Heart-shaped rocks recovered from Palisades fire bring hope to families in disaster
Jessica Rogers lost her home in the Pacific Palisades fire, but she’s holding on to this heart amid waves of grief and mounting losses in her community souvenir.
Like many who were evacuated Tuesday, Rogers was eager to see for herself what was left of her teal-green home in the El Medio Bluffs neighborhood. A friend sent her the photo. She said she knew all that was left of the house was ashes and a chimney. Just like the house she rented next door.
No one has yet been allowed to return to those devastated streets. But the Santa Monica Fire Department told Rogers they could try to find the items she was looking for, which she knew would cheer up her children. She decorated the outside of her front door with heart-shaped rocks she collected during her travels. She wants her children to know that the fire didn’t take away those memories.
“We’re traumatized and I want to send them a message of hope,” Rogers said.
Santa Monica Fire Department Deputy Chief Tom Claymore said they were in the right area at the right time and were able to grab one of the rocks from the ashes. He personally handed it to an ecstatic Rodgers on Thursday night.
“You know, given the unprecedented level of devastation, the least we can do is help a grieving family,” he said Friday. “We’re honored to take this opportunity.”
The Rock now lives in a hotel with Rogers and her children.
“There’s been some incredible compassion, support and love throughout this tragedy, and that’s what I stand by,” said Rogers, president of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association. “Those are the important things.”
