It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Stimson House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Hills, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Shadow Ranch Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Greystone Mansion & Gardens: The Doheny Estate, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Hills, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Hills, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Hills, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.Jan 11, 2025|Updated Jan 11, 2025 6:43 p.m.Most Popular1.Illinois faces two snow systems this week3.Carrollton wins WIVC ti...
This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.
Jan 11, 2025|Updated Jan 11, 2025 6:43 p.m.
1.
3.
4.
5.
The Junior Shells knocked off Auburn to win the Auburn Class 83A Regional.
"Logan (Seymour) played great in net, he was a brick wall tonight," Alton coach Bryan...
“That situation, I hate that for any girl, but especially for Kate and Calhoun, with the...
Skyy Clark left the Illinois basketball program midway through his freshman season
1.
2.
3.
A wildfire has erupted near West Hills in Los Angeles, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents in the area. The fire, which is dangerously close to structures, has spread rapidly, with thick smoke filling the sky.A wildfire has erupted near West Hills in Los Angeles, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents in the area. The fire, which is dangerously close to structures, has spread rapidly, with thick smoke filling the sky. Evacuations were issued Thursday afternoon, January 9, for the region around Valley Cir...
A wildfire has erupted near West Hills in Los Angeles, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents in the area. The fire, which is dangerously close to structures, has spread rapidly, with thick smoke filling the sky. Evacuations were issued Thursday afternoon, January 9, for the region around Valley Circle Boulevard and the 101 Freeway, covering Vanowen to Burbank Boulevard and County Lane Road east to East Valley Circle Boulevard. A warning was also given for areas near Ingomar and Saticoy streets. Firefighting helicopters have been deployed, performing water drops as one of six active fires in Los Angeles County. 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires: ‘Police Academy’ Actor Steve Guttenberg Joins First Responders in Pacific Palisades Evacuations (Watch Video).
BREAKING: Evacuations ordered as another wildfire breaks out near the West Hills neighborhood
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) January 10, 2025
BREAKING: A new wildfire is burning dangerously close to structures in the West Hills area of Los Angeles. Footage shows firefighting aircraft conducting drops in an effort to contain the flames pic.twitter.com/HwQaiTTKXB
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 9, 2025
BREAKING!! Brand new Fire in WEST HILLS CA ????
How are these fires starting? Something seems off… pic.twitter.com/gi5q6cG9je
— Ron Glasser (@RonGlasser) January 9, 2025
(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent another erroneous emergency alert early morning Friday, Jan. 10, after a mistaken alert was also sent Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, with both messages stoking resident fears amidst various raging wildfires.The county, in a statement posted on X, said it is aware of the mistaken alerts and working with FEMA to investigate. The county also apologized and asked that people use AlertLA.org to see the ...
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent another erroneous emergency alert early morning Friday, Jan. 10, after a mistaken alert was also sent Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, with both messages stoking resident fears amidst various raging wildfires.
The county, in a statement posted on X, said it is aware of the mistaken alerts and working with FEMA to investigate. The county also apologized and asked that people use AlertLA.org to see the latest warnings.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed deep frustration at the false alerts, saying they caused fear and anger among community members scared that their neighborhood is facing an impending evacuation.
“They are on pins and needles thinking they are next,” Barger said at a Friday press conference.
She didn’t understand why, despite the technical challenges, the false alerts couldn’t be stopped:
“My question is, ‘Why can’t we turn it off? The answers we are getting are not satisfying,” she said. “Don’t think we are taking this lightly.”
Barger said the suggestion by county officials that people who get the alerts got to a webpage to verify the alert is correct is not realistic in an emergency situation.
“I’m not going to tell people, ‘If you get it, just go on a website.”
Kevin McGowan, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Services, said the messages were not being administered by a person.
“We have every technological specialist working to resolve this issue and to find the root cause,” McGowan said. “I implore everyone to not disable the messages on your phone. This is extremely frustrating, painful and scary, but these tools have saved lives during emergencies. Not receiving an alert can be a consequence of life and death.”
On Thursday, just before 4 p.m., people across the county received cell phone alerts ordering them to evacuate, even in areas unaffected by the ongoing fires.
Fifteen minutes later, another alert was sent out by the the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management asking residents to disregard the previous one, as it was only intended for the Kenneth fire, which erupted near West Hills bordering Los Angeles and Ventura counties earlier in the afternoon.
“Whatever the cause, it is unacceptable and it is being addressed now,” said another supervisor, Lindsey Horvath. “We will be investigating what happened, how and why at every level.”
Said another supervisor, Lindsey Horvath: “Whatever the cause, it is unacceptable and it is being addressed now. We will be investigating what happened, how and why at every level.”
County of Los Angeles Supervisor for the Fourth District Janice Hahn issued a statement calling for the Office of Emergency Management to solve this issue by Friday evening and suggested the emergency alert system be disabled until the cause is found.
“Now more than ever we need to know that we can depend on our public information systems to keep people safe,” Hahn said. “That hasn’t been the case last night and this morning, and I’m frustrated too.”
_type=”automatic-primary-section”]
Originally Published: January 9, 2025 at 4:32 PM PST
A new wildfire erupted in West Hills, California, on Thursday evening, close to homes in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas.The Kenneth Fire started near the west end of Victory Boulevard at around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, fanned by gusty Santa Ana winds. In an update on Friday at 5 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department ...
A new wildfire erupted in West Hills, California, on Thursday evening, close to homes in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas.
The Kenneth Fire started near the west end of Victory Boulevard at around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, fanned by gusty Santa Ana winds. In an update on Friday at 5 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department said the fire had consumed 1,052 acres of brush and was 50 percent contained.
“Firefighters worked throughout the day to mop up hot spots and improve containment lines, adding to the overall containment of this fire,” officials said. “Firefighters will continue monitoring and patrolling this evening to ensure the fire remains within its established perimeter.”
The fire department added that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
On Thursday, just before 8 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department said forward progress of the fire had been stopped, and that “approximately 400 Firefighters will remain on scene through the night, continuing to provide structure protection and knock down hotspots.”
California fire chief, David Acuna, told the BBC Friday morning that more than 10,000 structures have likely burned down in the wildfires across Los Angeles, with more winds expected over the coming days that could lead to further destruction.
Due to the Kenneth Fire, mandatory evacuation orders were initially issued for areas around Vanowen Street south to Burbank Boulevard and County Lane Road east to Valley Circle Boulevard, but they were downgraded to an evacuation warning just before 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Evacuation warnings issued in Ventura County have also been lifted, noting that evacuation directives are changing rapidly.
“The challenging terrain and persistent winds complicate suppression activities, necessitating heightened vigilance from residents and adherence to directives from local authorities,” incident commanders initially shared in a bulletin.
As the Kenneth Fire began to rage, an accidental evacuation warning was sent out as an alert to the entire L.A. County due to an error with the software, Kevin McGowan, director of L.A. County Office of Emergency Management, later confirmed in a news conference. “Sometimes technology isn’t perfect,” said Los Angeles County sheriff Rob Luna, adding that added stress is the “last thing we want to happen.”
Hidden Hills, which has become a celebrity hotspot in recent years, is home to many Hollywood stars, including Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner.
Britney Spears, who resides in the Thousand Oaks area, located just above West Hills, shared on Instagram on Thursday evening that she had evacuated. “I hope you are all doing OK !!! I had to evacuate my home and I’m driving 4 hours to a hotel !!!” Spears wrote. “I’m posting these adorable shoes to lift people’s spirits !!! Most people may not even be on their phones !!! I wasn’t the past two days because I had no electricity to charge and I just got my phone back !!! I pray you’re all doing well and I send my love.”
Wildfires initially broke out Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica overnight. As of Friday afternoon, the Palisades Fire near the coastline was 8 percent contained; and the Eaton Fire was 3 percent contained. The Hurst Fire, south of Santa Clarita, was 70 percent contained. The death toll has also risen to 11 people, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office said Friday.
Another fire, named the Sunset Fire, broke out Wednesday night in the Hollywood Hills, endangering iconic landmark the Hollywood Bowl, among other tourist destinations. By Thursday morning, firefighters were able to contain the blaze and all evacuation orders there were lifted.
This is a developing story.
As the outages drag on, they are sparking anger and frustration from customers, including those who are many miles from the active fires or evacuation zones in Los Angeles County and have struggled to understand why their power was cut, and why it has not been restored. Read the full story Jan. 9, 2025 3:13 PM PTOcean water advisory issued in L.A....
As the outages drag on, they are sparking anger and frustration from customers, including those who are many miles from the active fires or evacuation zones in Los Angeles County and have struggled to understand why their power was cut, and why it has not been restored.
Jan. 9, 2025 3:13 PM PT
Ocean water advisory issued in L.A. County due to potential fire contamination
By Luke Money
Health officials are advising residents to avoid contact with ocean water across a swath of coastal Los Angeles County due to potential debris and runoff contamination from firefighting efforts in the area.
The advisory, issed Thursday afternoon, covers ocean and bay waters from Surfrider Beach in Malibu to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way — “especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, rivers and fire-damaged oceanfront properties,” according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Jan. 9, 2025 2:52 PM PT
‘This is our house’: Mom and son fought off Palisades fire with pump, hose and pool water
Vicky Collison and Andrew Grinsfelder hurried past a burning home on an upscale residential street just off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades. There were piles of rubble on all sides and glowing embers swirled in the air.
The mother and son had just checked on a friend’s house threatened by the massive Palisades fire, and they were headed off to stop by another home. It was a grim duty. Metal railings or a charred brick chimney were all that remained to distinguish the ashen piles.
Jan. 9, 2025 2:29 PM PT
Tying L.A. fires to climate change, Biden pledges full federal aid: ‘We’re not going anywhere’
WASHINGTON — President Biden pledged Thursday that the federal government will cover 100% of disaster assistance costs to California for the next 180 days and emphatically tied the devastating wildfires to human-caused climate change.
Biden referenced a phrase from the poem “Easter, 1916” by poet William Butler Yeats, who wrote, “All changed, changed utterly: / A terrible beauty is born.”
Jan. 9, 2025 2:24 PM PT
He was the first to report the Palisades fire. He’s still battling to save his home
Nic Libonati was drinking Turkish tea with his sister on Tuesday morning as he started his day in Pacific Palisades.
She leaned over to pour the 21-year-old boot salesman more tea in their home office when she glanced out the window.
Jan. 9, 2025 2:11 PM PT
Fire breaks out on Big Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest
A one to two acre fire broke out on Big Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest Thursday afternoon, the forest service reported.
It appeared to be tied to an overturned vehicle, but immediately details weren’t available, though officials said it was “burning uphill, moderate rate of spread.”
Jan. 9, 2025 2:06 PM PT
‘It’s overwhelming.’ Loyola High students moved by donations after their homes burned
VIDEO | 01:42
Loyola High students and alumni set up donation center for their community
One by one, cars, SUVs and trucks were pulling up nonstop to the entrance of Loyola High on Thursday, dropping off food, clothing, toiletries, games — anything and everything necessary for a family that lost everything to the fires devastating Los Angeles.
“This is magical. This is the fabric of what we are,” said Loyola principal Jamal Adams, whose grandmother lost her home in Altadena.
Jan. 9, 2025 1:42 PM PT
Fight to protect Mt. Wilson Observatory from Eaton fire successful, officials say
and Grace Toohey
The Eaton fire made a run up toward Mt. Wilson on Thursday afternoon, threatening the esteemed observatory and its antenna, which provides key broadcasting services for local TV and radio stations.
But officials said they were able to protect the site.
Jan. 9, 2025 1:12 PM PT
Lakers home game against Hornets postponed due to L.A. County wildfires
By Dan Woike
The Lakers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets scheduled for Thursday has been postponed because of the continuing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County, the league and team announced.
The game, which was slated to tip off at 7:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena, will be rescheduled at a later date. Tickets for Thursday’s game will be honored on the makeup date.
Jan. 9, 2025 12:33 PM PT
Massive destruction in Malibu
Los Angeles Times reporter James Rainey reporterd from Carbon Beach in Malibu, witnessing the massive destruction from the recent fires.
Jan. 9, 2025 11:52 AM PT
Did you lose your home in the fires? We’d like to talk about what it meant to you
We’re speaking with Angelenos about the immense losses caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires. If you’re open to talking to a Times reporter about your home, and what home means to you, please fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch.
Jan. 9, 2025 11:43 AM PT
Disruption, displacement, uncertainty and bad air lead officials to close L.A. schools
By Howard Blume
Victoria Ramirez has four children in school and a job to report to, so she understands the inconvenience of closing schools for any reason.
Yet she supported the decision to close campuses Thursday and Friday in the Los Angeles Unified School District as the region deals with an ongoing fire emergency.
Jan. 9, 2025 11:36 AM PT
Inside the dash to save the Getty Villa from the Palisades fire: A timeline
By Jessica Gelt
The Getty Villa, the museum built by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty and home to thousands of priceless antiquities, activated its emergency operations center in response to the fast-moving Palisades fire at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday. At 11:44 a.m., fire could be seen over the ridge, less than one mile away. By 12:27, flames had reached the property.
Fast-moving, wildly unpredictable and catastrophic in the damage it caused along a vast swath of prime coastline, the Palisades fire ultimately spared the Villa and its more than 44,000 objects, including many Roman, Greek and Etruscan relics dating from 6500 BC to AD 400.
805-563-6440
