Help Rick and Susan Rebuild After Palisades Fire

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

The unimaginable has happened: Our parents, Rick and Susan Strauss, lost their home on January 7th in the Palisades fire. They are currently in a safe place while they mourn and navigate the overwhelming aftermath of the loss of their home and their beloved community at Tahitian Terrace Mobile Home Park.

Rick and Susan left their house late Tuesday morning with their dog Buster, a suitcase with a few clothing items, some important paperwork, pillows, and blankets. Little did they know their special place that they worked so hard to create, and where they planned to live the rest of their lives, would be burned to the ground later that day.

As some of you may know, Rick and Susan’s home (or as we sometimes called it, the “Strauss House”) was a salty, beach haven across the street from the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, our parents put their heart and soul into their home. They planted different fruit trees, made a vegetable garden, and grew wisteria and a plumeria tree along the fence. They filled their home with beautiful paintings, our dad’s photographs on the walls, and wooden furniture hand-crafted by our dad and grandfather. Our parents opened their home to those who needed it and endlessly offered their skills/services to their community.

The community at Tahitian Terrace was truly special – a mix of elders and young families looking for a slice of heaven. A vacation from city life is what drew my parents to move there 23 years ago. The people who lived there were the most generous, caring souls, and everyone looked out for each other.

Our most memorable family gatherings were held at Tahitian Terrace. Jumping into the clubhouse’s warmest pool and jacuzzi (the thermometer always read 104, but we knew it was higher), ping pong battles galore, kids scooting up and down the streets, and escaping to the ocean to dig in the sand. We’re incredibly grateful that our children were able to spend their holidays at “Vava and Papa’s” over the years. These memories, filled with so much love, peace, and comfort, will hopefully help us carry them through this tough time.

If you feel moved, we are asking for your help because our parents are too humble to ever ask. The funds will go toward rebuilding their lives, securing temporary housing, replacing personal belongings, and getting them back on their feet so they feel stable and comfortable again. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for helping our parents as they navigate this tremendous loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who have been impacted by the LA fires.

With gratitude,

Jessie & Grace (Rick & Susan's daughters)