LOS ANGELES (AP) – Steve Guttenberg faced a devastating morning as he surveyed the aftermath of the wildfire that ravaged the Pacific Palisades. His once vibrant neighborhood now appeared charred and unrecognizable, with numerous homes left smoldering and streets deserted due to evacuation orders. Despite his property miraculously escaping the flames, the actor-producer grappled with mixed emotions as he witnessed the destruction of his community.
“Just this morning, I woke up and I was really conscious of my mental state and my mental health, because the last three days, I’ve seen so much tragedy,” Guttenberg shared, walking through the remnants of his neighborhood. Although his home still had electricity, he lamented the lack of running water, a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis.
Expressing gratitude that his block was unharmed, Guttenberg revealed that approximately 20 homes in his 80-home community were severely damaged. The wildfires, driven by strong winds, wreaked havoc across Los Angeles, causing widespread destruction and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes as the flames advanced uncontrollably. For Guttenberg, at 66 years old, these fires represented the worst he had ever witnessed.
The recent wildfires have also impacted the homes of several notable celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes, and Paris Hilton, adding to the sense of shock that envelops the area.
Reflecting on the unforeseen nature of the disaster, Guttenberg compared the experience to sudden loss: “It’s like when someone dies suddenly. It’s like when someone gets hit by a car. You never expect that to happen. That’s how shocking it was.”
As he strolled through the devastated landscape, Guttenberg encountered an eerie atmosphere filled with scorched palm trees and homes reduced to ash, while the daytime sky cast an ominous twilight over the destruction. He noted the emotional toll on residents: “I’ve seen people scared, people in wheelchairs, mothers and fathers trying to find their kids, people having anxiety and panic attacks.”
Determined to assist, Guttenberg returned to his neighborhood to aid those who remained, participating in relief efforts. He helped clear the streets of cars, distributed food, and supported neighbors in accessing their homes. “All these houses behind me burned to the ground where their families enjoyed wonderful times together with their friends and family,” he said, pointing to a charred residence. “There’s really a lot of pain going on right now. I’m doing whatever I can to help alleviate it.”
For those wishing to lend a hand, Guttenberg recommended reaching out to displaced neighbors to determine their needs for food, supplies, or emotional support. He encouraged community members to return to their properties, if safe, to assist each other in assessing the damage.
The star of beloved films like “Short Circuit,” “Police Academy,” and “Three Men and a Baby,” Guttenberg expressed uncertainty regarding how the film and television industry will respond during this initial phase of awards season. “Everybody’s gonna do what regular people do: Help each other, give each other food and water, help each other in their backyards, in their front yards,” he stated. “Even though somebody’s an actor, producer, writer, director, we’re all just people… Maybe people can donate at one point to some sort of fund. But I just think, be a good neighbor right now.”
As for the recovery timeline of his neighborhood, Guttenberg estimated that it could take between five to ten years to fully rebuild and heal. “It’s going to be a lot of work,” he remarked. “It’s going to be unbelievable to try to rebuild this. Rebuild all the beautiful trees, homes and retail shops and lifestyle. The psychology of it all, it’s going to take a long time.”
Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Associated Press
