When the 2018 Woolsey fire reduced Carla and Kevin Fern’s modest house in the Malibu hills to ash, they were determined to rebuild.
Carla asks, “Where else would we go?” to emphasize their deep personal history with the land.
It's a reminder that responsibility for living in high-risk areas falls on all of us.
Their home was one of nearly 1,700 structures destroyed.
Nearly two years later, they finally secured a temporary permit for a tiny house on their property.
It’s a testament to the bureaucratic challenges facing so many fire survivors.
The recent Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed over 12,000 structures, prompting leaders to promise relaxed regulations for rebuilding.
Yet, experts question if simply reconstructing is the best path.
Should we rethink rebuilding? #ClimateChange #CommunityPlanning
Urban planning professor Rob Olshansky urges a different approach—one that doesn’t rush to rebuild exactly as before.
Resilience is key, and rebuilding smarter is the way forward! #DisasterRecovery #UrbanPlanning
Fern advocates for community-driven recovery, emphasizing the need for a bottom-up approach in rebuilding.
The process should involve all stakeholders—not just top-down decisions.
Carla’s rebuilding journey is not just about structures; it's about preserving the history and soul of the community.
If we don't rebuild thoughtfully, we risk losing what makes these places special.
The Bright Side