More Than Just a Fire: Pamela R. Clay on Family, Loss, and Hope

What went through your mind when you saw the devastation caused by the wildfire and how has it impacted you personally?

When I first saw the devastation caused by the wildfire, it felt like a punch to the stomach. The images of entire communities reduced to ashes were heartbreaking, but it became even more personal when I thought about the people I know and love. As a graduate of Pacific Palisades High School, I have lifelong friends, business associates, and deep ties to that community. To see the place that shaped so much of who I am engulfed in such destruction was overwhelming. It wasn’t just a neighborhood—it was memories, connections, and a piece of my identity.

Then there’s Altadena, where I have family spanning generations. Knowing that four generations of homes were completely destroyed there brought a level of pain I could hardly process. These weren’t just homes—they were the foundation of family legacies, a symbol of stability, and places where lives were built and cherished. The loss was devastating for them, and it weighs heavily on me as I think about how their lives will need to be rebuilt.

Personally, it has been a sobering and emotional experience. It’s a reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. It has also strengthened my resolve to help where I can, whether that’s by supporting affected families or advocating for more robust community resources. While the pain is deep, it also inspires action—reminding me of the importance of connection, compassion, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

More to come soon!

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