When the Smoke Clears: What Remains is Us

“Communities aren’t built in a day—and maybe they aren’t destroyed in a day either. Roots run deeper than damage.”

I’ve spent the better part of my life doing the one thing that inspires and lights up every part of my being—and no, it’s not playing the trumpet for a living in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It’s building community.

Community has a way of weaving people together, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. It lifts, supports, celebrates, and holds. It’s the quiet foundation beneath everything meaningful in life.

But what happens when the very fabric of that community is tested—when everything familiar and safe is suddenly gone?

Today, I’m humbled to be on the receiving end of just how powerful community can be. The emails, texts, phone calls, and social media messages have been pouring in—by the thousands (yes, thousands).

Offers of housing, food, financial help, dog walking, advice, guidance, and shoulders to cry on ding my phone every three minutes. It’s beautiful. It’s shocking. And, at times, it’s overwhelming.

I feel incredibly grateful. And yet, as I look around at the enormity of what has been lost, I know there are so many who need so much more help—not just in the immediate aftermath, but for the coming months and beyond.

I haven’t yet figured out how I will support them. But I know that my desire is to return to what I know best: building scaffolding and support. Rebuilding community.

Of all the physical things that were lost in the fire, the one thing I find myself mourning the most is the energy of Altadena. My street. My neighborhood. My people. The clothes, books, and appliances can all be replaced. But what about the feeling of my place?

Can that be restored?

I don’t know.

I think so.

I hope so.

If you’re one of the thousands of people who reached out, helped something get organized, or if you, too, lost your home or neighborhood—I’m thinking about you. I’m thinking about how we can regroup, how we can rebuild, how we can find our footing again.

If you need information or support, here’s a helpful resource for residents affected by the Los Angeles Fires: Los Angeles: Resources for Affected Residents.

If you’re looking for a way to contribute directly, here’s a link where you can donate to disaster relief efforts: California Disaster Response Fund.

Communities aren’t built in a day—and maybe they aren’t destroyed in a day either. The roots run deeper than the damage. I believe we can replant, regrow, and maybe even strengthen the bonds that hold us together.

Community brought us this far. And I believe it can take us forward again.

Thank you for being part of mine.

With gratitude,

Chris

P.S. I’m not sure I’ll ever find the right words to fully express how much your kindness and support mean to me and my family.

Every message, every offer of help—it’s impossible to convey the depth of my gratitude. Just know that it hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I am profoundly thankful for you.