EVEN IN MALIBU…
Story and photos by Samantha Bravo
The 2018 Woolsey Fire burned 96,949 acres and is considered the most destructive wildfire in California historY.
For victims of the Woolsey Fire, the road to recovery has been long and agonizing, consuming mansions and mobile homes and while occurring a little over a year later, the cause is still under investigation.
Until this day, the City of Malibu has been prioritizing and helping victims rebuild. The process is simple for those who were insured, but those who were uninsured were forced to move to trailers, RV’s, their vehicles and even struggled with homelessness.
Many go to the Malibu Pier for the scenic view. Most park for a few hours, hit the waves and leave, but for Billy Scott Wilson, this parking lot is his home. Parked in the Historic Adamson House in Malibu, Wilson lost his home in the Woolsey Fire in 2018. Since then, he's been living in his truck commuting and playing his guitar.
“People like me, the old school Malibu were stuck into the cracks, there is no real support,” Wilson said. “They always talk about it in the paper, how they reach out and help, all about this ‘Malibu Strong,’ it’s all bullshit, it doesn’t mean nothing.”
Wilson was a former photographer of bands and landscapes, and he was able to archive some of his work, but most was destroyed in the fire.
“I shot a lot of musicians because I am one,” Wilson said. “The stuff I shot was unbelievable, I had a lot of amazing stuff throughout my career, haven’t really shown anyone.”
If he’s not playing his guitar, he’s also riding the waves. Wilson’s truck was filled with his everyday necessities, clothes, blankets, and a few surfboards strapped on the hood.
“God it’s hard enough to wake up and do anything in the morning when you don’t have the money and a place to go,” Wilson said. “You hope to God you have enough gas to start up and keep warm or listen to the radio or go buy food.”
Strumming his guitar while smoking an American Spirit cigarette, Wilson always wants to be near the ocean.
“This town has changed from a small middle class town, with a few Barbara Streisand and Paul Newman (types), to ultra rich folk,” Wilson said. “These houses are so expensive, I got friends and families and kids who had to leave and they grew up here.”
While victims struggle to get back on their feet, organizations are working together to connect locals with services available.
Earlier this year, Malibu city officials volunteered in the annual homeless count in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA.) Data collected can help service providers to better understand the homeless population in their city.
With a population of 13,000, and an increase in RV parking on Pacific Coast Highway, the homeless count changes everyday.
One organization that is helping connect homeless victims with assistance is Community Assistance Resource Team, (C.A.R.T.) in Malibu. Founded in 2015, CART’s mission is to help stabilize and connect individuals with available services.
Founder Carol Moss was concerned about undocumented youth’s in the coast and founded the Methodist Church in Malibu to collaborate and provide resources for homeless individuals. Moss said she hosts weekly yoga sessions and that a few attendees are homeless themselves.
“We started meeting at the church,” Moss said. “More people came and that was just the beginning, that was our cue.”
They sponsor events such as Homeless Connect Day, an event hosted twice a year at the LA County Courthouse. The event offers free services that include health and medical services, legal assistance and DMV services.
In addition to the services, they also provide meals for anyone who is looking for a warm plate Monday nights for anyone experiencing homelessness.
Vandalism, trash and human waste continue to be a concern for residents regarding homeless encampments and parking. As residents continue to voice their concerns during council meetings, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) officials said they will continue to monitor the site and maintain the park’s property.
Moss said the parking regulations in Malibu regarding homeless camping has been controversial and she hopes to see a plan in place.
The fire forced a range of 25,000 residents to evacuate, burning through portions of Thousand Oaks, Bell Canyon, Westlake Village, Oak Park and along Pacific Coast Highway.
Portions of Malibu have been repopulated and 700 residents remained affected by the Woolsey Fire. The LA County Fire Department reported in addition to the 96,949 acres burned, 1,643 structures were also burned.
Residents with insurance were granted about a year of rent, however, those funds are slowly running low and victims are frustrated, pushing for a quicker solution.
The process to rebuild is a daunting challenge, as some have been going through the paperwork, waiting months to get approved, while others find no hope and would rather leave and start fresh elsewhere.
