Witnessing the Ashes: A Journalist's Return to a Scarred Homeland
The Genesis of "Firestorm": From Local Devastation to National Narrative
In January 2025, as Los Angeles grappled with the widespread destruction caused by the Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires, Jacob Soboroff, a distinguished national correspondent, was engrossed in crafting his forthcoming book. Titled "Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America's New Age of Disaster," this work delves into the profound impact of these calamitous events.
A Homecoming to Desolation: Revisiting Childhood Haunts
Prior to his book's release, Soboroff made an emotional journey back to the Palisades, the community where he spent his formative years. Accompanied by THR, his tour began at the Palisades Recreation Center. He pointed to a vacant plot of land, once the site of a beloved "Snack Shack," a tennis shop where he and his friends frequently indulged in treats. This empty space served as a stark reminder of what was lost.
Echoes of the Past: Connecting the Fires to 9/11
The devastation of his childhood neighborhood evoked powerful memories for Soboroff, particularly of September 11th, which occurred during his freshman year at NYU. He recounted the eerie similarities between the scenes: a clear, windy day, throngs of people on Sunset Boulevard, bulldozers clearing debris, and individuals carrying their belongings. The pervasive, toxic air during the fires mirrored the dangerous atmosphere he experienced after 9/11, prompting him to reflect on the long-term health implications of inhaling such hazardous fumes, concluding with a resigned, "But what can I do?"
A Community in Crisis: Soboroff's Role as a Local Nexus
As Soboroff tirelessly reported on the Palisades fires in their immediate aftermath, he found himself inundated with requests from friends, family, and acquaintances, all desperate for news about the fate of their homes. This outpouring of concern highlighted his deep ties to the community and the personal toll such disasters take.
Miraculous Survival and Lingering Concerns: The Fate of a Family Home
Soboroff vividly recalled a call on the morning of January 8th from his brother, asking him to check on their family home. Remarkably, the house stood intact, a beacon of hope amidst widespread destruction. However, a year later, the house remains uninhabited due to ongoing concerns about air quality and toxicity. Soboroff noted that even their family doctor advised against returning, particularly with a young child.
Unexpected Appeals: When Adversity Transcends Political Divides
Perhaps the most unusual request Soboroff received came from Katie Miller, wife of Stephen Miller, former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump. She inquired if Soboroff could check on Stephen Miller's parents' residence. Soboroff expressed his surprise but, as he had for countless others, agreed to help. He hoped that in that moment of shared crisis, "the sort of awful, toxic nature of our politics could be set aside."