The inferno that has ravaged large areas of Los Angeles is reaching catastrophic proportions. The ashes left by flames that consumed homes, shopping centers, monuments, and our beloved spaces—places of life and work—are devastating countless lives.
L’Italo Americano stands in solidarity with the Italian-American community and all residents of Los Angeles:
“We are with you, with heartfelt compassion, in the face of this shocking, traumatic, and unimaginable event that is taking pieces of our history, our city, our neighborhoods, and our daily lives. We stand by those who have lost their homes and all that ‘home’ represents, and we support those facing uncertainty, fear, and desolation during these anguishing hours. Together, we will face this tragedy and recover.”
Some staff members of L’Italo Americano have been directly impacted by the evacuations and the dramatic events tied to the wildfires in Los Angeles County, and the newspaper’s operations have been affected.
Although today’s edition, scheduled for January 9, was ready, it could not go to print. We apologize to our readers and subscribers for the inability to publish the first issue of 2025.
Federal and Local Responses to the Crisis
President Joe Biden has canceled his scheduled visit to Italy in response to the crisis and has declared a state of “severe disaster.” Approximately 200,000 people have been evacuated, and there is an “immediate threat to life” for all residents in affected areas, including Palisades in Pacific Palisades, Eaton in Altadena, and Hurst in Sylmar.
The Consulate General of Italy has provided the following emergency contact number: (310) 433 5422.
“No Italian nationals have been injured or involved in any situations threatening their physical safety,” stated Italian Consul General in Los Angeles, Raffaella Valentini, in an interview with ANSA. She added:
“We have received reports of fellow Italians who have lost their homes, which have been damaged or destroyed by the flames, or who have been evacuated, but no injuries have been reported.”
Emergency Shelters for Evacuees
The Consulate General has shared the following active shelters for those displaced:
- Pasadena Civic Auditorium
(300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101) - Westwood Recreation Center
(1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025) - El Camino Real Charter High School
(5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 90025) - Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
(10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331)
County of Los Angeles – Latest updates and emergency alerts.
Los Angeles Fire Department – Recent fire alerts.
CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) – Fire progression monitoring.
CA Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center – Wildfire tracking.
Caltrans Quickmap – Real-time updates on road closures and travel advisories.
National Weather Service – Current weather conditions
Cal OES News – atest updates from California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
Our thoughts and solidarity are with all affected individuals and families as the community navigates this challenging time. Together, we will rebuild.
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