How You Can Help Families Affected by Wildfires

A Pause for Reflection Amid the Flames

❄️ Hey there, my SoCal snow lovers. This week’s newsletter takes a detour—no ski conditions, no lift-line tips, no waxing tutorials. Today, I want to talk about something closer to home—literally. 🏠

A Firestorm in Eaton Canyon

For those of you following the news, the Eaton Canyon Fire has been ravaging most parts of Altadena. I live here, and while my family and home are safe, the story changes just three blocks north. Entire streets are now unrecognizable, replaced by ash and memories of homes that once stood tall. It's heartbreaking.

Eaton Canyon isn’t just a local landmark; it’s personal. That bridge in the pictures on the news? It’s part of my favorite hiking trail, the route I take to clear my head when life gets overwhelming. It’s also the path to the Eaton Canyon waterfall—a slice of paradise that’s now surrounded by scars of devastation.

A Community in Need

Wildfires are ruthless, but they also remind us of something powerful: community. Altadena has come together in ways that inspire hope amid despair. But the truth is, recovery takes more than goodwill—it takes resources.

If you're able, I urge you to support those affected. The Pasadena Community Foundation is leading relief efforts. They’re on the ground helping families who’ve lost everything, from shelter to essentials to a reason to hope. Every dollar makes a difference. 💸

Nature’s Duality: Beauty and Power

The mountains, the trails, the wilderness—they give us freedom, but they also demand our respect. I’ve always preached safety on the slopes, but that respect for nature doesn’t stop when the skis come off. Whether it’s fire or avalanche, these landscapes remind us how small we are and how big our responsibility is to each other.

Here’s How You Can Help (Beyond Donating)

💧 Stay Water Wise: Drought fuels these fires. Every drop saved can make a difference.

🌱 Rebuild Responsibly: If you’re local and thinking of planting, choose native, fire-resistant vegetation.

🏃‍♀️ Support Local Trails: Many trails will need repair. Volunteer when the time comes—it’s an amazing way to give back to the places you love.

Closing Thoughts

I know this is a heavy topic, and it’s far from the usual powder-packed cheer I send your way. But just like skiing, life sometimes demands we pause, recalibrate, and find strength in our footing. This fire may have taken so much, but it’s also ignited a fierce determination in our community to rebuild.

Take care of each other. Hug your loved ones. And as always, cherish the slopes and trails—they’re not just playgrounds but pieces of home.

🏔️ "Nature humbles, but community heals." 🏔️

If this newsletter resonated, save it, share it, or reply with your thoughts. Together, we can keep the spirit of our mountains—and our community—alive.

Sasha Everett & the Ski SoCal Insiders

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