LOS ANGELES — On Thursday morning, Steve Guttenberg faced the stark aftermath of the devastating wildfire that swept through the Pacific Palisades, forever altering the tranquility of his neighborhood. While his own home remained intact, the destruction surrounding him cast a dark shadow over his relief. As he surveyed the damage, with homes reduced to ashes and empty streets filled with an eerie silence, Guttenberg grappled with the reality of the situation. He reflected on the mental toll of witnessing such devastation over the past few days, admitting that balancing his feelings of safety while surrounded by loss was challenging. Though he has power at his residence, running water is still unavailable.
Expressing gratitude that his street was spared, Guttenberg noted that around 20 homes in his community of 80 experienced severe damage as fierce winds fueled the flames across Los Angeles. He described these wildfires as the most catastrophic he’s encountered in his 66 years. This disaster has also impacted several other celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes, and Paris Hilton. Guttenberg recounted his disbelief at the rapid unfolding of events, likening it to the shock of an unexpected death or an accident.
As he walked through the neighborhood, the atmosphere was haunting, characterized by blackened palm trees and remnants of what were once vibrant homes. The sunlight struggled to penetrate the darkened sky, creating an ominous backdrop for the destruction. Guttenberg shared his observations of the distress many were experiencing, mentioning people in wheelchairs, anxious parents searching for their children, and individuals having panic attacks. He returned to aid those who remained, participating in relief efforts that included moving cars from roads, distributing meals, and assisting neighbors in coming out of their homes.
Pointing to a home that had been consumed by flames, Guttenberg expressed deep sorrow over the memories of families who once thrived in the area. “There’s really a lot of pain going on right now. I’m doing whatever I can to help alleviate it,” he stated somberly, acknowledging the emotional turbulence in the community. For those wishing to lend a hand, he suggested reaching out to affected neighbors through calls or texts to find out their needs for food, supplies, or emotional support. Moreover, he encouraged individuals to return to their residences, if it was safe, to assess damage and assist others.
As the star of well-known films such as “Short Circuit,” “Police Academy,” and “Three Men and a Baby,” Guttenberg expressed uncertainty about how the film and television industry would respond during this time, especially with awards season on the horizon. He emphasized that at the core, everyone is simply human, regardless of their profession. “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,” he remarked.
When contemplating the recovery timeline for his devastated neighborhood, Guttenberg estimated that the rebuilding process could span from five to ten years. “It’s going to be a lot of work,” he acknowledged. “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.” The journey towards restoration will undoubtedly be a profound and challenging endeavor, both physically and emotionally.
