One year ago, the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, killing 19 people and destroying more than 7,000 structures. Those whose homes survived the flames thought they were lucky - until they learned about what was inside.
A year later, families like Adriana Valdez’s still can’t move back.
The toxic dust from burned homes, cars, and electronics has left their houses contaminated with lead, asbestos, and heavy metals. Professional cleaning costs can exceed $125,000. Insurance companies often refuse to cover it.
I spent time with residents and researchers conducting the largest health study ever done after a wildfire: the LA Fire Health Study. It’ll track the health of thousands of Angelinos over the course of ten years.
What researchers are finding could affect millions as these “wildland-urban interface” fires become more common worldwide.
My latest story for @sz (in German).
📸 @cassandragiraldo Thank you for taking these pictures and for showing me your beautiful neighborhood and community.
Drone shots by me.
Closed the loop in California.
What served as a departure point last year became the landing spot after a year of wandering the world.
Two months of work, old friends and new perspectives. Thank you Cali for being the perfect bookend.
Got to witness a totem pole raising ceremony!
It was the first time in 38 years that the local Tlingit and Haida raised a new totem pole in Wrangell. (They actually raised five, but the Kadashan Pole was the only one raised in a traditional manner). The four-day celebration, organized by the Wrangell Cooperative Association, was all about cultural resurgence and honoring Tlingit and Haida traditions. It’s been pretty cool and insightful spending time in a town with such a strong indigenous presence and I learned a ton about Tlingit customs and culture over the summer.
At one point, the crowd was asked to help lift the pole because it was so heavy. I got pulled in to help as well. Feeling the weight of the pole (I mean, it’s essentially a tree) and the strength of everyone working together was quite an experience.
The Kadashan totem pole commemorates marriages between the Haida and Tlingit and is inspired by a staff given to Chief Kadashan to celebrate these alliances (you can see the staff at second 39 and 52). The current pole is a replica of a design originating in the early 19th century. It serves as a symbol of Tlingit and Haida cultural ties and commemorates Kadashan’s role as a historian, storyteller, and peacemaker.
#alaska #totempole #tlingit
Got to hang out with the bears of Anan Creek.
I saw a total of 17 bears within five hours, all feasting on salmon.
Anan is one of the few places where you can see black and brown bears together. Usually they don’t get along. Sadly, today there was no brown bear. But I’ll go again a couple more times the next few weeks, so fingers crossed.
#Alaska #nature #bears #wildlife
