As 2025 dawned, I was grappling with hope but not wanting to have too much hope in fear that everything would come crashing down once the clock stuck midnight. 2020 was a big transition year, and I, like everyone, as full of optimism. The world was full of glimmer and hope and then BAM! pademic, BAM! shutdowns, BAM divisive elections, BAM blatant social injustices, BAM natural disasters seemingly everywhere, BAM industry strikes; one thing after another for four years. So who could blame me that as 2025 was approaching there was a hestiation on the optimism. With much trepidation, however, I was determined to take Brene Brown's advice, let go of foreboding joy and set out to make 2025 a banner year. I was resolved to embrace hope and actively pursue my goals. On my list of 2025 aspirations were: going full send on my Artist Planner marketing, revitalizing my company, Entcles, by finding a production house and advertising strategy and finally recouping from all the industry strikes and regain professional momentum. And just like that, unforeseen challenges soon emerged, testing my resilience and resolve.
The Fire in Los Angeles: A Test of Resilience
Unlike 2020, which waited until mid March to start it's torutre, 2025 began its torment within its first few days. January 7th started a series of devastating wildfires to Los Angeles, wreaking havoc on communities and landscapes alike. Two major fires that broke out in Los Angeles County: the Palisades and Pasadena fires ravaged almost 60,000 acres. There was also the Hughes Fire, which tore through over 10,000 acres near Castaic Lake, and several smaller fires inbtween. It really felt like all of LA was on fire and moments away from burning to the ground.
Across these fires, over 30,000 residents were displaced, 28 fatalies have been confirmed, over 16,000 structrues were destroyed and we are still unclear of the long term effects of the air quality. Historical neighborhoods & landmarks around Altadena, Pasadena and the Palisades are just gone. Landmarks like Griffith Park and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains are closed, creating a community forced to halt its usual rhythms. While firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames and thank God the rains of January 25th and 26th, the physical and emotional impact on California’s residents is still very palpable. Even if your neighborhood wasn’t told to evacuate, the dark-grey and fire orange skies with ash and burnt pages of books and family albums falling onto cars miles away and the unrelenting warnings of long-term effects of the air quality even in seemingly unharmed areas ensured ALL Angelenos would feel the effects of these Los Angeles fires.
How Los Angeles Will Bounce Back
Despite the widespread devastation, California’s history of resilience has poured over into the present, offering a beacon of hope. From the ashes of these fires, stories of heroism and unity have emerged. Neighbors banded together to provide shelter and support for displaced families. Community organizations quickly mobilized relief efforts, delivering supplies and offering resources for recovery. The abundance of support was so overwhelming donation and volunteer centers had to ask people to STOP donating and volunteering.
On an emotional level, Angelenos have shown remarkable determination to recover. From influencers and victims showing the resilence to not let these fires be the end of LA or its privately owned businesses. Whether through art, storytelling, or activism, residents are channeling their grief and frustration into action. Studios like, Little Green Art Studio was able to offer an oasis to families who's children lost their school in the fire. I personally have been extremly proud to be one of the residents of Los Angeles. My entire neighborhood like many others had no power, no security for 3 nights. I was worried about the potenital violence and robberies. So much so, I slept with a knife by my bed.. but NOTHING not a single act of crime in the what would be the perfect opportunity. This told me alot, mainly, Los Angeles is full of good people. People who don't live here can say what they want about Los Angeles, but even with it being on fire, the subsequent mudslides, the earthquakes and higher taxes... I still do not want to live anywhere else. For now.
While the scars of these fires may be semi-permanent the the spirit of resilience and hope has shown through. In California, bouncing back means not just rebuilding homes but reinforcing hope for the future of "The Industry". Rumors of expanded tax incentives for filmmakers and initiatives to improve affordable housing, designed to keep talent and production within the state. These measures are not just about economics—they are about restoring the morale of a city that thrives on creativity innovation and a dream.
Moving Forward: Embracing Resilience
As I reflect on the tumultuous start to 2025, I am reminded that a new year does not guarantee a clean slate. The fires, the shifting landscape of my industry, and the broader challenges facing our communities have reinforced the idea that progress is rarely linear and a new start can happen at any time.
For me, the journey to achieve my personal goals—promoting the artist’s planner, revitalizing Entcles, and regaining professional momentum—has been interrupted by forces beyond my control. Yet, these setbacks have also provided an opportunity to reassess my priorities and adapt to new realities. Therefore, I have decided to start my 2025 in the spring, according to the ancient calendars. Let this dust of this winter settle and let the new year flourish with the roses.
In many ways, the spirit of LA is about survival and perseverance. It’s not about achieving perfection but about navigating challenges with grace and determination. Determined to never give hope and never lose sight of one's passion and need to create, California’s resilience in the face of wildfires mirrors our own ability to confront adversity and keep creating art.
As I move forward toward my new year (March 20th, 2025) I will remember that resilience is not just about rebuilding what was lost but about community and the ability to draw close to those for whom you care and care for you, known and unknown to create something stronger and even more beautiful with the scars. I am reminded of my recent trip to The Sequoias and the poem I wrote about all the burn scars in some of the biggest most resilient trees in the world. This poem is a nod to the notion that together, we can transform our trials into stories of triumph and beauty, making this year a banner year in ways we never imagined. 2025 may be a New Year but thankfully we are still just as beautifully US.
They Call Them Scars. The imprints, imperfections, gashes and holes left by the past.
Meant to cleanse, start over and recycle into new life, the fire rages with no mercy.
It’s rage is a kindness,
Mercy would be a disservice.
Just give it time and you’ll see,
In time the forest heals.
New life resurges.
The strong have been reinforced,
trash has been removed
new life has been nourished, ready to sprout.
The forest is grateful for this burning rage.
And the reminders left behind?
The scars are what make it even more beautiful.
-Ashanta Morris
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