California Today: After Attacking L.A. Wildfire Response, Elon Musk Sends His Products to Help

Today's top stories from California.

January 13, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time By Kellen Browning I had been in Pacific Palisades for only a few hours when I started receiving messages from evacuees asking about their homes. Many residents have not been able to return since the fire swept through, but reporters can enter evacuated zones under California law. I was posting videos of the devastation on social media, and I started receiving a flurry of direct messages on X from people asking me to check on specific properties. One woman asked about her sister-in-law's home, saying it would bring her some closure if she knew for sure it was gone. One man asked about his apartment building. Another worried the fire had crept out of the Palisades toward Santa Monica Canyon, endangering his house. It's not a typical assignment for a reporter. But I decided to help out. It felt, in some way, like I was doing what reporters should be doing in a crisis: keeping people informed. So far, I've been able to check on about six places. At one point, I drove up a winding street into the hills to check on a property. A few blocks in, a power line blocked the road. It felt like a waste to turn back. So I got out of my car, and walked the rest of the way. A few homes on the street were still standing, so I thought there was a chance of good news for the person who had reached out to me on social media. But as I rounded a corner, I saw the remains of a home actively on fire, burning quietly. I couldn't see a street address, so I wasn't positive it was the right one. I sent a video to the woman who had asked me to check on it — her grandmother had lived there for 60 years. "Unfortunately, I think it's gone," I wrote. "It might be this one burning." She confirmed that it was. She was surprised I actually showed up in person — she thought I'd send a drone. She was grateful, and she asked me to be careful. Today's Top Story Alex Brandon/Associated Press After Attacking L.A. Wildfire Response, Elon Musk Sends His Products to Help The world's richest person has stoked outrage about the devastating wildfires and efforts to tackle them. On Sunday, he said he would help provide internet access to areas in need in Los Angeles. Read more More California News A Close Brush With Loss for a Community That Knows It Well A 2008 fire gutted a mobile home park in the suburb of Sylmar. Last week, the Hurst fire came frighteningly close, and residents still haven't let their guard down. Palisades Lost Days after a devastating wildfire, residents of Pacific Palisades have started sifting through the ruins, and their memories. Stronger Santa Ana Winds to Return, and Risk May Rise to 'Extreme' After a brief break on Sunday afternoon, another prolonged round of gusty Santa Ana winds is expected to develop, forecasters say. Part of Eastern Malibu Is 'Gone,' Mayor Says, as Palisades Fire Rages A third of eastern Malibu has been destroyed by the blaze, including the communities of Big Rock and Carbon Mesa and a famed stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, officials said. Before Taking Office, L.A.'s Mayor Said She Would Not Go Abroad Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has been criticized for being out of the country when the wildfires broke out. Three years ago, she promised in an interview to cut back on her world travel and focus on the city. 'Will Pay Any Amount': Private Firefighters Are in Demand in L.A. Hiring a private fire crew costs thousands of dollars a day, and most work through government contracts or with insurance companies. Some wealthy property owners are calling them in directly. How to Protect Your Home From Wildfires Thousands of wildfires rage across California every year. No matter where you are, it's important to learn how to minimize their threat. On a Screen, Devastation As catastrophic fires consume homes in California, the owners can watch the unfolding tragedy through Ring and Nest cameras. Local Conditions Look up the heat index in your area using The Times's heat tracker. See active fires using The Times's wildfire tracker. Today's Recipe David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Sheet-Pan Gnocchi With Sausages and Peppers By Melissa Clark 55 minutes Makes 3 to 4 servings Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather. Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. 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