New moves up above.
Damn. Happy 50th.
Alex Wagner's Show Is Gone on MSNBC, And Katie Phang's Is Too. In The Same Cut As Joy Reid. MSNBC Can *$&@(@(##!@%!
Tuesday, February 25, 2025I've posted in the past on MSNBC where somedays they've talked the good talk, but when you looked at the primetime, and the faces they were promoting, it just didn't pass muster.
And now--in one sweeping cut--they just knocked off THREE Women of Color including Alex Wagner, who I knew there had to be something up and I wondered if she'd be coming back, Katie Phang, who I was loving so much and LOVED seeing this awesome Asian American Woman on TV, and Joy Reid--one of the most distinct voices and best voices on MSNBC.
For all their talk about what they stand for--MSNBC, while they are replacing Joy Reid's show with 3 anchors of color, it's still suspect--because they're still dropping TWO ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN.
At the same time, it sounds like no one was given any real information on their shows being cancelled beforehand (although I wonder if Wagner had some inkling)--and that makes a difference. If you worked at a company for X number of years doing great things--don't you think you should at least be given some respect in the send off vs "Here's a box for your stuff" and getting it via an email from x of x of x (and not I don't know the actual pieces of that, but we can guess because it's already been stated it was A SURPRISE).
Checking out different numbers across the board it sounds like everyone was not doing great from a numbers standpoint, but that it was getting better, so while mostly--all things were equal--they still decided to go with Whiteness.
These Two Articles By/About Asian Americans Made Me Cry Furiously
Saturday, February 22, 2025NPR host Adrian Ma remembers his girlfriend who died in D.C. plane crash
In the wee hours of the morning on January 30, after an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and crashed into the Potomac River, NPR's Adrian Ma sent an email to some of the leaders at NPR. Its subject line read:
"I knew someone on AA5342."
That someone was Adrian's girlfriend, Kiah Duggins. She was coming back from Wichita, Kan., where she was visiting a family member who had just had surgery. There were no survivors. Adrian offered to speak to NPR, about that night and about his late girlfriend.
Read it in full at NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/g-s1-49853/dc-plane-crash-american-airlines
Tiger mom and her cub contemplate cancer
Tiger Cub
One Friday night, after a long school week, you and Dad took my little sister and me out for dinner. I was confused because you rarely took us out to eat, yet this was your second time in recent memory. During the first dinner just a couple of weeks ago, you shared you were leaving your job after 4 years. This dinner I was understandably wary. What else could there be? You’d already dropped one bombshell.
We went to a restaurant Danielle had discovered with her friends. While I was regretting my menu choice and contemplating stealing some of Danielle’s food, you shared the news that you had breast cancer. You quickly assured us not to worry, explaining it was highly treatable and that you would undergo surgery and radiation therapy.
Read it in full at AsAmNews: https://asamnews.com/2025/02/18/tiger-mom-and-her-cub-contemplate-cancer/
SUBMIT TO PAAFF 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025From the PAAF website:
"The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival focuses on film and other media by, for, and/or about the Asian & Pacific Islander* diaspora community.
PAAFF accepts films and other media that have at least one person of Asian & Pacific Islander descent in a key creative role (director, DP, producer, writer, actor, etc…) and/or are about the Asian & Pacific Islander experience both in the United States and internationally. PAAFF has historically featured works with themes involving, but NOT limited to, Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, histories, and experiences.
Asian & Pacific Islander includes, but is not necessarily limited to, people from and descended from areas now known as Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen; and the indigenous peoples of Oceania and the Pacific Islands.
PAAFF requires all films in its program to include closed captions.
PAAFF does not and will not accept films which have received funding from the State of Israel or financial institutions incorporated therein.
PAAFF does not and will not accept films for which human labor has been supplanted with generative AI."
Get it here: https://paaff.org/submit/
Help With Research At The University of Texas at Austin: For Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors, Depression Management for Midlife Korean American Women, And Chinese or Korean Women Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients
Friday, January 31, 2025One of the research assistants at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing reached out to me to see if I could help spread the word about some of the research projects they are working on that could benefit Asian American women. Please check out the information and flyers below, and while I have reviewed this information, site, links, etc., always do your own checks if you have any questions and to make yourself feel comfortable.
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Study 1: Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors
We are looking for an Asian American woman aged 18 years and older who has had a breast cancer diagnosis in the past; can read and write English, Mandarin Chinese, Korean or Japanese; have access to the Internet; and identify their sub-ethnicity as Chinese, Korean, or Japanese.
Eligible participants who agree to join the study will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Depending on the group that you are randomly assigned, you may or may not be asked to use the technology-based program.
You will be asked to 1) use the educational information (the American Cancer Society breast cancer survivorship website that is provided by the research team), or 2) participate in the online forum and 1:1 coaching/support program. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire three times.
Your participation will last about 3 months. After the program is finished, each participant will receive $ 50 e-gift card, totaling up to $150. Please note that your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw your participation at any time
Email: cai.help@austin.utexas.edu
Study 2: Depressive Management for Midlife Korean American Women
We are looking for midlife Korean American women aged between 40 to 65 years old whose parents or grandparents are of Korean descent; can read and write English or Korean; live in the United States; do not have any disabilities that prevent physical activity; have access to the Internet; and experienced depressive symptoms during the past two weeks.
We would appreciate this opportunity considering the site’s relevancy to the topic. Eligible participants who agree to join the study will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Depending on the group that you are randomly assigned, you may or may not be asked to use the Web-App based program. You will be asked to 1) use the educational information (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] website on depression and physical activity guidelines that is provided by the research team), or 2) participate in the online forum and 1:1 coaching/support program.
Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire three times. Your participation will last about 12 months. At the completion of the participation at each time point (pre-test, post 6-months, and post 12-months), the participant will receive a $50 gift card per time point for your participation in the study, totaling up to $150.
Please note that your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw your participation at any time.
Email: wpapp.help@austin.utexas.edu
Study 3: Technology-Based Support for Chinese or Korean Women Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients (Funded by NIH)
We are conducting a research study to test the "Technology-based information and coaching/support program that is tailored for Asian American midlife women who are family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease (PLAD)”.
We are recruiting participants to enroll in the study. We are looking for an Asian American midlife woman aged 40 to 65 years old who are family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease; can read and write English, Mandarin Chinese, or Korean; have access to the Internet; and identify their sub-ethnicity as Chinese or Korean. Eligible participants who agree to join the study will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups.
Depending on the group you are randomly assigned, you may be asked to use the educational information or participate in the online forum and 1:1 coaching/support program. Your participation will last about 3 months. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire at three different time points: Baseline, T0 and T1.
You will receive $50 reimbursement for completing the questionnaire at each time point. Thus, when the program is completed, you will receive up to $150 reimbursement. Please note that your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw your participation at any time.
Email: tacad.help@austin.utexas.edu
These studies aim to improve health outcomes for specific populations through innovative, technology-based interventions.
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Below are the flyers (please click them to see the larger images).
On The Horrible DC Plane Crash
Thursday, January 30, 2025When you have such a horrible plane crash, taking the lives of so many who were looking forward to a future so full of promise, it makes you both grief stricken and at the same time, wanting to hold and love those close to you even more.
My heart goes out to the families.
"The figure skaters and coaches returning from the recent U.S. national championships in Wichita, Kansas, were aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport [...]
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu also offered her condolences during a press conference, becoming emotional when stating there are not any survivors.
"Our hearts are heavy as a city," Wu said. "Our hearts are heavy as a city council, and we are here to provide the support needed for our community." [...]
Zeghibe identified the skaters from the Skating Club of Boston as Jinna Ha and Spencer Lane. Ha's mother, Jin Han, and Lane's mother, Molly Lane, were also on board. Zeghibe also identified the two coaches as Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The two were 1994 World Pair Champions who joined the club in 2017, Zeghibe said."
Josh Johnson On Mark Zuckerberg And What He Looked Like When Talking About Allowing Hate Speech Back On Facebook Again . Thank you.
Monday, January 27, 2025
Just To Be Clear Mark Wahlberg's Movie Was #1 With Like Two Dollars In Sales?
Sunday, January 26, 2025Sure you can say that $12 million is a lot of money. I'm not denying that.
Like $12 million for a dozen donuts at Dunkin?
Way too much.
Getting a bonus of $12 million for your day job where your salary is $65K?
Awww hell yeah!
You know that's a lot of money!
But for a movie with a $25 million production budget?
And a marketing and distribution budget of like $20 million?
And you know that second week is gonna be like a 50% drop.
At least!
That's a loser...
A big L.O.S.E.R
And I'm not saying Wahlberg can't get a chance at redemption--not only for his hate crimes, but also for asking for them to be expunged--he was a teen when he did the crimes (tried as an adult), and an adult when asked for them to be expunged--
Because no one's perfect right? We all make mistakes right? And we can all be better people and turn our lives around. We should have the opportunity to do that.
But a big L.O.S.E.R is still a big L.O.S.E.R.
And when you do what he did and wait until he was an adult to express forgiveness, and doing that only when you were looking to get pardoned (even if pushed into it), and talking about not reliving it...people have every right to look at you with some side eye.
They have every right to question intentions like when he was expressing thoughts about the murder of George Floyd, or to comment on how WE ALL thought it was odd when he gave the award to the cast of Everything Everywhere All At Once.
I'm not saying his foundation for young kids doesn't do good in the world.
I'm not saying he hasn't apologized (for whatever anyone attaches to that).
But has he done anything specific for Vietnamese or Asian Americans?
Does he need to?
No matter what, in the end--no matter what side anyone is on--this gets to follow him.
People get to ask questions.
It's just fair.
P.S.
Don't even get me started on Mel Gibson....
R.I.P. Charles Phan
Friday, January 24, 2025
By Ed Anderson - https://sobewff.org/personality/charles-phan/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115860405
From the wikis:
Charles Phan (né Toàn Phan; July 30, 1962 – January 20, 2025) was a Vietnamese-born American chef, cookbook author, and restaurateur. He was the executive chef and founder of "The Slanted Door" restaurant in San Francisco, California and The Slanted Door Group of restaurants. He published two cookbooks about Vietnamese cuisine.
Phan grew up in Da Lat, South Vietnam (now Vietnam) after his parents fled China in the 1960s.[1] His surname is of Vietnamese origin and pronounced “fän”. His given name is Toàn but that later changed to Charles when he came to the U.S.[2] In Vietnam, his father, Quyen Phan, and uncle opened a small grocery store where Phan and his five siblings helped with the family business. This would eventually become the inspiration for his San Francisco restaurant, Wo Hing General Store (2011–2013).[3]
In April 1975, just before Saigon fell to the Vietcong, 13 year old Phan and his family of 8 fled with 400 other people aboard a cargo ship. The ship eventually arrived to Guam where they lived for 18 months.[4] There, Phan's family was sponsored by an American couple who supported them with housing. While helping his aunt to cook and watching Jacques Pépin's television show, Phan became interested in cooking.[5]
After living on Guam for 18 months, the family immigrated again and settled in San Francisco, California.[4][6] He was raised in the Chinatown neighborhood and attended Mission High School, graduating in 1982. He was admitted to the University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Architecture but dropped out his third year to protest a steep tuition increase.[2] After leaving college early, Phan worked in software sales and other various jobs while he was developing the concept for his first restaurant, The Slanted Door.[2]
I particularly liked this from the NY Times article:
Mr. Phan made it his mission to spread some kindness in an industry that didn’t always offer him any.
“I have been stepped on and humiliated so badly that I once punched in the locker door,” he told The San Jose Mercury News in 2003. “I don’t condone the behavior of yelling chefs who don’t respect people. That cycle has to be stopped. People can’t be mistreated. That’s what makes food taste bad.”
The Zuckerbergs: So The Jewish Guy And His Asian Wife Love Trump And Hate DEI? That's Deplorable. Just Like His Meta Memo
Wednesday, January 22, 2025I just find it funny that both the Zuckerbergs, or Zuckerfuckers as I am calling them now (that's my free speech working its magic) don't want to work for inclusion, diversity, and equity. I guess little Mark's feelings got so hurt when he actually was doing the right thing--but couldn't handle the criticism--he decided to just be like every other Racist White Guy, supported by his apparently subserviant Asian "White" Wife.
And sure, you may not like those words, but what else do you have to say for people that uphold such crazy lies and tenets of racism, patriarchy, xenophobia, and facism?
In the Meta memo (that you can read here in full from Axios) Zuckerberg upholds such lies from the old generations like:
- We're all equal and have the same opportunities so they are ending representative goals for women and "ethnic minorities". Since it's been an even playing field since Day 1. I guess we've all been wrong.
- They will only build with the most talented people, which typically mean people who have had the PRIVILEGE of being able to be in those positions, hired, etc.--see White People, Men, White Men, et al. who like to build around other White People, Men, White Men (because it feels comfortable). I'm not saying we don't have BIPOC and immigrant power, but it's not a level playing field.
- They are also sunsetting their diversity efforts in suppliers because--see #1 and #2.
I just find it ironic that two people from groups who have been wronged with racism, xenophobia, bigotry, and anti-semitism, and who recently tried to do the right thing, would stand with the perpetrators--and those who actually don't really like them--because they'll be the first to go and get kicked out of the circle.
ChatGPT Is WRITE: Why Banning TikTok Is Un-American: The Roots of Xenophobia and the Cost to Asian American Creators
Sunday, January 19, 2025By Dr. Thang's AI Robot Of Fun And Leisure
The debate surrounding TikTok's ban in the United States has grown into a flashpoint for issues far beyond national security. With TikTok officially banned as of today, the stated concerns include the platform’s alleged role in harvesting sensitive data on American users and manipulating content to shape public opinion. However, the underlying motivations and consequences of such a move reveal deeper, more troubling dynamics. At its core, banning TikTok is not only antithetical to American values but also rooted in xenophobia and a disregard for the thriving creative economy—especially among Asian American content creators.
The Allegations: Security or Scapegoating?
The central argument for banning TikTok revolves around its parent company, ByteDance, and its alleged ties to the Chinese government. Critics claim that TikTok poses a unique threat to national security, citing fears of data harvesting and content manipulation. While these concerns are serious, they remain largely speculative and lack transparent, public evidence.
Numerous tech companies—American ones included—collect vast amounts of user data and have algorithms capable of influencing opinion. Facebook, Google, and Amazon have faced their own controversies over privacy violations and misinformation, yet none have been threatened with outright bans. This selective outrage suggests that the scrutiny of TikTok is less about protecting users and more about geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. In this light, TikTok has become a convenient scapegoat in the larger context of America’s "tech cold war" with China.
Unmasking the Xenophobia
The targeting of TikTok taps into a broader history of anti-Asian sentiment in America. From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Asian communities have long borne the brunt of suspicion and scapegoating. The campaign against TikTok follows a similar playbook: framing an Asian-origin entity as inherently untrustworthy and incompatible with American values.
This xenophobic undertone became particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a sharp rise in anti-Asian hate crimes fueled by rhetoric blaming China for the virus. Banning TikTok in this climate reinforces harmful stereotypes and sends a chilling message to Asian American communities: that their ties to their heritage are liabilities.
The Economic Fallout for Asian American Creators
Perhaps the most overlooked consequence of a TikTok ban is its devastating economic impact on content creators, particularly Asian Americans. TikTok has revolutionized the way creators engage with audiences, offering a platform that values creativity and authenticity over glossy, corporate-backed production. For many Asian American creators, TikTok has become a space to share their stories, amplify their voices, and build thriving careers.
Consider the diversity of Asian American content on TikTok—from cooking tutorials that celebrate cultural heritage, to comedy sketches that dismantle stereotypes, to advocacy campaigns that raise awareness about social issues. These creators have turned their cultural identities into strengths, reaching millions of followers and generating substantial income. A ban erases this progress, cutting off a vital source of visibility and economic opportunity.
According to a recent report, TikTok’s creator economy contributes billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy. Many Asian American creators depend on this platform as a primary source of income. Removing TikTok not only disrupts their livelihoods but also stifles the cultural representation they’ve worked so hard to achieve. This is not just an economic issue—it’s a matter of equity and inclusion.
The Un-American Nature of the Ban
America has long prided itself on being a land of free expression, innovation, and diversity. Banning TikTok contradicts these values. It undermines the principle of free competition in the tech industry, signaling to global innovators that American markets are closed to foreign players. More importantly, it curtails freedom of speech by silencing a platform that has democratized content creation for millions.
Banning TikTok sets a dangerous precedent. Today, it’s TikTok; tomorrow, it could be any platform or technology deemed "un-American" by virtue of its origins. This kind of protectionism and cultural gatekeeping erodes the very ideals that have made America a global leader in innovation and creativity.
A Bitter Irony: Trump’s Role in "Saving" TikTok
Ironically, one of the few figures who previously intervened to keep TikTok operational in the U.S. was former President Donald Trump. During his administration, Trump proposed a deal to allow TikTok’s operations to continue under the management of American companies like Oracle and Walmart. Although the proposal was widely criticized as a political maneuver, it ultimately delayed any immediate ban on the platform, providing creators with additional years to thrive.
This irony is striking given Trump’s role in fueling anti-China sentiment. While his efforts may not have been altruistic, they inadvertently preserved a platform that has since empowered millions of creators, many of them Asian American, to build careers and foster representation.
A Better Path Forward
If the true concern is data privacy, then the solution lies in comprehensive legislation that holds all tech companies—foreign and domestic—accountable. A federal data privacy law would address the root issue without singling out specific platforms or communities. Transparency, oversight, and accountability should be the goals, not xenophobic fear-mongering.
America must also reckon with the broader implications of targeting TikTok. The platform has given Asian American creators unprecedented opportunities to thrive, fostering a new wave of cultural representation. Taking that away is a profound loss, not only for those creators but for the diverse audiences who benefit from their work.
Conclusion
Banning TikTok isn’t just a bad policy decision; it’s an un-American one. It’s rooted in fear rather than facts, xenophobia rather than equity, and short-sightedness rather than innovation. As the debate continues, we must challenge the narratives driving this agenda and advocate for solutions that uphold American values of freedom, diversity, and opportunity for all.
P.S. Netflix And Squid Games Season 2 (AKA See You All In Hell)
Monday, January 13, 2025
WHILE I LOVE THE SHOW I CANNOT STAND FOR THIS TWO PART WTF-ERY. BRIDGERTON, EMILY IN PARIS, AND NOW IN THE SECOND SEASON OF ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREATEST SHOWS TO CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF EVERYONE...
THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT US?
YOU MAKE US WAIT OUT OF WHAT I CAN ONLY WONDER IS NEW SUBSCRIBER MONEY AND SOME MORE CASH FOR SEASON 3?
WASN'T NETFLIX BUILT ON BINGING?
BINGING EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE IF WE SO DESIRED?
NOT WAITING LIKE OTHER PEOPLE'S CHANNELS AND NETWORKS?
I GET YOU WANT TO GET INTO THE LIVE TV GAME AND MAYBE TAKE SOME TIME AWAY FROM A NETWORK CHANNEL OR TWO, BUT THAT'S NO REASON FOR THIS TWO PART WTF-ERY.
NONE OF THAT IS IT?
IT'S BECAUSE IT'S JUST TOO LONG TO FIT INTO ONE SEASON? 10 EPISODES WAS TOOOOOO LOOOOONG?
I CALL FIDDLESTICKS.
SEASON 1 WAS 9 EPISODES. WE WOULD HAVE GLADLY TAKEN 12.
ARE YOU KIDDING US?
DIDN'T FIT?
IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE...CASH AND I'M NOT SAYING I WOULD DO IT DIFFERENT (BECAUSE I'M A CAPITALIST WHO BELIEVES YOU GOTTA GET YOUR SHOT).
I'M JUST CALLING IT AS I SEE IT.
WHICH IS FIDDLESTICKS.
AND YES...FOR SURE I'LL STILL BE WATCHING SEASON 3.
I'LL JUST BE CURSING YOU WHILE I DO IT.
Resources + How To Help: Los Angeles Fire Resources, Donations, Groups
Sunday, January 12, 2025Compiling some lists for resources that affect people in the L.A. areas and where they can help out.
From GoFundMe, The Lim Family who lost everything in the Eaton Fire.
GoFundMe Verified Fundraisers
https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california#/
GoFundMe has put together a list of verified fundraisers that people can donate too, or share if they have family and friends, and when going over some of the different gofundme's, they really are helping to give people at least something to help start over amid so much chaos and descruction: Like for the Lim family who lost everything in the Eaton fire, the father Alex a police officer, and his wife Janet, a teacher.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812
https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812
From their page:
"LAFD Wildfire Emergency Funding Alert
Emergency Funding Alert – Your local LAFD firefighters need your help to save lives and protect property during this wildfire. The LAFD Foundation is actively seeking funds to equip our LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies such as:
• EMERGENCY FIRE SHELTERS – These personal fire shelters are deployed when the unthinkable happens and firefighters become overrun by flames. These light, compact shelters are designed to reflect radiant heat, protect against convective heat, and trap breathable air within.
• HYDRATION BACKPACKS - Firefighters can be on the front lines of a wildfire for up to 12 hours. These unique backpacks carry three quarts of water and are vital to keeping firefighters healthy on the fire line.
• WILDLAND BRUSH TOOLS – Clearing fire roads and creating natural
barriers to slow the spread of fire is a necessary but labor-intensive
and exhausting process. These light and durable hand tools are specially
designed to help ground crews cut through tree limbs, clear brush
overgrowth, and remove potential fuel sources."
Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund
https://pasadena.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=6192
The Pasadena Community Foundation Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund will provide support to local nonprofit organizations as they respond to the devastation of the fires and its aftermath.
CCF Fund, Disaster, Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Fund
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
From their site:
"For the LA County wildfires, we’ve activated our fund to complement immediate relief, addressing the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods long after media attention has shifted away. Thousands of generous individuals, foundations, and corporations have already answered the call and provided critical contributions. Our disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents. It also aids in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families."
Below is a list of resources from their site:
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RESOURCES FOR IMPACTED INDIVIDUALS
Although CCF does not provide direct funding to individuals, there are entities that do. If you have been impacted by a disaster, please reference the resources below:
Los Angeles County
- The Red Cross of Los Angeles County: Disaster relief services, including shelter, food, and emotional support.
- 211 Los Angeles: A comprehensive helpline connecting residents to essential health and human services, including disaster preparedness and emergency response information.
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Distributes food to individuals and families in need.
- Pasadena Community Foundation: Established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund to support immediate and pressing needs arising from local wildfires.
- LAFD Foundation: Supports the Los Angeles Fire Department by funding essential equipment, training, and public outreach programs, enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities.
- Direct Relief International: Works globally and locally to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies by providing essential medical resources to healthcare providers.
- National Disaster Distress Helpline: Provides 24/7 crisis counseling via call or text for individuals affected by traumatic events or disasters.
For state-wide information and support:
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Foodpantries.org
- California Fire Foundation – Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE)
For the most up-to-date Information on the status of disasters:
- Alert. LA – L.A. County Emergency Alert System
- Los Angeles Fire Department – Latest fire updates
- CAL FIRE – Statewide fire conditions and updates
Restaurants Offering Free Meals
Check out the two links below for lists and maps of restaurants serving free food. If you want to help I'm sure some of them could use your help (call, make sure, etc.) via donations to help give out free. I am going to list out all the restaurants in this post as another resource and list:
Check out the two links below for lists and maps of restaurants serving free food. If you want to help I'm sure some of them could use your help (call, make sure, etc.) via donations to help give out free. I am going to list out all the restaurants in this post as another resource and list:
Eater Lists (check those links for most up to date)
https://la.eater.com/2025/1/9/24340065/los-angeles-restaurants-offering-food-shelter-relief-fires-first-responders-firefighters-evacuees
https://la.eater.com/2025/1/9/24340065/los-angeles-restaurants-offering-food-shelter-relief-fires-first-responders-firefighters-evacuees
Arcadia
- Sushi Kisen — Open for dinner and offering 20 percent off all meals through Saturday, January 11
Atwater Village
- Bar Sinizki — Offering free sandwiches to Angelenos in need on bread donated from Bub and Grandma’s. Sandwiches will be served until the kitchen runs out of ingredients.
Beverly Hills
- Crustacean — Open and offering free pho and garlic noodles to evacuees, first responders, and firefighters
- Spago — Open and offering free meals to first responders through the weekend
- The Hideaway — Open and offering free meals to evacuees and first responders between January 10 and 17
Culver City
- Fat & Flour — The Culver City location of Fat & Flour is open as a place of refuge and offering free bread and coffee to those in need
Echo Park
- Lowboy — The Echo Park bar is offering free burgers and fries to Angelenos in need of food from 3 p.m. until they are out of supplies. Meals can be picked up at its to-go window.
- Gra — Open as of January 9 to offer free to-go meals for firefighters, first responders, and evacuees
- Mírate — In the bar area, the restaurant will offer shelter and bowls of pozole to first responders and anyone displaced by the fires from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fairfax
- Trophies Burger Club — The Fairfax burger spot is open as of January 9 and offering free burgers to firefighters and first responders
Frogtown
- Loreto — Open on January 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; offering free La Colombe coffee, pastries, shelter, and Wi-Fi to those who have been evacuated from fire-impacted areas
Hollywood
- The Benjamin — Open for the weekend and donating 100 percent of its Friday and Saturday profits to communities impacted by the fires
- Hard Rock Cafe — Open as of January 10 and offering free meals to first responders, donating meals to World Central Kitchen, and hosting a drop-off for emergency items
- Linden — Open as of January 10 and donating $20,000 to wildfire relief efforts, plus 20 percent of January proceeds to supporting those impacted by the fire
Inglewood
- Sunday Gravy — Open as of January 9 and offering free meals to first responders and evacuees, plus accepting donations to purchase a meal for someone else
Jefferson Park
- Harold & Belle’s — Open as of January 9 and offering free meals to first responders
Koreatown
- MDK Noodles — Open as of January 9 and offering free knife-cut noodles for first responders and firefighters
- Love Hour — Open as of January 9 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; accepting donations and offering free meals for firefighters and Angelenos displaced by the fires
- Open as of January 10, and offering free meals to first responders and those impacted by the fired
Los Feliz
- Desert Rose — Open as of January 9 offering free sandwiches to firefighters
Melrose Hill
- Bar Etoile — Open as of January 10 and offering free meals for those in need
Multiple Locations
- Wake & Late — Offering free breakfast and coffee as of January 9 at the Hollywood and Downtown LA locations for first responders; the Pasadena location is closed
- Maple Block — Open and offering free meals to first responders at the Culver City and Downtown locations
- Bacari — All locations will offer 50 percent off meals to first responders; the restaurant will also donate to the Los Angeles Food Bank with a goal of providing 20,000 meals to those impacted by the fires
- Jon & Vinny’s — All locations are open as of January 9 to offer refuge and the restaurant is delivering pizzas to first responders and firefighters
- Ospi — The Brentwood and Venice locations are open as of January 9 with Wi-Fi, water, and chargers, plus free pasta for first responders and evacuees
- Highly Likely — Open as of January 9 at both the Highland Park and West Adams locations, offering free meals for first responders and those impacted by the fires
- Goop Kitchen — Offering meal delivery to firefighters and first responders in need
- Detroit Pizza Depot — Open as of January 9 in Hollywood and Downtown as a place of refuge and giving out free meals to evacuees, firefighters, and first responders
- Tatsu Ramen — Offering free hot meals to first responders and displaced Angelenos at the Melrose and Sawtelle Japantown locations
- Simpang Asia — Offering free meals to first responders and firefighter crews through Sunday, January 12, at its Palms and Venice locations
- Blu Jam Cafe — Offering free meals to all firefighters and first responders at Blu Jam locations; also accepting in-person provision donations
- Bread and Breakfast — Offering free breakfast to firefighters and first responders at its Burbank location
- Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf — Offering free coffee or tea to first responders between January 10 and 17
North Hollywood
- Ozzy’s Apizza — Open as of January 9 as a place of refuge and giving free meals to evacuees, firefighters, and first responders
Pasadena
- Saucy Goat Chick Mafia — Open as of January 9 offering free meals to first responders and 20 percent off meals to those impacted by the fires
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza — Open as of January 9 offering free meals to first responders and as a place of refuge for displaced locals
- Oba Sushi and Thai Tapas — Offering firefighters and first responders free hot meals
Pico-Robertson
- The Rooster — Offering free meals to first responders between January 9 and January 12, and 20 percent off meals for those in need
Santa Monica
- Le Great Outdoor — Closed for dine-in on January 9; raising money to deliver food to firefighters through online orders
- The Lobster — Open on January 10 and offering 50 percent off meals to firefighters, relief workers, and evacuees
- Petit Grain Bakery — Closed until January 11; packing up goods to donate to firefighters along with Helms Bakery and Fonuts
Silver Lake
- LaSorted’s — Open for business and offering free meals to first responders and evacuees as of January 9 at both the Silver Lake and Chinatown locations
Studio City
- OyBar — Open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and offering free meals to those in need; donating proceeds from its regular business to World Central Kitchen
Venice
- Night + Market Sahm — Cooking meals for first responders at the Venice, California location
Virgil Village
- Bé Ù — Open and offering free meals to evacuees and first responders until 3:30 p.m.
- Sqirl — Open as of January 9 as a place of refuge and offering free breakfast to first responders
West Adams
- Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine — Offering free hot meals to first responders and displaced Angelenos
West Hollywood
- Benny’s Tacos and Rotisserie — Offering free meals to all first responders with valid identification
Westwood
- Danny Boy’s — Open as of January 9 at both the Downtown and Westwood locations; offering free pizza to firefighters and first responders
delish Lists
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a63393286/los-angeles-wildfires-free-meals-restaurant-list/
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a63393286/los-angeles-wildfires-free-meals-restaurant-list/
Bar Etoile: This local Hollywood spot will serve a free meal to those in need.
Bé Ù: This Vietnamese street food restaurant in the Hollywood area is giving away free meals to evacuees and first responders. Plus, they are delivering meals to fire stations.
Blaze Pizza: Numerous locations of Blaze Pizza are dishing out free 11" pizzas to first responders. All participating locations are noted on the chain's Instagram page.
Crustacean Beverly Hills: Any evacuees or first responders can stop in for a complimentary bowl of Mama's pho or garlic noodles.
Desert Rose: The LA location of Desert Rose is offering a free sandwich to firefighters who have a valid ID.
Detroit Pizza Depot: The chain's Hollywood and downtown LA locations are dishing out a free pizza to anyone who has been displaced, as well as first responders.
Fat Sal's Deli: First responders can receive a free meal at the deli's Culver City, Venice, Encino, Westwood, and Hollywood locations.
Highly Likely: Both the restaurant's West Adams and Highland Park locations are providing meals to first responders and those who have suffered loss as a result of the fires.
Joe's Pizza: All locations in LA County will provide a free meal to firefighters and first responders who stop in
KFC: First responders in Southern California can get free KFC Bowl beginning Friday, January 10, through Monday, January 20, at participating KFC restaurants across the region. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical services members (EMTs or paramedics), fire service members, and members of the military engaged in relief efforts (who are carrying their first responder ID), can visit one of the select participating locations to enjoy a free KFC Bowl.
La Sorted's: The restaurant's Silverlake and Chinatown locations are providing free meals to both first responders and evacuees.
Love Hour: Love Hour, located in Koreatown, will be serving free meals to first responders, firefighters, and anyone affected by the fires. Additionally, they are collecting donations throughout the weekend.
Low Boy: This Echo Park restaurant is giving out free meals at their to-go window for those in need.
Mountain Mikes Pizza: First responders who arrive in uniform at this Pasadena pizza joint can receive a free meal.
NORMS: Now through January 12 from 7 am until 11 pm, NORMS, which has multiple locations, will provide a free entree to firefighters and police officers. They will also be donating $1 from every Bigger Better Breakfast sold to the LAFD Foundation Emergency Fund.
Ospi: All those who have been displaced, as well as first responders, can head to the Brentwood or Venice locations of Ospi for free pasta. The restaurants also have free WiFi, chargers, and water bottles and are delivering food to evacuation shelters.
OyBar: This Studio City restaurant is giving away free meals, no questions asked, to those in need. Patrons can also bring in donations in turn for a free meal and beverages will be sold at discounted prices.
Ozzy's Apizza: First responders and those who have been displaced can find solace at this North Hollywood locale, where you can enjoy free pizza and movies.
Roberta's Pizza: Locations in both Culver City and Studio City are giving away free pizza to first responders.
Rock & Brews Restaurant: Both the restaurant's El Segundo and Redondo Beach locations are giving one free pizza to any firefighters, police officers, or EMTs who stop by.
Shake Shack: All locations in LA County that are not in affected areas will be giving a free Shackburger to first responders now through Sunday.
Spago: Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills restaurant is offering free meals to first responders through the weekend, according to its Instagram page.
Sunday Gravy: The restaurant, located in Inglewood, is offering the displaced, as well as first responders, their choice of spaghetti marinara or spaghetti bolognese, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. You can also donate to buy a meal for those affected.
Wake & Late: The chain's Hollywood and downtown LA locations are providing free breakfast and coffee to first responders.
Yeastie Boys Bagels: The famous LA bagel company is using its many food trucks to bring free bagels to those in need and is taking recommendations on its Instagram page of where to deliver.
Wait. DEI Is Responsible For the LA Fires? AKA Actor James Woods Is An Idiot AKA It's Like "Woke" Is The New "PC" All Over Again
Friday, January 10, 2025
First--let me say this post has nothing to do with any politics, left/right, etc.--and while some people may think this post is "too soon", this isn't Facebook with your mom's friend's cousin who you might see next Turkey Day where you may worry what she might say (because you actually worry).
It's a blog, and while I am not daily as I once was, it's still a blog, so it all happens in real-time.
And I also don't care what your mom's friend's cousin thinks about what I say on FB.
Back to the topic at hand...
Will there be things to look at after the fires, the devastation they caused, after this is all done?
Absolutely.
Is putting that you support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion one of the issues to look at?
That would be a huge MF NO.
These people--these people who tell you to not be "Woke" and that DEI is BS--really want you to believe that somehow, this equaling of power for everyone, is taking away from other things.
That you just can't have both. That somehow valuing a diverse workforce and community, that having equity for everyone, actually pretty simple things to not only consider (because you at least have to start there) and do, isn't worth it. That it doesn't make a difference.
But it's really about keeping power and money in their hands.
It's like these Old (and new I guess) White People who are like "I'm not PC! HR can take that! We don't need..."--and on and on and on--those same people keeping up traditions of patriarchy, sexism, racism, and xenophobia. So while I feel for all of those who've lost so much--and I can't even comprehend all of it as I do not live in LA--I can't help but say for James Woods, who throws things out like this at this time (and I can understand people's anger) as well as his past hashtags on Gaza--not discriminating between innocent people and actual terrorists--he's just the picture of bullshit.
And while I do not wish for anyone's house to be burnt to the ground, families and children having to figure out what comes next after something so horrific--including the Woods' family--I know there are people out there who think in some ways, karma came to kind of bite him back.
And I'll just leave it at that.
Thoughts are out there to everyone who's been affected by the fires in LA.
2024 Mini Blog Run #26: That's A Mini Wrap
Tuesday, December 31, 2024I feel like there could be a part 2. But some of the time has been spent getting lost inside the interwebs and I'm afraid as the New Year is approaching I will find myself in other endeavors.
Here's to 2025 and a lot more Asian America.
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