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Zooey Deschanel Remembers Her Childhood Home as Selena Gomez Steps Up for LA Fire Relief

 

Zooey Deschanel reflects on her childhood home, Selena Gomez lends a hand during LA fires


More celebrities are speaking out about the destruction caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles and how they are contributing to recovery efforts.

 

On Friday, Zooey Deschanel shared her sorrow over the loss of her childhood residence in the Palisades neighborhood of California. In a series of Instagram images featuring her sister, Emily Deschanel who starred in “Bones,” Zooey expressed her grief for the home filled with “countless amazing memories.”

The major wildfires, particularly the Palisades and Eaton fires, have engulfed over 37,000 acres as of January 16. The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office has reported the deaths of at least 27 people. The fires have resulted in the destruction of more than 10,600 buildings and have caused damage to over 1,400 others, which includes homes, businesses, and other structures, according to Cal Fire.

The Eaton Fire is now recognized as the fifth deadliest fire in the state and ranks second in terms of destruction, while the Palisades fire holds the fourth position for damage.

 

Zooey Deschanel reflects on her childhood home: ‘Gone in an instant’

“It was one of the oldest homes in the Palisades, breathtakingly beautiful. Though not a mansion, it was warm, charming, one-of-a-kind, and perfect in my eyes,” Zooey posted, sharing pictures of the house before and after the fire, along with memories of her and her sister in the kitchen, the backyard, and with their parents by the front door.

“We marked some of our life’s greatest moments there,” the “New Girl” actress added. “Family photos that decorated the hallways, the artworks, the piano on which I learned to play, the wedding china, the furniture crafted by my great-great-grandfather… all the tokens of our history: Have simply disappeared.”

Zooey expressed solidarity with others facing similar losses and offered her thanks to firefighters, friends, and the Los Angeles community. “To the kind strangers who have uplifted us with their gestures: you truly embody the spirit of community. Your kindness means the world to us.”

 

She also mentioned that it was her birthday on that day, encouraging her followers to support the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association or Baby2Baby in her honor.

 

In the comments, her fiancé, Jonathan Scott from “Property Brothers,” pledged to help restore the home as much as possible. As a skilled contractor and designer, he stated, “There are so many cherished memories. It’s truly devastating. I’ll do everything in my power to restore its original charm. While nothing can replicate the charm and heritage of the original house, it’s the best tribute we can make.”

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco support LA fire first responders

The couple that volunteers together remains united. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are doing their part to support the first responders tackling the fires in Los Angeles.

 

The newly engaged couple shared photos on their individual Instagram stories on Thursday, showing themselves unpacking supplies and distributing food donated by various organizations, as reported by People and E! News.

 

They expressed their gratitude to emergency responders for their hard work and dedication.

Blanco noted that they were committed to continuing their support, saying, “We will be making more deliveries!!! Any companies willing to contribute, please direct message me!!! Thanks again to all the businesses that stepped up.”

Spotify cancels Grammy Week Best New Artist party, pledges $5 million to fire relief

Spotify has called off its signature Grammy week events, including the Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year parties, due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.

The streaming platform stated that instead of hosting these events, it would be “redirecting funds to assist local fans and charitable organizations,” in an announcement on its website on Thursday, ensuring that vendors involved would still receive payment.

 

The company announced plans to donate $5 million to MusiCares, FireAid, and the GoFundMe campaigns for artists impacted by the fires. Moreover, Spotify will be promoting relief efforts on its platform through free advertising.

Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver.