Worst Windstorm in 10 Years Brings Destruction and Misery to Southern California
Wildfires driven by the worst windstorm in 10 years have ravaged Southern California, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake. The fires, which started on January 7, have destroyed over 1,000 buildings in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and hundreds more in the San Gabriel Valley.
Eaton Fire
The Eaton fire, one of the three fires burning in Los Angeles County, has had a devastating impact on the communities of Altadena and Sierra Madre. The following landmarks, businesses, schools, and other notable structures have been confirmed to have been damaged or destroyed:
Damaged/Destoyed Landmarks and Businesses
- Fox’s Restaurant, Altadena: The 69-year-old diner was destroyed in the fire, according to an Instagram post from the restaurant.
- The Bunny Museum, Altadena
- Side Pie pizza restaurant, Altadena
- Altadena Golf Course: The course was lost to the fire, according to Johnny Eusebio, general manager of the Altadena Golf Course.
- Altadena Senior Center, Altadena
- Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center: Leaders confirmed in a letter to congregants on the website.
- Altadena Community Church UCC: Confirmed on church’s website.
- Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, Altadena: Confirmed on church’s website.
- Five schools in Altadena: Elliot Arts Magnet School, Aveson Charter School, Loma Alta Elementary School, Noyes Elementary School, and Franklin Elementary School, which closed in 2020, were "substantially damaged" in the fire, according to a preliminary assessment of Pasadena Unified School District schools.
McNally House, Altadena
Zorthian Ranch, Altadena
Palisades Fire
The Palisades fire, which has destroyed more than 1,000 buildings in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, has also had a significant impact on the community. The following landmarks, businesses, and restaurants have been confirmed to have been damaged or destroyed:
Damaged/Destoyed Landmarks and Businesses
- Malibu’s Reel Inn, a favorite seafood restaurant for 36 years: Confirmed on restaurant’s Instagram.
- Moonshadows, a popular restaurant on the beach in Los Angeles: Built on stilts/pylons above the sand.
- Cholada Thai, a Thai restaurant owned by Sawai Theprian and her husband Nikorn Sriwichailumpan, who moved to the U.S. with the dream of opening a restaurant; they have owned the restaurant since 2000, according to Malibu Magazine.
- Gladstones, the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the U.S. in 2009: Former Mayor Dick Riordan owned the restaurant for more than two decades.
- Historic business: The owners of the landmark Malibu Feed Bin, a pet supplies store that opened in 1961 for horse owners and dog lovers, announced the store had been "lost" to the wildfire, according to The Independent.
- Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio: Posted to its Instagram story: "While we lost our tasting room to the fire yesterday, all of our staff is safe." They’ve also posted photos and videos, including the remnants of the massive blue chairs and yellow table that stood outside the outdoor spot.
Conclusion
The worst windstorm in 10 years has brought widespread destruction and misery to Southern California. The fires have left many communities decimated, and the impact will be felt for a long time to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the current conditions of the fires?
A: The fires are still burning, and the situation is being closely monitored by authorities.
Q: How many buildings have been destroyed?
A: Over 1,000 buildings in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and hundreds more in the San Gabriel Valley.
Q: What are the current conditions of the communities affected?
A: The communities of Altadena and Sierra Madre have been significantly impacted, with many buildings destroyed or damaged.
Q: What is being done to combat the fires?
A: Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fires, and a containment date has not been announced.
