As Los Angeles slowly begins to assess the damage caused by recent wildfires, it's clear that rebuilding will take years and cost an astronomical sum of money. Some reports estimate a cost as high as $40 billion. Not to mention the threat of more fires remains strong as the Santa Ana winds and dry conditions persist. The possibility of rain showers this weekend offers hope that the worst of the fires could be over — though the rain could bring new challenges to the area.
In response to the devastation and lingering conditions, LA Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order on Jan. 21 ordering expedited cleanup in burn areas and mitigation of fire-related pollutants in local stormwater systems, beaches and ocean water. The order also directs the city's department of public works crews to clear and remove vegetation, shore up hillsides with reinforced concrete barriers, lay down sandbags and clear debris from affected neighborhoods ahead of rainfall.
"With rain in the forecast, it's imperative we take aggressive action to prevent additional damage in burn areas and to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff," Bass said in a press release. "These communities have already endured unimaginable loss — we are taking action against further harm."
The Eaton and Palisades fires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. According to the Associated Press, the Palisades fire had reached 61% containment and the Eaton fire had reached 87% as of Tuesday.
As city and county leaders begin the recovery process, tourism and hospitality officials have announced that the City of Angels wants and needs the support of visitors.
"Los Angeles has always been a beacon to the world — a place where dreams are born and stories unfold from the silver screen to iconic landmarks," Visit California president and CEO Caroline Beteta said in a press release sent to TPG. "One of the best ways to support the comeback of Los Angeles is to plan a trip."
Much like Maui after it suffered its own horrific wildfires, Los Angeles is hoping tourism can help kickstart its economic recovery from the calamitous event. The fires not only destroyed homes and entire neighborhoods, but local businesses as well.
"The city, along with its iconic sites and experiences — the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, Getty and Getty Villa, Griffith Observatory and many more — remain intact and accessible to visitors from around the world," Beteta said. Of course, some wonder if the time is right to visit the city so soon after the destruction.
This is a tricky question. Just as Maui struggled with balancing its all-important tourism industry and locals'
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The crash and hum of the ocean is everywhere in El Zonte, a small town on the lush Pacific coast of El Salvador about an hour's drive from the capital, San Salvador. For years the destination has been a magnet for surfers and backpackers, who come for affordable tranquility and a perfect, rolling right-hand break. Now, as the country enters an era of greater safety and stability under the much-scrutinized, Bitcoin-powered presidency of 43-year-old Nayib Bukele, the beach town is shifting upmarket, luring wellness seekers, digital nomads, and families with its recently opened boutique accommodations and a fresh food scene.
It’s been nearly a month since the wildfires that swept across Los Angeles county changed thousands of lives forever. Though the fires are now 100% contained, the aftermath of the tragedy is still evident around the city, making it even more critical to support residents as they rebuild. As a Los Angeles native, I saw firsthand the resilience of communities determined to help each other in the face of the unimaginable. Fortunately, a number of brands have stepped up to the plate too, providing essentials like clothing, reusable water bottles, hygiene products, and prescription eyeglasses to those affected by the fires. Below, we’ve listed 11 brands that have committed to supporting wildfire victims.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.
This month’s stargazing agenda brims with planet sightings. We have planet pairings, moon-planet hangouts, and a special treat to end the month: several evenings with all seven of our space neighbors up in the sky at once.
The January 2025 wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles have been among the most destructive in California’s history. Recovery efforts are underway, but rebuilding may take years. Understandably, travelers are wondering whether visiting LA right now is safe—or even ethical.
Spirit Airlines cut a dozen routes this week, including several seasonal spring break flights, as the airline appeared to reject yet another merger attempt from fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines.
Boom Supersonic just became the first US commercial planemaker to break the sound barrier, a significant milestone in the industry's return to supersonic passenger flight.
Love a good scoop of ice cream? Then, it's time to book a flight to Las Vegas. On Tuesday, the Museum of Ice Cream announced it's adding to its collection of five pop-ups and five permanent locations with its largest flagship destination, set to open in Las Vegas in 2026. Specifically, it's opening as the new flagship family-friendly food and beverage destination at the AREA15 immersive entertainment district, and, according to the brand, it will also be its «most ambitious location» to date.
Welcome back to our Saturday edition! One luxury travel planner, who crafts itineraries for her clients, forgot her own golden rules when booking her family's 12-day trip through Europe. Here are her must-dos to avoid travel snafus.