Published on January 10, 2025 at 05:52. / Modified on January 10, 2025 at 05:56.
5 mins. reading
As always, the sun is shining at Venice Beach. Walkers stroll, beach volleyball players play beach volleyball and fans of work-out work-out. As always, reggae tunes escape from the terraces of the bars of the legendary Los Angeles beach. And as always, bicycle, motorcycle and scooter rental shops are profitable. Only, this Thursday, some walkers wear masks. The terraces are almost deserted and the cyclists are not all tourists. “The authorities have not yet communicated in detail about the destruction and as the main road leading to Pacific Palisades is closed, people are renting bikes to go see if their house is still standing,” explains the manager of a rental shop. “My last client was so relieved: his house survived while everything around him went up in smoke.”
On the Santa Monica Pier, a few pedal strokes away, at the foot of the Ferris wheel, standing still, onlookers see the damage from the fires that ravaged the city, located about fifteen kilometers away and visible from the ocean : 6500 hectares charred from which gray smoke escapes. On the horizon, the blue of the sky has disappeared, helicopters and Canadairs buzz continuously. “It’s sad,” Ron breathes, his hand in that of his granddaughter, Marilli. “This is the first time my grandfather has taken a plane in his life, can you believe it? He came to visit me from Minnesota,” reacts the twenty-something. She, obviously, still doesn’t believe it.
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