23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
The Unexpected Symmetry of a Disaster Seascape

America is a vast land, and each region is prone to its own kind of disasters. In California, earthquakes and fires are our greatest fears. This is Day 4 of the Pacific Palisades Fire as seen from a Santa Monica Beach- Malibu in the distance. The feeling in Los Angeles was surreal. Like the reflected seashore, we could only comprehend the smallest bit of what was happening.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Santa Monica, California, United States of America
Copyright: © Diana Clevenger-Stephens