Organizers and volunteers set up shop at Japanese Village Plaza with a musical fundraiser.
"When I saw the pictures and video I just couldn't stay home," said Hollywood resident Ryo Okamera, whose family escaped serious damage. "My friends are from the area. Some of their houses are gone."
For those with family and friends in Japan, their first concern has been to ensure that loved ones are safe and sound. But with communications down, it has been a struggle.
"I was kind of panicked because I couldn't call them up," said Kimi Shimada of Burbank.
Phone lines are still down. Many have relied on communicating by e-mail and social networks.
