Former Sun-Times Reporters Displaced by Wildfires in Los Angeles Area

Becky Schlikerman and Kim Janssen lost their home to the Eaton fire, joining many others affected by the ongoing wildfires in California.

Former Sun-Times Reporters Displaced by Wildfires in Los Angeles Area
Former Sun-Times Reporters Displaced by Wildfires in Los Angeles Area

Altadena: Everything Becky Schlikerman and Kim Janssen own now fits into two carry-on bags. They had to evacuate as the Eaton fire approached their home.

They packed essentials and personal treasures, like family photos and a cherished cookbook from Janssen’s late mom. After spending the night with friends, they returned to find their house reduced to ashes.

“It felt like a scene from hell,” Janssen said, recalling the devastation. Both former Sun-Times reporters, they are among many displaced by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which have claimed at least 16 lives and forced 150,000 residents to evacuate.

The Eaton fire is still raging in Altadena, now 27% contained, but it has already destroyed over 10,000 structures. By Sunday, multiple fires had burned more than 62 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco.

With no home to return to, Schlikerman and Janssen are staying in a hotel, trying to figure out their next steps. They’re also concerned about Schlikerman’s mother, who fled Israel last year and was living with them.

Though their house was insured and they plan to rebuild, they know it could take years. “We have to deal with insurance, and who knows what life will bring,” Janssen said.

Having lived in Chicago for over a decade before moving to Los Angeles in 2019, they loved their affordable, tight-knit community near wildlife. They even had a brown bear visit their deck last year!

Neighbors are supporting each other through group texts, sharing resources and updates about the fires. “Everyone is just trying to stay together and navigate this challenging situation,” Schlikerman said.

They’ve received a lot of support from both Los Angeles and Chicago. The couple encourages donations to organizations helping those displaced by the fires, but they also appreciate messages of solidarity during this tough time.

“It’s amazing to feel the love in this really tragic and difficult time,” Schlikerman added.

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