Help Annika rebuild her life after the Palisades Fire

I met Annika Watts in 2000 when my daughter, Monica and her son, Charlie were in the same kindergarten class together at Pacific Palisades Charter Elementary School. We were both working Moms who helped each other out as we juggled our careers and parenting our children. Although my daughter and I moved to Ventura County in 2002 , Annika and I have kept in touch over the years and when the Palisades Fire broke out on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 I reached out to her to make sure she was safe. She had evacuated with her dog, Ollie to her son’s home and I was relieved. The next day I checked in again and she let me know that she had lost her home and everything except the few items she had grabbed. I decided right then that I wanted to help her.

Annika’s parents purchased their home in Pacific Palisades in 1963 when she was 7 years old. She grew up in Pacific Palisades. She attended Corpus Christi Grade School and St. Monica’s High School.

Her daughter, Monika and her son, Charlie also grew up in Pacific Palisades. They both attended Pacific Palisades Elementary, Paul Revere Middle School and Pacific Palisades High School.

Annika worked full time for 42 years at Marina del Rey Hospital in the pharmacy.

On the day of the fire, she assisted her elderly neighbors evacuate. She then realized that she also needed to evaluate with Ollie, her 9 pound rescue dog. She packed up his bed, dog food and a few of her personal items. She anticipated returning in a few days.

The next day she saw a video that confirmed her home and neighborhood was gone.

As I write this the Palisades Fire destroyed over 5,300 structures, over 105,000 people evacuated and there are 8 deaths.

The Eaton Fire has currently claimed 16 lives.

Annika’s story is just one of thousands.

As her friend, I am asking for financial help so that she and Ollie can have the basic necessities of food, clothing and lodging.