor Jamie Lee Curtis appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and said, holding back tears: “Where I live is on fire right now.”
She added: “It’s just a catastrophe in Southern California. Obviously, there have been horrific fires in many places. This is literally where I live. Everything — the market I shop in, the schools my kids go to, friends.
“Many, many, many, many, many friends now have lost their homes.”
Kate Beckinsale wrote in an Instagram post on January 8 that “the whole of the Palisades being destroyed is unthinkably horrific.
“My daughter and I lived there for most of her childhood and most of her childhood is gone.”
Haley Joel Osment thanked those who ‘helped as we lose our home’
On January 9, the actor Haley Joel Osment shared that he had lost his home to the Eaton fire in Altadena.
Osment is best known for childhood performances in movies like “The Sixth Sense” and “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.”
Writing on Instagram, he said: “My heart would be so full every time I drove home – it was such a special place – I loved living there – our forest and our mountains and our homes – all gone.”
Osment described losing ‘everything’ in Altadena.Haley Joel Osment/Instagram Stories
R&B singer Jhené Aiko said she lost her home and all her possessions
Aiko shared photos of her home on fire in a now-deleted Instagram post. In a separate Instagram post, she said she wanted to “let suffering be a gift, an act of compassion.”
“Me and my children’s home is gone, burned to the ground with all of our things inside” Aiko wrote on Instagram. “Lord have mercy. Thankful we still have each other. Starting from scratch. My heart is heavy.”
Beloved Hollywood stars like Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, and Jeff Bridges also lost their homes
Photos obtained by People showed actors John Goodman, Anna Faris, and Anthony Hopkins lost their homes due to the fires.
On January 11, Hopkins appeared to confirm the reports on Instagram. He wrote: “As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of the fires, it’s important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.”
The home actor Jeff Bridges shared with his family in Malibu was also lost, the Associated Press reported.
TMZ meanwhile published footage of Adam Brody and Leighton Meester’s home in flames, as well as a photo of Anna Faris’ home in ashes.
“I’m so sad our house is gone. I wish I could have gone back and got more,” Montag said as she broke down crying in a video she posted on TikTok on January 8.
The songwriter Diane Warren, a 15-time Oscar nominee who has worked with stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, shared on Instagram that her beach house of nearly 30 years was likely gone.
“It looks like it was lost in the fire last nite. There’s a rainbow shining on it which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy,” Warren wrote.
Meanwhile, Eugene Levy said he got stuck while trying to leave his neighborhood on January 7.
“The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon,” Levy told The Los Angeles Times. “I couldn’t see any flames but the smoke was very dark.”
According to photos obtained by People, the “Schitt’s Creek” star’s home was almost completely leveled by the following day, with only a stone chimney and a charred row of hedges left standing.
Chet Hanks, the son of actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, wrote in an Instagram story on January 7: “The neighborhood I grew up in is burning to the ground rn. Pray for the Palisades.”
Chet Hanks shared a message about the fire on Instagram.Chet Hanks/Instagram Stories
Joshua Jackson, Britney Spears, and Mandy Moore all spoke out about the devastation of losing their homes
“Dawson’s Creek” star Joshua Jackson‘s Topanga Canyon home also burned down in the blaze.
“First and most importantly, all the people closest to me affected by the fire are ok. My daughter, my family, my neighbors all made it out safely,” Jackson said in a statement to BI. “Sadly my beautiful home did not survive the fires. But today, I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the people I love.”
Britney Spears told her Instagram followers on January 9 that she had evacuated her home.
The singer said that she had left her home in LA and was “driving 4 hours to a hotel.”
She added that she had been unable to charge her phone “the past two days” as she had no electricity.
Actor and singer Mandy Moore said in an Instagram story posted on January 7 that she was also among the residents ordered to evacuate. By January 8, the singer said in a follow-up story that she was unsure if her home “made it.”
She wrote in an Instagram post: “My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too.”
Greg Wells, the music producer on the “Wicked” movie, told Variety on January 12 that he had a “state-of-the-art” studio in his home that was destroyed in the fire.
He said: “I just have to remind myself, it’s really down to the people and to the ideas, and none of that stuff makes a song better. So I’m not gonna let it define me.”
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a devastating impact on the Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood known for its luxury homes and celebrity residents. Many stars have been affected by the destruction, losing their homes to the flames.
Among those who have lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades are actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, who reportedly owned a sprawling mansion in the area. Actress Kate Hudson also lost her home in the wildfires, as did singer-songwriter Pink and her husband Carey Hart.
Other celebrities who have been affected by the wildfires include director J.J. Abrams, actress Reese Witherspoon, and reality TV star Kim Kardashian. These stars are just a few of the many residents of the Pacific Palisades who have lost everything in the wake of the devastating fires.
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, and we hope for a swift recovery for the residents of the Pacific Palisades.
Nine people have been charged, mostly with arson, in connection with separate alleged crimes during the Los Angeles-area wildfires, prosecutors said today.
The charges including felony arson, felony looting, and misdemeanor impersonating a firefighter, according to a statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
“To anyone who believes they can use this disaster as a cover for criminal activity, let this be your warning: you will be caught, and you will be held accountable,” Hochman said.
Six of the people charged with arson separately lit various items on fire, including a Christmas tree and a couch, prosecutors said.
In another case, a man lit trash on fire next to train tracks within an evacuation zone in Compton, prosecutors said.
In a separate case, a man was stopped on Jan. 10 while driving in an evacuation zone. Officers found .357 ammunition and an AR15 magazine, along with a drone, walkie talkies, burglary tools, gloves, and a window punch tool, prosecutors said.
That man is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, prohibited by a prior conviction; possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of burglar’s tools, prosecutors said.
And another man is accused of wearing a yellow firefighter jacket and having a first responders’ radio in a mandatory evacuation area in Malibu. He is charged with receiving stolen property, impersonating a firefighter and unlawful use of a badge, prosecutors said.
The wildfires in Los Angeles continue to rage on, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the flames as thousands of residents anxiously wait for evacuation orders to be lifted. The fires have already destroyed homes, threatened lives, and blanketed the city in a thick haze of smoke.
As helicopters drop water and fire retardant from above, ground crews are working around the clock to create containment lines and protect structures in the path of the flames. Despite their best efforts, the unpredictable nature of wildfires has made it challenging to fully control the spread of the fires.
Residents in affected areas are on edge as they wait for updates on when they can return home or if they will need to evacuate. Many are staying with friends or family, or in evacuation centers, unsure of what they will find when they are able to return.
The bravery and dedication of the firefighters battling these wildfires cannot be overstated. They are putting their lives on the line to protect others and prevent further destruction. As the fires continue to burn, we can only hope for their safety and success in containing the flames.
Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., discusses a Forest Service briefing on the wildfires, the Fix Our Forests Act returning to the House floor for a vote, and President-elect Trump preparing energy dominance executive orders.
State Farm has decided not to air an advertisement during Super Bowl LIX next month.
“Our focus is firmly on providing support to the people of Los Angeles,” a company spokesperson told FOX Business on Thursday. “We will not be advertising during the game as originally planned.”
State Farm announced in March 2024 that it would discontinue coverage of 72,000 home and apartment policies in California in the summer. (John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images/File)
The insurance company’s decision, first reported by Ad Age, comes as the Los Angeles area has been contending with wildfires that have left at least 25 people dead since Jan. 7. The flames from the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, have damaged or destroyed some 5,000 buildings alone.
Super Bowl LIX is slated to take place Feb. 9 in New Orleans. Spots for ads during the championship game are highly coveted each year.
State Farm and its agents and employees are “all focused on helping customers impacted by the Southern California wildfires in the midst of this tragedy,” the State Farm spokesperson said.
“State Farm serves more [than] 8 million customers in California — more than any other insurer — and we’ve been doing this for nearly 100 years,” the spokesperson told FOX Business. “Our claims force is the largest in the industry and we are bringing the full scale and force of our catastrophe response teams to help customers recover — whether they are on the ground in LA or across the country.”
The insurance company has fielded more than 7,850 home and auto claims and “put around $50 Million back into customers’ hands” as of Thursday morning, according to the spokesperson. It expects those figures to go up “as residents return and assess damage.”
More than 1 million homes and 4 million vehicles are insured by State Farm in the Golden State, including 250,000 homes and 880,000 cars in Los Angeles County, per the company.
State Farm announced in March 2024 that it would discontinue coverage of 72,000 home and apartment policies in California in the summer. The company cited inflation, regulatory costs and increasing risk of catastrophes for its decision and had previously stopped accepting new applications in the state.
Earlier this week, the company said Los Angeles-area homeowners with policies “on the books” on Jan. 7 that have been hit by the wildfires would receive policy renewal offers, pumping the brakes on the “notification process on homeowner non-renewals” in the flame-stricken areas.
Three of the wildfires active in the Los Angeles area have been raging for more than a week. Those blazes — the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires — were 22%, 55% and 98% contained, respectively, as of Thursday afternoon, per Cal Fire. Another fire, which started in Ventura County on Monday, has 85% containment.
A firefighting plane makes a drop on the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 7. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
This view shows the destruction of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images)
Nearly 38,700 acres have been burned by the four fires.
Eric Revell contributed to this report.
In a shocking turn of events, insurance giant State Farm has announced that they will be dropping their plans to air a Super Bowl ad this year in light of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of the country.
The decision comes as a show of solidarity with the victims of the wildfires and a recognition of the need to focus on supporting those affected by the natural disaster. State Farm has pledged to redirect the funds that would have been used for the ad to support relief efforts and aid for those impacted by the wildfires.
The company’s CEO, Jake Allen, stated, “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the wildfires, and we believe that it is important for us to prioritize our efforts and resources towards helping those in need during this difficult time. We are committed to standing by our customers and communities, and we will continue to support them in any way we can.”
While it may be a disappointment for some football fans who were looking forward to seeing State Farm’s iconic ads during the big game, the decision to prioritize support for wildfire victims is a commendable one. It serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of crisis and supporting those in need.
The four NBA games postponed last week — three by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area and one by a winter storm in Atlanta — have caused a ripple effect in the league’s schedule, with nine games involving nine teams being rescheduled Wednesday to make up for those dates and one game’s makeup date still to be determined.
The Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Charlotte Hornets, originally scheduled for Jan. 9, will now be played at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 19.
Because of that move, the Lakers’ home game against the Utah Jazz has been moved up one day to Feb. 10.
A new date for the Lakers’ Jan. 11 home game against San Antonio wasn’t announced.
The LA Clippers, meanwhile, had four games affected by the scheduling shuffle. Their postponed game against the Hornets on Jan. 11 will be played at the Intuit Dome on March 16.
The NBA also rescheduled the Clippers’ home games against the Chicago Bulls (from Tuesday to Monday) and the Washington Wizards (March 16 to Jan. 23). The Clippers’ road game against the Jazz, originally scheduled for March 19, will be played on Feb. 13.
Beginning with Wednesday’s home game against the Brooklyn Nets, the Clippers will have six games in the next nine days.
“We’ve played, I think, pretty much [the] top-two hardest schedule in the league so far this year,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday. “It just adds to it. So, we’ve just got to take it game by game. We can’t fall victim to the schedule. It was out of the NBA’s hands, what happened to our city, and so we understand that. So we just got to lock in, take it game by game and then just go from there.”
Lue added he wasn’t sure how many games Kawhi Leonard, who’s been on a 20-minute minutes restriction since returning from knee inflammation on Jan. 4, will play during that stretch.
Leonard, Lue said Wednesday, will sit out the Clippers’ game Thursday in Portland, the second of a back-to-back stretch for the Clippers.
At least 25 people have died as multiple wildfires rage across the Los Angeles area. Approximately 82,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders and more than 12,000 structures, including the home of Lakers coach JJ Redick, have been damaged or destroyed.
The Atlanta Hawks‘ home game against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 11 was postponed because of a winter storm and “to prioritize the safety of the players, fans and staff due to the severe weather and hazardous icy conditions.” That game will now be played in Atlanta on Jan. 28.
Other games affected by the shuffle include the Wizards at Jazz (moved from Jan. 23 to March 19) and the Wizards at Trail Blazers (moved from March 18 to March 17).
ESPN’s Baxter Holmes and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The NBA has announced that nine games will be rescheduled due to the ongoing wildfires and ice storm affecting various regions across the United States. The safety of players, staff, and fans is of utmost importance, prompting the league to make these adjustments to the schedule.
Teams and fans are encouraged to stay updated on any further changes to the schedule and to prioritize their safety during these challenging times. Our thoughts are with those affected by the wildfires and ice storm, and we hope for a swift recovery for all those impacted. Stay safe, everyone.
His Los Angeles Lakers had lost three games in a row before their home victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, and James acknowledged the fires had affected him personally. “I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades,” James said. “Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families, all across not only the Palisades, but all across LA county and all the surrounding areas because of the fire. … It’s been a lot of emotions. Kind of been off. Personally, I’ve been off.
“I’ve just been completely off for obvious reasons, but hopefully things are contained or continue to be contained. And hopefully, at some point, we can start to push forward and move forward and put it behind us and rebuild our city, rebuild this beautiful city.”
The fires have disrupted the Lakers’ schedule, with the team forced into a six-day layoff before resuming play on Monday, while the team’s coach, JJ Redick, lost his home to the fires. James said he hopes the team can offer some comfort for the city.
“I hope that by us going out on the floor and us playing the way we played tonight … and hopefully the next few months or whatever it is, years, until the city is back up, that we as a Lakers franchise and the players that are playing for the Lakers give a sense of hope and pride and excitement,” James said. “Sports has always given people an opportunity to temporarily forget about whatever they may have been going through. And us being such a big part of the LA community – along with a lot of other sports teams, but we know how important the Lakers is to the community – hopefully we can provide that to a lot of families.”
James took time after the game to give one of his wristbands to a girl sitting courtside. He said he hopes such gestures will help the city as a whole.
“I think it will be something that hopefully she will never forget,” James said. “I’m happy to be a part of her life now and that small little moment, but such a bigger moment. And hopefully she brags about it in school.”
As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James is used to facing challenges on the court. But in a recent interview, the Los Angeles Lakers star opened up about a different kind of struggle he has been facing off the court.
In a candid conversation, James admitted that the wildfires raging across California have taken a toll on his mental health. “I’ve been completely off,” he said, describing the anxiety and stress he has been feeling as the fires continue to ravage the state.
James, who has been an outspoken advocate for social justice issues, also expressed his frustration with the lack of action being taken to address the root causes of the wildfires. “It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation and destruction these fires are causing,” he said. “We need to do more to protect our planet and prevent these disasters from happening.”
Despite the challenges he is facing, James remains determined to use his platform to raise awareness about the impact of climate change and push for action to address the crisis. “We can’t afford to ignore the reality of what’s happening,” he said. “We all need to do our part to protect our planet and ensure a better future for our children.”
As he continues to speak out on this issue, James is also focusing on taking care of his own mental health and finding ways to cope with the stress of the wildfires. “It’s important to prioritize self-care and look after our mental well-being,” he said. “We can’t help others if we’re not taking care of ourselves first.”
In sharing his struggles with the wildfires, LeBron James is reminding us all of the importance of staying informed, taking action, and looking after our mental health in the face of crisis. Let’s all follow his lead and do our part to protect our planet and support those in need during these challenging times.
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LeBron James and his family are among the more than 150,000 Los Angeles area residents forced to evacuate their homes at points in the past week as wildfires ravaged the area, leaving at least 25 people dead and destroying more than 12,300 structures.
For the first time, LeBron James opened up about having to evacuate their Brentwood home and the impact of the fires, speaking to reporters after his Lakers beat the Heat Wednesday night (quotes via Jovan Buha of The Athletic).
“There’s been a lot of emotions,” James said. “I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades. Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families, all across not only the (Pacific) Palisades, but all across L.A. County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire and things of that nature. It’s been a lot of emotions.
“Personally, I’ve been off,” he continued. “Personally, my family, we’ve been evacuated since Thursday night, so I’ve been in a hotel since pretty much when we got back from Dallas. So, just figuring it out. But staying strong for one another. Obviously, that’s most important.”
LeBron had to evacuate his home due to fires once before, back in 2019.
“We had that experience and was able to lean on that a little bit,” James said. “The difference between ’19 and today, the one in ’19 was in the middle of the night so we had to get going right away. We had a little bit more time before we had to evacuate, so we were able to get some things, get some belongings or whatever the case may be, get some things that meant things to us. But our home has definitely not been touched since the moment we left, but it’s still standing and we’re grateful for that.”
The fires have impacted several Lakers. Coach J.J. Redick had the home he, his wife and two sons rented in Pacific Palisades burn down. Fortunately, the family was safe, but he had previously talked about an emotional toll. Among the memories lost were his sons’ growing NBA memorabilia collections, but Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama helped them restart that collection.
Firefighters are still working to fully contain the wildfires in the region, particularly the sprawling Palisades fire (which is the one that threatened LeBron’s home and burned Redick’s). Fortunately for those efforts, the strong winds that had fanned the flames have died down.
LeBron James, the legendary basketball player and Los Angeles Lakers star, recently opened up about the devastating impact of the wildfires that forced him to evacuate his home.
In a heartfelt post on social media, James shared his thoughts and feelings about the wildfires that have been raging across California, including the ones that forced him and his family to flee their residence. He expressed gratitude for the safety of his loved ones and emphasized the importance of coming together as a community during times of crisis.
The wildfires have not only posed a threat to homes and property, but also to the health and well-being of residents in the affected areas. James urged his followers to stay safe and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
As a prominent figure in the sports world and the Los Angeles community, LeBron James’s words carry weight and serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting one another in times of need. His vulnerability and honesty in sharing his experience with the wildfires are a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
Our thoughts are with LeBron James and all those affected by the wildfires in California. Let’s come together to support each other and rebuild stronger than ever. #CaliforniaWildfires #LeBronJames #CommunityStrong
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Hollywood’s awards season has all but come to a rare halt as the wildfires continue to disrupt life and work in the Los Angeles area. There are near daily updates from the Hollywood guilds and organizations that put on awards shows as the industry navigates the ongoing crisis.
Here’s an overview of the major upcoming awards shows, from the Oscars to the Grammys, including updated dates for nominations.
Academy Award nominations
Jan. 23
The Oscar nominations have been twice-delayed — they were initially slated for Jan. 17, then Jan. 19, before being delayed again. The delay in the announcement accommodates an extended voting deadline, as many Academy members have been affected by the wildfires.
The nominations will be announced via a “virtual presentation,” eschewing press on site.
Grammy Awards
Feb. 2
By virtue of announcing their nominations back in November, the Grammys’ schedule has largely been unaffected by the wildfires. Some auxiliary events have been canceled, though — Universal Music Group nixed all related events, including its Artist Showcase and after-party, saying it would redirect those resources to wildfire recovery aid.
The Grammys will be broadcast live on CBS; a host has yet to be announced.
Critics Choice Awards
Feb. 7
Originally slated for Jan. 12, the awards have been delayed twice. They will take place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, only miles from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood where fire was raging.
The awards will be broadcast live on E!, hosted by Chelsea Handler.
Producers and Directors Guild awards
Feb. 8
These are two separate, untelevised awards shows. Both are still set to be held in Los Angeles on the same night. The winner of the PGA’s Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures has six times in the past seven years gone on to win the best picture Oscar. Over the past two decades, the winner of the DGA award has nearly always also triumphed at the Oscars.
Writers Guild awards
Feb. 15
The Writers Guild of America gives awards to adapted and original feature film screenplays, which often align with Oscar nominees and winners, documentaries and television shows and films. It’s an untelevised event.
BAFTAs
Feb. 16
The British Academy Film Awards — officially called the EE BAFTA Film Awards — are Britain’s equivalent of Hollywood’s Academy Awards. Nominations were unaffected by the fires and announced this week. (While the awards are in London, nominees come from all over and even many British celebrities call LA home.)
Airing on BBC in the U.K. and BritBox in North America, David Tennant will host.
Spirit Awards
Feb. 22
The Film Independent Spirit Awards spotlight films made for budgets of $30 million or less, meaning some years it lines up with the Oscar frontrunners (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”) and other years (“Oppenheimer”) it doesn’t.
The show streams on YouTube, and will be hosted by Aidy Bryant.
SAG Awards
Feb. 23
The actors guild went ahead with announcing nominees, though pivoted to a press release instead of a live announcement in the early days of the fires. The SAG Awards are arguably the most telling Oscar forecast there is. Their picks don’t always align exactly with those of the film academy, but they often come very close to mirroring them. The last three best ensemble winners — “Oppenheimer,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “CODA” — all went on to win best picture at the Academy Awards.
The show will stream live on Netflix, hosted by Kristen Bell.
Academy Awards
March 2
The marquee event and capper of Hollywood’s awards season will proceed as scheduled from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, which was briefly imperiled by the quickly extinguished Sunset Fire. The film academy did delay the Scientific and Technical Awards from Feb. 18 (a rescheduled date has not been announced) and canceled altogether its annual nominees luncheon, an untelevised mainstay of the social calendar known for its mingling and “class photo.”
As awards season approaches in Hollywood, the ongoing wildfires in California are causing concern and uncertainty for many in the industry. Here is a list of some key dates for the upcoming awards season, along with information about how the wildfires may impact them:
– November 18, 2021: The Hollywood Film Awards are set to take place at the Beverly Hilton. However, with air quality concerns and potential evacuations, the event may be postponed or canceled.
– December 12, 2021: The Critics’ Choice Awards are scheduled to be held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. The wildfires may affect transportation and attendance for this event.
– January 9, 2022: The Golden Globe Awards ceremony is planned to be held at the Beverly Hilton. As of now, no changes have been announced, but the situation is fluid and could change.
– January 24, 2022: The Oscar nominations are set to be announced. The wildfires may impact the availability of voters and the ability to hold press events leading up to the announcement.
– February 27, 2022: The 94th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The wildfires could affect the red carpet, attendance, and the overall logistics of the event.
As the situation with the wildfires continues to evolve, it is important for those in the industry to stay informed and be prepared for potential changes to these awards season events. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the wildfires, and we hope for a swift resolution to this crisis.
As dangerous wildfires have devastated neighborhoods across Los Angeles, an incendiary debate has played out on the outskirts of fire containment lines: Should the Oscars be canceled this year?
While celebrities including Stephen King, Jean Smart and Rosanna Arquette have voiced concerns about if or how the ceremony should move forward as fires still burn, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has taken a firm stance: The show must go on.
Earlier this week, the organization stated that despite some calls to roll up the red carpet, it was determined to keep the Oscars on track for Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
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“After consultation with ABC, our board, and other key stakeholders in the Los Angeles and film communities, we have made the carefully considered decision to proceed with the 97th Oscars ceremony as planned on March 2,” academy chief executive officer Bill Kramer told the Los Angeles Times in a statement published Jan. 15.
As of now, thousands of structures have been destroyed and at least 27 people have died as a result of fires in Altadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades. Focusing on a ceremony that spotlights wealthy stars and the “glitz” of the red carpet could potentially be seen as tone-deaf, some celebrities have argued.
On Bluesky, King posted that he’s “not voting in the Oscars this year. [In my honest opinion] they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.”
However, in this case, those fires have hit many of the very people the ceremony is scheduled to celebrate — and not just the wealthy ones.
Kramer acknowledged as much, adding, “We feel that we must go forward to support our film community and to use our global platform to bring attention to these critical moments in our history.”
Given the economic hit Hollywood has taken over the past five years — from a global pandemic that saw theaters close to dual writers’ and actors’ strikes that halted production on scores of films and TV shows — everyone from A-listers to production assistants and “gig” workers have felt the financial pinch.
Moving ahead with the ceremony, Mary McNamara from the Los Angeles Times argued, not only shows support for blockbuster and indie films alike that are being recognized, but it also provides an economic boost to those essential to Hollywood but who also don’t typically see the spotlight — think Carolina from craft services who got a shout-out from The Penguin actor Colin Farrell in his Golden Globes acceptance speech.
“The fires are only the latest blow to many already struggling to find work, make the rent, feed the kids,” she wrote, noting that it takes roughly 1,000 people “not counting presenters and guests” to make the Academy Awards happen.
Not only that, but the Oscars have never missed a year — not even during World War II or after 9/11 — although they have been delayed or rescheduled at various points during their 94-year history.
That’s not to say that everything will be business as usual for the celebrations.
Kramer also noted that, like the Grammy Awards, which is still moving ahead with its Feb. 2 ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in L.A., this year’s awards show will honor first responders and include “special moments acknowledging those who fought so bravely against the wildfires.”
As planning for the event is still coming together while the academy monitors “the situation closely” and with Conan O’Brien still scheduled to host, celebrities like Arquette and Hacks star Smart are asking organizers to donate to or raise funds for those displaced by the fires, with Smart going a step further.
Calling on the academy (including a board of governors, four of whom as well as a former CEO have lost their homes in the fires) to drop the telecast altogether, Smart said in an Instagram post, “I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to victims of the fires and the firefighters.”
Some commenters pointed out that televising the ceremony brings in vital advertising dollars that could go toward victims. Others noted how people who count on these ceremonies to make a living could suffer in the process.
“Award season provides essential work for so many — makeup artists, drivers, stylists, riggers, and countless others behind the scenes. Rather than canceling these events, perhaps we can find ways to both raise funds and awareness while keeping the industry going,” makeup artist Benjamin Puckey wrote in a comment on the post.
Similarly, Arquette wrote on Instagram that the Oscars should be turned into the “greatest telethon in the world,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The Recording Academy has already pledged to raise money during its Grammys telecast in addition to its initial $1 million donation to fire-relief efforts.
While the academy has already postponed its Oscar nominations announcement and canceled its annual nominees luncheon (donating those funds instead to wildfire relief), the show itself is reportedly moving forward, with multiple calls for raising money echoing throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
What Hollywood is often criticized for — the glam celebration of movies and TV — is arguably part of what is getting this town through this moment. Celebrating an industry that pumped roughly $43 billion into the California economy in 2023, some argue, shows the ongoing dedication to a vital local resource.
For Kramer and many others it’s also about fortitude. The “spirit of Los Angeles and our film community has always been one of resilience,” he said in the statement, “and the Oscars represent not just a celebration of film, but the industry’s strength and unity in the face of adversity.”
The 2025 Oscars are happening. Here’s how Hollywood is thinking about the ceremony after wildfires ravaged Los Angeles area.
As the entertainment industry gears up for the 2025 Oscars, one major topic of discussion among Hollywood insiders is how to address the recent devastating wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area. The fires, which destroyed homes, businesses, and natural landscapes, have left a lasting impact on the community and have raised questions about how the entertainment industry can best respond.
Many in Hollywood are calling for the Oscars to be used as a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis and the need for action to prevent future disasters. Some are suggesting that the ceremony should include segments dedicated to honoring the firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to combat the fires, as well as those who have been affected by the devastation.
Others are proposing that the Oscars take a more environmentally conscious approach, such as by reducing the carbon footprint of the event or incorporating themes of sustainability into the ceremony. This could include using sustainable materials for decorations, serving locally sourced and plant-based foods, or supporting organizations that are working to combat climate change.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Hollywood to come together and address the pressing issues facing our world today. By using the platform of the Oscars to raise awareness and inspire action, the entertainment industry has the opportunity to make a positive impact and show solidarity with those affected by the wildfires.
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LOS ANGELES — “Good Morning America” is broadcasting live from Southern California today as part of ABC News’ expanded “SoCal Strong” wildfire coverage.
The relief effort to support Los Angles-area communities impacted by the devastating wildfires will be focused on driving recovery, rebuilding and resilience and highlighting ways that viewers can support local organizations helping SoCal families rebuild their lives.
“GMA” co-anchors Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan and chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent Ginger Zee will be live from various locations across Southern California.
Chief national correspondent Matt Gutman and correspondent and ABC News Live anchor Kayna Whitworth, who have been covering the fires since last week, will also join the coverage.
In addition to highlighting the many communities that were impacted, there will be live musical performances during “GMA.” Singer Aloe Blacc will perform his song “Shine (Aurora)” and children’s choir The High Notes will perform their original song “The Light in Me, the Light in You.”
Tune into “Good Morning America” on Friday, Jan. 17, as ABC News and ABC owned stations kick off “SoCal Strong” (#SoCalStrong) coverage in support of Los Angeles-area communities amid the devastating wildfires. Coverage continues across ABC News programs and platforms.
The recent devastating wildfires in California have left many families and communities in need of support. In response, Good Morning America (GMA) has launched the ‘SoCal Strong’ initiative to help those affected by the fires.
The ‘SoCal Strong’ campaign aims to raise funds and awareness for those who have been impacted by the wildfires, providing much-needed aid and resources to help them rebuild and recover. From providing temporary shelter and food assistance to helping with long-term recovery efforts, ‘SoCal Strong’ is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by the fires.
GMA is calling on individuals, businesses, and organizations to join them in supporting ‘SoCal Strong’ and making a positive impact on the communities affected by the wildfires. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about the campaign, everyone can play a part in helping those in need during this challenging time.
Together, we can come together as a community and show our support for those affected by the California wildfires. Let’s stand ‘SoCal Strong’ and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.
