It has not been an auspicious start to 2025 for those of us who live in greater Los Angeles. The latest are the devastating fires consuming 50,000 acres, requiring the evacuation of more than 200,000 people and destroying more than 16,000 homes, The destruction is estimated to be $50 billion, with only $20 billion insured.

One person severely affected by the fires is Paige LaCombe, former US Servas Board member, former Servas International Peace Secretary, and current Servas delegate to the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. Paige lost her beautiful home and everything in it and has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help people in her circle of friends and family. Paige's sister and family also lost everything, including their business in addition to their home. To date 264 people have donated $32,245. If you are able, please donate something to this fund.

On a positive note, the fires have prompted California members David Schwartz and Deirdre Marlowe to launch an assistance effort for the LA fire victims. They are asking Southern California Servas members to offer what assistance they might – lodging, storage, clothing, etc. to fellow members (or anyone) in need because of the fires. If you can offer any assistance or want to help in any way with the effort, please contact Deirdre Marlowe at deirdre.marlowe@usservas.org. Likewise, if you know of other Servas members affected by the fire, please pass that information along to Deirdre.

Deirdre and David are now working on a longer-term project organizing a US Emergency Response team to assist with future natural disasters throughout the Servas community, not just California. If you are interested in working with this team, please contact Deirdre.

Two-Bedroom Apartment Available - One result of the outreach effort is finding a two-bedroom sublet available in Sherman Oaks, CA. Contact Deirdre if you’re interested.