I love LA

We could have left this town many times...and yet.

We could have left Los Angeles multiple times during Covid.

A lot of people did.

The city was no fun.

Then there was the social unrest.

Businesses boarded up.

Industries in turmoil.

Sure. We came up with alternative cities.

Other towns to live in.

Canada, even.

But we never pulled the trigger.

I grew up on the East Coast. Went to school in Philly and NYC.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2010, I was determined not to hate it.

I didn’t want to be another East Coast jerk.

It took a solid year, but one day, I was at Home Depot and ordered a hot dog.

I rolled down my windows and cruised LA.

The palm trees.

The quality of light.

The laid-back vibes.

The hot dog.

Something clicked.

I went to the Dodgers parade last year and was surrounded by people of all stripes.

The city was electric.

Everyone so happy.

It was beautiful.

I always thought it was funny that NYC and San Francisco hate LA…but LA just kind of exists. LA is just happy to be here. Happy to buy you a drink.

The fires raged this week.

Friends have lost their houses.

And like clockwork, the haters come out of the woodwork.

They blame the citizens of Los Angeles for the fires.

Blame DEI initiatives.

Blame smelt?

It all smells like jealousy.

As I watch the footage of my city in flames, I get emotional.

Choked up.

This must be what love feels like.