Steve Kerr: Devastated by the destruction of my hometown

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr shared his emotional reflections after losing his childhood home in Pacific Palisades, one of the areas hardest hit by the Los Angeles wildfires. The fires, which have destroyed over 5,300 structures, included the high school Kerr attended, now known as Palisades Charter High School.

"That’s my hometown," Kerr said, visibly emotional before the Warriors’ game against Detroit. "All my friends from there have lost their homes—family homes, childhood homes. Our high school is gone. The town looks like it’s been completely wiped out. It’s surreal and devastating, but thankfully, almost everyone escaped safely."

Kerr recounted recent memories tied to the house, including celebrating his mother Ann’s 90th birthday just weeks ago. "It’s the lifetime of memories—occasions, birthday parties, and everything else. To see the destruction, the devastation, is just unfathomable."

The coach reflected on the idyllic nature of Pacific Palisades, describing the sunsets, drives along Sunset Boulevard, and the connection to his father, who taught at UCLA. "Seeing the images of Sunset Boulevard now, it looks apocalyptic. It’s shocking."

Kerr added that his mother managed to save personal items like photos and paintings before evacuating. "She’s safe, and that’s the most important thing, but it’s heartbreaking to see a place so full of life and memories reduced to ashes."

The fires have left Kerr deeply affected, comparing the devastation to the recent Lahaina fires in Maui. "Rebuilding will take time, but the spirit of the community will find a way forward."