Palisades fire survivor grabbed her first son’s ashes as she rushed to evacuate
Diana Tsow and her family had only lived in their Pacific Palisades home for four years before the Palisades wildfire tore through her neighborhood on Jan. 7, destroying homes, schools and businesses. As part of our larger project of sharing community voices and what wildfire survivors need long-term, Tsow shares her story here, a reminder that parenting young children while displaced from natural disasters continues to be a challenge. What was going through your mind as the evacuation notices started coming? Diana Tsow and her family took this photo on the bluffs of Pacific Palisades on Christmas Eve, just two...
‘Fire Country’ actress Diane Farr on real-life firefighters and being in the line of the Eaton fire
Diane Farr has spent much of her acting life portraying a firefighter — from FX’s “Rescue Me” to CBS’s “Fire Country,” where she plays as Cal Fire division chief Sharon Leone. But on Jan. 7, the actress’ story crossed from the land of fiction into a real nightmare. Her cell phone sounded with an alert that her Altadena-adjacent home was in the line of fire. As we continue to gather stories from community members about their experiences during the January wildfires that destroyed wide swaths of Altadena and Pacific Palisades — and explore what they need long-term — here is...
Palisades Fire Survivor: ‘It is not all replaceable’
Jenny Yip is a clinical psychologist who has spent her career trying to help people, including parents, cope with anxiety. When the Palisades fire destroyed her family's home in early January, she found herself using her professional experience to help her family cope with their own devastating loss. Still, she cautions against "toxic positivity" as wildfire survivors come to terms with their loss and attempt to rebuild their lives. Yip, who is author of "Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts: Stop the Spiral of Anxiety and OCD to Reclaim Wellness on Your Motherhood Journey," had lived in her home for five...
Wildfire Survivor: ‘Don’t forget about us evacuees’
Diana Daniele and her family hiked at Los Liones before the January wildfire in Pacific Palisades. PHOTOS COURTESY DIANA DANIELE As spring unfurls its leaves and the latest breaking news dominate our screens, we aim to continue to share resources, stories of those who were directly impacted by the January wildfires in L.A. County — and what they need now. Journalist and literary publicist Diana Daniele lives at “ground zero” in the Palisades Highlands, which is in the high-severity fire zone where the Palisades fire started. Below is her story. Who lives in your household and how you are holding up during evacuation?...
Meet the Moms and Founders of Live Well Lead Well
Melanie Samuels and Melissa Coulier are the founders of Live Well Lead Well. PHOTOS COURTESY MELISSA COULIER AND MELANIE SAMUELS As moms, juggling work, kids, family obligations, we could all use some holistic wellness. Melissa Coulier and Melanie Samuels started Live Well Lead Well to focus on empowering female leaders through health and mindfulness. Drawing from their personal journeys—overcoming chronic illness and disordered eating—they want to bring functional movement, bio-individual nutrition and mindfulness to more women. Tell us a little about the motivation behind your company, Live Well Lead Well. Live Well Lead Well started from our own personal health struggles, but it quickly became something much bigger. Initially,...
Turn it Up: Best Podcasts and Audiobooks for Musically Inclined Families
Nothing says summer like the minivan packed to the gills, heading towards the open road before reaching its final vacation destination. Whether you’re taking a trip across the California coast or sludging through L.A. traffic, the radio only goes so far for a family. After only a few exits, you’ll likely be tired of repeated songs, an onslaught of car commercials and adult-focused talk radio. Teachers from Santa Monica’s Green Brooms Music Academy compiled their favorite music-focused podcasts and audiobooks for kids. While you’re on the road driving to your destination, introduce the kids to an indie college-inspired radio hour, learn as a family about classic works of art, get schooled about musicians’ early childhood and more. "Noodle Loaf" (podcast) Noodle Loaf music education podcast was...
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in L.A.
Don your green, grab your good luck charms and head to one of these family-friendly St. Patrick's Day events in L.A. this weekend. From live music to parades and more, here are 11 ways to celebrate Irish culture and St. Patrick's Day with the whole family. Irish Fest 12 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Wed., March 12 - 17 | Biergarten at Old World HB Concert Venue Join Old World's Irish Fest for a 6-day celebration of all things Irish. Enjoy live music, bagpipes, and a feast of corned beef and cabbage. There will be green beer, green pretzels and more...
Spring Gardening: 10 Perfect Plants to Grow With Children
Strawberry Popcorn (Zea mays). PHOTOS COURTESY RICK PERILLO My favorite part of parenting is watching my kids hunt for sweet peas in the garden or offering me a warm tangerine they harvested to peel for them. These are the moments that make gardening with children so rewarding. The garden is a natural playground for kids, with its wriggling worms, muddy hands, bizarrely shaped fruits, and the promise of fresh, delicious food. While planting the usual garden favorites like radishes and tomatoes is always a good idea, consider adding a few of the unique plants on this list to spark your children's...
March 31: FEMA Deadline Extended for L.A. County Wildfire Victims
The FEMA deadline for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the January wildfires in L.A. County to apply for federal disaster assistance has been extended to March 31. The deadline is for applicants of both FEMA disaster assistance and a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option). On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play). On the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages: press 2 for Spanish or press 3 for an...
Our SPOT: L.A. County Opens New Teen Centers
New Our SPOT Teen Centers are opening in Los Angeles. PHOTO COURTESY LA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the county’s probation department, has announced the grand opening of three new Our SPOT Teen Centers, expanding the program to 16 locations countywide. These free after-school centers provide a safe and engaging environment for teens aged 12-18. It will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Feb. 12 at Eugene A. Obregon Park; another groundbreaking will be held March 6 at...
Natural History Museum Unveils ‘L.A. on Wheels’ Online Series
Getting around L.A. is both the bane of our existence and an ongoing project of discovery and improvement. And the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s fourth season of its NHM Online series, "L.A. on Wheels," celebrates the diversity of Los Angeles through the lens of creative modes of transportation. As part of the ongoing "Being L.A." initiative, the video series explores how Angelenos have transformed movement into a celebration of creativity and community, showcasing the city's innovative spirit and cultural identity. It highlights various forms of transportation, from bicycles and skateboards to lowriders and food trucks, demonstrating how mobility connects...
Is Your Family Prepared? Use These Tips to Manage an Emergency
EPIC-FSC President Brian Cameron conducts a home hardening evaluation. Home hardening is a process of making a home less vulnerable for wildfires. PHOTO COURTESY EPIC-FSC At EPIC-FSC, we believe that preparedness provides peace of mind, particularly in safeguarding your family, home and community against wildfires or other natural disasters. In response to the devastating Woolsey fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties in November 2018, a group of Calabasas citizens banded together to form EPIC-FSC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping local residents mitigate risks, survive emergencies and recover from fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Here are steps to help...
Parenting in Times of Crisis
My father-in-law suffered a stroke just a few days after early January’s citywide firestorm began. Needless to say, this family emergency made a stressful time even more chaotic. My family and I live in the San Gabriel Valley, about nine miles south of the deadly Eaton fire, so we were not in immediate danger, but like many people across our county, we watched ashes fall and the air grow thick with smoke. My kids’ schools stayed closed for three days. Meanwhile, as the first raged, my wife, Emi, traveled back and forth between home and the hospital that was housing...
Editor’s Note: To Live, Love and Lose in L.A.
Cassandra attends the “Day in Nature” Black Heritage Month community event at Stoneview Nature Center. PHOTO BY SOLOMON RICH Being a true Angeleno (whether native or committed transplant) means embracing it all — chasing after dreams that often fail and sometimes come true, coming to terms with the potential for catastrophes and appreciating the humanity that makes the City of Angels such a rich place to live. It’s a risky place to live, too. But in these times of devastating climate change, where on Earth is not? A week or so before the Palisades, Eaton and smaller fires erupted from...
SoCal Wildfires: Short- and Long-Term Recovery Support
Fire victims embrace during a Hav a Sole shoe drive. Hav A Sole has donated thousands of sneakers to fire survivors and others in need. PHOTO COURTESY RIKKI MENDIAS “LA Strong.” In the middle of devastation, this phrase — on billboards, podiums and as hashtags — gave us all a sense of pride and purpose. To help those most impacted by the January wildfires, the L.A County community (and beyond) came out in droves. Rikki Mendias, founder and executive director of Hav A Sole, held massive shoe drives. A teen founded Altadena Girls to help girls in Altadena. South L.A....
SoCal Wildfire Survivors: ‘Don’t Forget About Us’
Jenny Yip’s home was destroyed in the Palisades fire. PHOTO COURTESY JENNY YIP Here we are in March, where the first kisses of spring would normally deliver a sense of hope and lightheartedness, but as the season nears, a figurative and literal haze still hangs over L.A.: the aftermath of the early January wildfires that left wide swaths of the county — towering palm trees, lavish homes and quaint cottages, mom-and-pop shops and institutions — in ash-laden ruins. Empowered by hurricane-like Santa Ana winds, the Palisades fire (located in the western part of the county) and the Eaton fire in...
We Love It: Toys, Baby Gear & More
“Lantern in the Dark: Songs of Comfort and Lullabies” This 12-song collection from seasoned singer-songwriters Edie Carey and Sarah Sample will touch your heart. The album provokes a feeling of comfort and joy while providing a sense of soothing compassion. $20, all ages, sarahsample.com/merch Crazy Aaron’s Egg-cellent Thinking Putty A white pearlescent silly putty with a bonus yellow globby ball inside made to look like an egg yolk to provide two different sensory experiences. A great fidget toy that helps with stress relief and focus. $15, ages 3+, crazyaarons.com PAW Patrol Rocky’s Crush ‘N’ Roll Recycling Truck With eco-conscious manufacturing, Rocky’s paws...
After battling the January wildfires, L.A. firefighters face the challenge of rebuilding
Firefighters across L.A. County battled January wildfires. PHOTO COURTESY BRANDON SMITH Beginning Jan. 7, thousands of firefighters across Los Angeles County valiantly battled the Palisades, Eaton and other fires that ignited across the region, using everything in their power and training to quench the fires until they were 100 percent contained around Jan. 18. While we call firefighters our heroes, they are also our neighbors. Several off-duty and retired firefighters faced the harrowing reality of fighting to protect their own homes — ultimately fleeing to save their lives. Here are the stories of some local firefighters — and how to help...
L.A. Summer Camps: A Safe Haven for Kids in Challenging Times
While life in the Los Angeles region may not return to “normal” for a long while, now is a good time to start thinking about how you want your children to spend their summer. Summer camp continues to be a sanctuary for children navigating life's uncertainties. The National Library of Medicine reports that camp experiences help children and adolescents cope better with everyday challenges, leading to improved well-being. “Summer camp provides children with a structured environment where they can build resilience, independence and social skills, all of which contribute to a sense of stability during unpredictable times,” says Supatra Tovar,...
7 Ways to Craft a Nutritious (and Delicious) Emergency Go-Bag
A collection of Jen Cheng’s emergency foods. PHOTO BY JEN CHENG Having to evacuate from the Sunset fire in January caught me off guard and exposed the gaps in my emergency food preparedness. As a wellness coach with a passion for healthy eating and a poet who appreciates the beauty of efficiently curated words, my unpreparedness inspired me to create a more thoughtful go-bag packing list. While I had packed some healthy snacks for the evacuation, once I was safe from the fires, I realized my snacks were not sufficient for more than one full meal. Once I was able...
2025 Women’s History Month Events in L.A.
March is Women's History Month, and this year's theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” One way to educate and inspire is through these fun and engaging events for kids and families in L.A. From Women's History Month story times to hands-on workshops highlighting women's contributions in the arts and sciences, these March happenings are a great way to introduce the next generation to inspiring women activists, artists, scientists, business owners and more. Women's History Month: Stomp Rockets! 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wed., March 5 | Hyde Park Miriam Matthews Branch Library Learn about women's contributions...
Sarah Drew: From TV Doc on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to L.A. Mom, Writer and Producer
Sarah Drew and her daughter, Hannah, cozy up at home for a photo shoot with L.A. Parent. PHOTO BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN Years after watching the television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” I can still recall how mesmerized I was with Sarah Drew’s performance as Dr. April Kepner. Since working nine seasons on the hit ABC series, Drew has continued to act, as well as write, direct and produce. But when I met Drew in person, I knew instantly that being a mom is her greatest gig. Her home, where we did our cover photo shoot, is filled with family photos and her...
March Book Corner: Women’s History Month
This month's book roundup focuses on Women's History Month, featuring books for young readers that highlight inspiring girls and women, real and fiction. The Girl Who Wanted to Rock By David Weiser; illustrated by David LaVoie Introduce young rockers to musical concepts like melody, harmony and rhythm through this joyful illustrated book, “The Girl Who Wanted to Rock,” inspired by real-life Broadway audio engineer Maxine “Max” Gutierrez. In response to the gender gap in rock and music tech, the young musician at the center of this story finds her place and voice in music, inspiring other young girls looking to rock. Recommended...
March/April Edition of L.A. Parent is Here
Our March/April issue of L.A. Parent is dedicated to telling the stories of Angelenos who were impacted by the catastrophic January wildfires in L.A. County. Throughout this magazine — and through our website, newsletters, social media and events — we aim to uphold the wishes of our fellow residents: “Don’t Forget About Us.” We will not forget. In these pages, you will find their recollections as well as discussions about how to parent in times of crisis, how to make sure your family is prepared for any emergency and how to take care of not only your family but your own physical and mental...
Best Easter Gifts for Kids This Spring
Hop into the season with these egg-citing toys and gifts perfect for Easter baskets and springtime fun! From interactive games to creative craft kits, this list has something for every age and interest. Whether kids are cracking open gemstone-filled eggs, rounding up runaway rabbits, or crafting cuddly creatures, these picks are sure to bring smiles and spark imagination. With classic favorites like MAGNA-TILES and new surprises from beloved brands, these finds promise hours of hands-on fun. Check out our top picks to make this Easter one to remember! Peeksville Hide & Cheep Chicken Coop Watch the chicken or egg disappear...
