A Love Letter to LA
Reflections and thoughts for one of my beloved cities
While I welcomed 2025 with so much hope, like many of you, my heart has felt heavy in the face of recent events out West.
I had all this fresh, clever content lined up, ready to launch into the new year, but as the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, it felt impossible to ignore the pain and loss so many are enduring.
Funny enough, just a few weeks ago—before any of this—my mom asked me what my favorite state is. Without hesitation, I said, California. It’s where my love of travel began. My first flight ever, at two years old, was to the Golden State. Years later, as a twenty-something in advertising, LA became a second home during shoots for commercials, giving me my first taste of its vibrancy. And then, there was my Brentwood friend—an LA native—who fueled my love for her hometown with neighborhood maps, insider tips, and meticulous wardrobe advice. (True Religion jeans, James Perse tops, Ella Moss jackets—she made sure I was perfectly California chic.)
LA became a part of my story in so many ways. My husband and I spent our early years together traveling all over California—our first anniversary in Santa Barbara, countless weddings in LA, Sonoma, and Santa Monica. And when our kids were old enough, we brought them there too, hoping they’d fall in love with the same sunshine, beaches, and energy we adored.
Watching videos last week of our family biking along the Braude Beach bike trail from Santa Monica to the Palisades felt bittersweet.
That idyllic scenery now feels like a distant memory, as the land we cherished faces such destruction. My heart aches for the families who’ve lost so much, and for the communities that have been forever changed.
But if there’s one thing LA has always shown us, it’s resilience. When one door closes, LA always finds a way to open a window filled with hope, love, and rebuilding. That spirit of reinvention and community is what makes it so remarkable.
For now, I’m focusing my energy on ways to help from here in the Midwest. If you’re looking for ways to contribute, I’ve rounded up a few places and organizations in need:
Stratum Fitness is accepting shipments of new items:
821 Academy Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075The A List Relief is in need of: storage bags, women's hair ties, mouth wash, OTC medicine -- advil + neosporin, flat iron, mens underwear, blow dryer dryers and curling irons.
Any new and gently used clothing, please send to the addresses below.
Women's Clothing:
The A List Relief
9290 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills CA 90210
Mens Clothing / Childrens / Hair / Makeup / All other products:
The A List Relief
9308 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills CA 90210.
Fashion & Beauty Brands Giving Back:
Sydney Evan’s “I LA” Necklace (100% of proceeds donated)
Clare V. is releasing a hat and a T-shirt with “‘Los Angeles, Je t’aime” (“Los Angeles, I Love You”) printed on it to fundraise for the fire victims. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Red Cross.
Pura Vida has launched an LA Wildfire relief bracelet and all proceeds will be donated to relief funding
50% of all sales from the RAILS LA Graphics Capsule will be donated to the LA Fire Department Foundation
Every small action we take can make a difference. LA has given so much to me—memories, inspiration, and hope. Let’s give some of that back.