Two female firebrands from Malibu explain how the devastating Palisades fire actually left a nearly seven mile path of destruction along one of the most iconic coastal routes in America. In this deeply personal episode of LA Rising, we meet noted author and activist, Kathy Eldon and Equinox co-founder and fitness maven, Lavinia Errico, who both embody hope and resilience in the wake of devastation. Kathy, shares her harrowing experience as the first house in Malibu threatened by fire, reflecting on the role of storytelling, survivor’s guilt, and the transformative power of helping others. Lavinia reveals how business acumen, movement, breathwork and joy, and her strong sense of community helped her weather both the Franklin and Palisades fires. Together, they offer hard-won wisdom on coping with loss, building resilience, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Along the way, we learn actionable strategies for preparing for disaster, nurturing our mental health, and finding light even in the darkest moments. Listen through the end for Lavinia’s special wellness segment and an exclusive offer for LA Rising listeners. Want to support the work? Share your story, contribute to youth mental health, or simply pass this episode on to someone who needs a little hope today.

Resources:

• Creative Visions Foundation

• Unbounded by Kathy Eldon (latest book)

• Angelcatcher, Dreamcatcher, Safari as a Way of Life (journals and books)

• The Journey is the Destination (book/film)

• Dying to Tell the Story (documentary on YouTube)

• JoyLift Complimentary Trial - for two weeks of free online classes by Lavinia Errico

• JOINJOYLIFT.COM. Use Code LARISING for 30% off any membership tier.

• MoveJoy (online wellness platform; use code LARISING for two weeks free)

• Equinox (co-founded by Lavinia Errico)

• World Central Kitchen (disaster food relief)

• Rise and Thrive Pacific Palisades & Malibu Business Fund

• Students Rebuild and #CreateConnectCare (youth mental health initiatives)

Donate to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Interested in being a sponsor? 20% of all funding goes to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, a non-profit supporting the mental health of children impacted by these fires.

Produced by NOVA

When disaster strikes, how do you rebuild—not just structures, but hope itself? In this powerful episode of LA Rising, we hear directly from the leaders at the heart of LA’s wildfire recovery. Supervisor Lindsay Horvath shares the inside story of the fastest fire debris removal in the nation’s history, to finding appropriate spaces for students whose schools burned down, to quickly distributing small business and household grants to those in need, and assembling an action-centric Blue Ribbon Commission to guide a climate-smart build back. Meanwhile, Najla Kayyem, Executive Director of Steadfast LA, reveals how a coalition of civic and business leaders came together to cut through red tape, champion innovation, and ensure vulnerable communities aren’t left behind. From AI-driven permitting and fire-resistant prefab homes to the fight for insurance reform and the rebuilding of beloved landmarks like the Palisades Rec Center. In this episode, we learn what real resilience looks like—and how collaboration, urgency, and transparency drive recovery forward. Plus, a special visit to Rancho La Puerta explores how healing, nature, and sustainable living are vital on the long road to recovery. Listen in for stories of leadership, partnership, and hope—then find out how you can get involved in rebuilding a stronger, safer Los Angeles.

Resources:

• LA County Recovery Resources: recovery.lacounty.gov

• Blue Ribbon Commission: Link via recovery.lacounty.gov

• Steadfast LA: steadfastla.com — nonprofit leading community rebuilding, donations, and initiatives (ADU portal, Samara Housing, rec center, etc.)

• Steadfast LA Instagram: @steadfastla

• Samara Housing Initiative (ADUs): Apply via steadfastla.com

• HomeAid: homeaid.org

• Loan Depot: loandepot.com

• EPA Hazardous Waste: epa.gov/hw

• World Central Kitchen: wck.org (emergency food relief)

• Rancho La Puerta: rancholapuerta.com

• Podcast: Resonate: Conversations and Life Lessons from Rancho La Puerta

Donate to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Interested in being a sponsor of #L.A. Rising? ? 20% of all funding goes to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, a non-profit supporting the mental health of children impacted by these fires.

Produced by NOVA

What do trees, tortoises, and high-tech spa treatments have in common? They're all part of the hidden story of wildfire recovery in Los Angeles. In this episode, we meet three unsung heroes working to heal the city in ways you might not expect.

Master arborist Carl Mellinger takes us into the heart of LA’s urban forest—fighting to save surviving trees misidentified for removal and educating homeowners, businesses and HOA’s on fire-smart, tree-friendly landscaping. Fairmont Century Plaza Spa & Wellness Director, Alison Kirsten shares how a luxury hotel became a refuge post disaster and how red light and biohacking therapies are giving fire victims a much-needed nervous system reset and overall rejuvenation. And Dan Jacobs, longtime CEO of the Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center, walks us through the creation of California’s first purpose-built resiliency campus—a pioneering concept designed to care for both animals and evacuees when disaster strikes.

Whether you're navigating loss or planning for the future, these stories remind us of what it takes to rebuild with heart, science, and foresight.

Resources:

• Palisades Forestry Committee: https://www.palisadesforestry.org

• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture): https://www.isa-arbor.com

• Trees Are Good: https://www.treesaregood.org

• TreePeople LA: https://www.treepeople.org

• LAFD Palm Tree Fire Guidelines: https://www.lafd.org/safety/fire-prevention/brush/palm-trees

• Fairmont Century Plaza Spa: https://www.fairmontcenturyplaza.com/spa Mention “LA Fire” for 15% off red light or power nap treatments

• Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center: https://www.avfair.com

Donate to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Interested in being a sponsor? 20% of all funding goes to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, a non-profit supporting the mental health of children impacted by these fires.

Produced by NOVA