Layla Hawkins: Redefining Her Life in the Palisades

The Palisades Fires took many people by surprise: residents, California natives, and even international viewers. In 24 days, around “6,845 [s]tructures [were] [d]estroyed,” including residential, commercial, and other buildings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Thankfully, the civilian casualty rate remained rather low; however, the long-term effects were apparent. After this catastrophe, various stories circulated, some positive and others negative. Layla Hawkins, wife of former Lakers basketball player and Los Angeles Dodgers executive Tommy Hawkins, told a story about the fires that included both perspectives.

For 32 years, Layla and Tommy Hawkins lived in their family home in Las Flores Canyon, Malibu. Together with their one daughter, Neda, the family built a bustling life filled with core memories. Unfortunately, in 2017, Tommy quietly passed away from natural causes in his sleep; however, Layla has continued to hold his memory near and dear to her heart.

During the couple’s time in Las Flores Canyon, a few fires drew near their home, but none were like the Palisades Fire. As the place she called home ignited, Layla, trying to gather things, was quickly “left alone with so many years of memorabilia and art and music and awards and plaques and trophies and family scrapbooks,” according to the LA Times. It was challenging for her to leave her husband’s memories there to perish. When she finally returned weeks later, everything was destroyed, except one thing: Tommy’s basketball hoop. It stood there tall and sturdy, unlike every other piece of their family’s story. She hugged it, feeling as if Tommy was right there with her. Later, Layla sat with her thoughts, staring at the house's rubble, knowing her life was forever changed; however, she did not let it define her.

Now, nearly two years later, Layla Hawkins is experiencing love from outside sources, and one nonprofit, in particular, has truly changed her life for the better. For over 50 years, Habitat for Humanity has been “a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home,” as stated on their website. Coming to terms with the fire and figuring out life afterward was strenuous, so Layla told Today.com that she is “forever grateful” for Habitat for Humanity’s support. With the help of her family, friends, and nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, Layla has made progress. Today, she is even rebuilding her home, remembering her life with Tommy one step at a time.

In all, the Palisades Fire was tragic. It uprooted many lives and destroyed historical parts of Los Angeles; however, a stronger sense of community is more apparent than before. Layla’s story is only one, but it shows how an individual can persist through difficult times. Plus, nothing stops someone from succeeding if their community is engaged and supportive, like Layla’s.