What do trees, tortoises, and high-tech spa treatments have in common? They're all part of the hidden story of wildfire recovery in Los Angeles. In this episode, we meet three unsung heroes working to heal the city in ways you might not expect.

Master arborist Carl Mellinger takes us into the heart of LA’s urban forest—fighting to save surviving trees misidentified for removal and educating homeowners, businesses and HOA’s on fire-smart, tree-friendly landscaping. Fairmont Century Plaza Spa & Wellness Director, Alison Kirsten shares how a luxury hotel became a refuge post disaster and how red light and biohacking therapies are giving fire victims a much-needed nervous system reset and overall rejuvenation. And Dan Jacobs, longtime CEO of the Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center, walks us through the creation of California’s first purpose-built resiliency campus—a pioneering concept designed to care for both animals and evacuees when disaster strikes.

Whether you're navigating loss or planning for the future, these stories remind us of what it takes to rebuild with heart, science, and foresight.

Resources:

• Palisades Forestry Committee: https://www.palisadesforestry.org

• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture): https://www.isa-arbor.com

• Trees Are Good: https://www.treesaregood.org

• TreePeople LA: https://www.treepeople.org

• LAFD Palm Tree Fire Guidelines: https://www.lafd.org/safety/fire-prevention/brush/palm-trees

• Fairmont Century Plaza Spa: https://www.fairmontcenturyplaza.com/spa Mention “LA Fire” for 15% off red light or power nap treatments

• Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center: https://www.avfair.com

Donate to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Interested in being a sponsor? 20% of all funding goes to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, a non-profit supporting the mental health of children impacted by these fires.

Produced by NOVA