January 16, 2025: Update on Little Tokyo’s Response for the Fires in the Los Angeles Area
As the Los Angeles community begins to face the aftermath of the horrific Eaton and Palisades fires that have caused so much loss and devastation, people everywhere are mobilizing to help those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and livelihoods, and to support the firefighters and first responders who continue their tireless efforts to contain the fires and protect lives and property as dangerous conditions persist.
Our Little Tokyo neighborhood is safe and intact, but many who work here are not. Thousands more are eager to find ways to help those affected by the fires. A coalition of Little Tokyo organizations are now working to coordinate our efforts to provide relief and community resources, including JACCC, JANM, LTCC, LTSC, and Visual Communications, in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. We are hearing from many charities and mutual aid organizations that they are currently overwhelmed with donations of goods and other offers of help in response to immediate needs. This group is turning our attention to identifying ways to help meet key needs for the medium and longer-term recovery. We are reaching out to our colleagues, constituents, and community organizations in the affected areas to determine how we can be of most help. We will keep you updated and in the meantime, encourage those who can to make financial contributions to organizations who are well equipped to distribute aid.
For those needing assistance, and those looking to donate to trusted relief organizations, here are some resources to consider:
- Josh Morey of ori-gen and the J. Morey Company has a two-part video of advice for those navigating the insurance claims.
- Cal Fire gives current information about the status of the fires, including evacuation shelters, orders, and warnings, road closures, and animal evacuation shelters.
- The Federal Emergency Management Administration provides resources for those affected by the fires.
- World Central Kitchen is providing meals to first responders and impacted residents.
- 211 provides a range of community services and is partnering with AirBNB to provide temporary housing for those displaced by the fires.
- Los Angeles Tourism has a list of hotels offering relief accommodations.
- Kurata Eyecare is providing free replacement contact lens or eyewear for those affect by the LA fires.
- The Mutual Aid Network of Los Angeles has an ongoing list of fire and windstorm resources.
- The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD) Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities.
- The California Community Foundation, Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations to help with the recovery from these fires.
- The Los Angeles Unified School District provides a Family and Community Recovery Guide, school updates, and other resources for those who have been displaced due to the fires.
- The Emergency Management Department of the City of Los Angeles has opened disaster relief centers and provides wildfire recovery resources.
- The American Red Cross is accepting online donations to help those affected by the wildfires.
- Azay Little Tokyo has been preparing hot meals to distribute around town to firefighters, evacuees, and unhoused neighbors.
Our thoughts are with all of you in Los Angeles County as you take every precaution to protect yourselves and your loved ones. We are here for you, and we will get through this together.
Ann Burroughs
JANM President and CEO
January 9, 2025: Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires in the Los Angeles area
All of us in the JANM family are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. The tragic loss of life, homes, businesses, and livelihoods is unimaginable, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires. Our gratitude goes to the firefighters and first responders who are risking their lives to protect our lives and property.
I want to assure you that our staff and volunteers are safe, and that the Museum and our Collections are unaffected. However, many of our staff and volunteers have been evacuated from high risk zones and we are hearing that some have lost their homes. As you know, JANM is currently closed to the public for renovation, however our operations will continue. In an ongoing effort to keep our staff and volunteers safe during the unpredictable and highly volatile conditions, and to help keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and evacuees in the affected areas, JANM’s offices will remain closed until the danger has passed. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Staff and volunteer availability is limited due to the emergency, so please be aware that services such as membership cards, store orders, and return email and telephone calls may be delayed. We will continue to update you about any cancellations of upcoming public programs. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
For those needing assistance or wanting to help, here are some resources to consider:
- Cal Fire gives current information about the status of the fires, including evacuation shelters, orders, and warnings, road closures, and animal evacuation shelters.
- The Federal Emergency Management Administration provides resources for those affected by the fires.
- World Central Kitchen is providing meals to first responders and impacted residents.
- 211 provides a range of community services and is partnering with AirBNB to provide temporary housing for those displaced by the fires.
- Los Angeles Tourism has a list of hotels offering relief accommodations.
- The Mutual Aid Network of Los Angeles has an ongoing list of community resources.
- The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD) Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities.
- The California Community Foundation, Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations to help with the recovery from these fires.
- Animal Evacuation Centers
- Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506)
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills)
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301)
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and vigilance during this grave and challenging time. My thoughts are with all of you in Los Angeles County as you take every precaution to protect yourselves and your loved ones. We are here for you, and we will get through this together.
Please take care and stay safe,
Ann Burroughs
JANM President and CEO