Monthly Archives: January 2025

Evacuation Advice (IRL Edition)

Posted on January 29, 2025 by PB Rippey

I’m a 7th generation Californian, born in Pasadena. Because of my experiences with SoCal fires (all of which involved fleeing or watching others flee on TV), I can confidently advise that if you smell smoke, GET OUT. If you smell … Continue reading →

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The Hughes Fire (Evacuation Edition)

Posted on January 25, 2025 by PB Rippey

View from my upstairs windows. This was the beginning of the Hughes Fire and this is why we left. We were in the WARNING evac zone, but a mile up the road was the GO NOW evac zone. What would … Continue reading →

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Return of the Winds (Santa Anas Edition)

Posted on January 21, 2025 by PB Rippey

Januray 1st: We attended the 2025 Rose Parade, front-curb seats thanks to my Pasadena cousins. January 7: Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire and 24/7 fire watch in my ‘hood, Watch Duty the only reason we had minutes of sleep that … Continue reading →

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Los Angeles Fires

Posted on January 15, 2025 by PB Rippey

The same Pasadena cousins we watched the 2025 Rose Parade with evacuated their home a week later because: Eaton fire 1/7/25. Same day, my in-laws evacuated Santa Monica as the Palisades fire raged towards their home. I live in Valencia. … Continue reading →

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Parades Make Me Cry

Posted on January 7, 2025 by PB Rippey

2025 Rose Parade was no exception. Seated front row on folding chairs plunked in the gutter near the corner of Allen and Colorado–the marching bands shook my internal organs, I forced myself not to ugly cry when horses passed, especially … Continue reading →

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