Warriors coach loses childhood home in Palisades fire
The home where Steve Kerr grew up and his mother Ann Kerr still lives burned down Wednesday as fire swept the Pacific Palisades
Over 5,000 structures have been destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire this week. One of them was the house where Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr grew up.
Steve Kerr confirms his childhood home in Pacific Palisades burned in the fire. He said he was there two weeks ago for dinner with his mother (who made it out safe). Here he is in detail on the devastation of the fire and the memories gone. pic.twitter.com/mvJuBwPo9g
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 9, 2025
The coach’s 90-year-old mother, Ann Kerr, evacuated successfully from the home the Kerr family had owned since 1969, when Kerr was four years old. Though Kerr sent much of his childhood living in Lebanon and other places in the Middle East, the Palisades remained the family home, and Kerr starred at Palisades High School. He’d visited the house to have dinner with his mother as recently as December 26.
“It’s a lifetime of memories and occasions, birthday parties and everything else,” Kerr told reporters before Thursday’s game in Detroit. “To see the destruction, the devastation, it’s just unfathomable.”
Kerr’s mother made it out safely and even taught a class at UCLA Wednesday, but the destruction in the family’s neighborhood is shocking. The fires, aided by Santa Ana winds that reached speeds of 100 MPH, tore through the area taking out entire neighborhoods.
“That’s my hometown,” said Kerr. “All of my friends who are from there, pretty much all of them lost their family homes, their childhood homes. The town looks like it’s completely wiped out. It’s surreal and devastating.”
Kerr wasn’t the only member of the Warriors organization to suffer a loss. Everett Dayton, a video coordinator in player development, also lost his family home. In addition, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick lost his rental home in the Palisades. Thankfully, the NBA postponed tonight’s planned game between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets tonight.
To help those affected by the wildfires, here are some resources:
LAFD Wildfire Emergency Funding Alert: Helps equip firefighters with tools, emergency shelters and hydration backpacks.
American Red Cross: Funding the Red Cross’ relief efforts. You can also call (800) 733-2767.
California Fire Foundation: Support for families of firefighters, especially firefighters fallen in the line of duty.
Canine Rescue Club: Apply to foster a dog that has lost its home.
Pasadena Humane Society: Assistance for injured and homeless animals affected by the fires.
GoFundMe: This page is a hub for all verified wildfire-related fundraisers on GoFundMe.
Direct Relief Wildfire Relief: Disaster-relief efforts providing medical supplies, particularly free N95 masks.
World Central Kitchen: Founded by chef Jose Andres, WCK provides fresh healthy meals to people in disaster areas.
United Way Los Angeles: Focuses on long-term recovery by supporting community organizations and assisting low-income residents, small businesses, and people experiencing homelessness.