Holidays for L.A.'s wildfire victims become an exercise in creative problem-solving
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LOS ANGELES — This time last year, Jon Cherkas and his wife were busy preparing to host relatives, friends and neighbors for Thanksgiving in their Southern California home of more than 20 years. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. This year, the couple is planning to dine out with friends in Scottsdale, Arizona. “We had such great community and fun with neighbors,” he said. “That’s the one thing that’s really missing now.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Jon Cherkas and other Los Angeles wildfire survivors are finding new ways to mark Thanksgiving as they cope with lost homes, broken routines, and slow rebuilding.
Key Points:
- Cherkas’ home was destroyed in the January wildfires, and this year he will spend Thanksgiving out of state with old neighbors instead of hosting at home.
- Many survivors are facing long rebuilding delays, with fewer than 2,000 permits issued from 5,000 applications in burn zones so far.
- Other families are turning to creative holiday plans, like renting homes, eating out, or stretching celebrations into a full weekend.
- In places like Altadena, residents are trying to keep community ties alive with block parties, themed gatherings, and shared projects while recovery continues.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Wildfires can wipe out homes, delay rebuilding permits, and leave families paying rent, travel, and repair costs for months or years.
Positive Impact
Community events and shared support can help displaced households cope and keep local ties alive during recovery.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Major:Jon Cherkasperson
Candidate Entities4 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Jon CherkaspersonMajorEvaluated
Homeowner and wildfire survivor whose holiday plans and rebuilding experience are a central thread in the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Freddy SayeghpersonMajorAI selected
Major featured survivor in Altadena discussing loss, recovery, and community efforts after the fire.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Keni "Arts" DavispersonMajorAI selected
Featured Altadena resident and artist whose family’s losses and recovery efforts are a significant part of the story.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Tom ReedpersonMajorAI selected
Another central wildfire survivor whose creative holiday adjustments and rebuilding outlook are featured prominently.
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