Los Angeles

A whirlwind of memories invades me. As the world watches in dismay the shocking scenes of the fires in Los Angeles, the sky is tinged with red. Smoke consumes cinematic landscapes that once seemed eternal.

Just two months ago, I walked those streets, soaking up the vibrant energy of the city. The same places now burn with merciless flames, turning dreams into mere memories. It’s as if the Los Angeles I once knew has disappeared before the eyes of the world, leaving a void full of echoes.

It seems like just yesterday that I was lazily walking barefoot along Malibu beach. The sea water was wetting the hem of my pants and, with no worries about life, I watched the surfers doing everything they could to catch the perfect wave while seagulls flew elegantly over the horizon. At the famous Pier, when I got hungry, I took a break at the charming restaurant with a splendid view of the Pacific. At the table behind mine, a Hollywood celebrity was having lunch – no! No selfies or autographs, please respect privacy. But I confess that I had a blast listening to the conversation, like someone who delights in a secret shared by chance.

Cartunista Walt Daves

On a quiet afternoon, now at the Santa Monica Pier, I met cartoonist Walt Daves. We had a very relaxed chat. His precise and light strokes immortalized Baloo and Suki in a true work of art. The vibrant place, where colors, sounds and laughter merge, the diversity of tourists of all ages and ethnicities, are attracted by street artists who play music or perform in search of some change. The smell of fresh popcorn and cotton candy from street vendors mixes with the salty sea breeze. The immense Ferris wheel seems to watch everything as the waves of the Pacific break on the beach harmonizing with the buzz of the crowd.

Calçada da Fama

On another day, enjoying the slow pace of vacation, I took a walk along the Walk of Fame. There, I immortalized Scott's book with several photos taken by the local photographer, who captured the essence of tourists like me. Taking my time, I admired the Chinese Theater and the well-known hands made in cement by famous actors. I slowly walked between them, reading each message left behind. Each inscription tells a story, a memory left by hands that left their mark on movie screens. In the background, up high, looking down at us, was the majestic sign that read HOLLYWOOD. How I miss those days!

Today, in disbelief, I watch the devastating images of Los Angeles in flames. The city, consumed by one of the worst periods of drought on record, is the scene of a desolate scene: wildlife is being devastated, a victim of climate variations that bear the mark of human neglect.

As a nature lover, my heart breaks when I imagine the animals in the mountains desperately trying to escape, seeking refuge where there is little safety left. Many are unable to escape. Veterinarians work tirelessly to help animals injured by severe burns; volunteers and government teams struggle to welcome the diverse creatures that arrive in distress, such as horses, cows, deer, bobcats, coyotes, birds, reptiles and so many others. You can imagine that the challenge is colossal: relocating, feeding, caring for... and all the while dealing with the stress and fear that consume these creatures.

While thousands of homes will soon be rebuilt, the reality for animals is quite cruel. Their habitats have been destroyed, and vegetation may not re-bloom. They are the ones who will truly pay the highest price for the climate change that is destroying the planet – a price imposed by human recklessness. Without shelter or food, they face an uncertain and bleak future.

Once again, global warming is punishing flora and fauna. Even though the population is losing everything, it seems like a distant dream that leaders will take action regarding climate issues. When will there be serious and effective measures to at least slow the advance of the negative environmental impacts caused by human beings? The resilience of wildlife is remarkable, but even it has its limits. And when this limit is exceeded? Many will be on the brink of extinction.

And Los Angeles will be back on its feet, but it is our Planet Earth that will need a major rebuilding.