On the evening of Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire tore through the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana wind gusts. Altadena, a tight-knit suburb just north of Pasadena, experienced the worst of the wildfire’s destruction. The Eaton Fire claimed 18 lives and destroyed more than 9,000 structures including homes, businesses, houses of worship, schools, and historic sites. It was one of eight major wildfires that spread across Southern California in January, including the Palisades Fire.
Altadena’s rich legacy only deepened the Eaton Fire’s devastation. It’s long been a vibrant hub of racial and economic diversity, a haven for the working class and home to multigenerational Black families.
“The community in Altadena is so unique. It’s ethnically diverse, it’s socioeconomically diverse, it’s got diversity of thought, and it’s integrated.”
Jasmin Shupper, Greenline Housing Foundation
But from profound loss and devastation emerged stories of hope and resilience. NewsOne interviewed residents, artists, lawmakers, and advocates who highlight the strength and dedication of this cherished community as residents navigate the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.
Their stories reveal a broader picture: alongside immense loss, trauma, and heartbreak, there is resilience, connection, and hope.
Here are the stories of how Altadena came together in the wake of the fire.
1. Neighbors and mutual aid provided critical support.
The wildfires in Los Angeles County continued to burn across Southern California until Jan. 31. But Angelenos quickly mobilized to distribute emergency supplies, clothing, and food as firefighters fought to contain the flames. Some efforts were short-term, offering immediate relief to those impacted, while others have continued to support recovery long after the fires were extinguished.
Neighbors of Altadena is one such group. Since launching its first program in January, the volunteer coalition has provided a welcoming space for the community to find help navigating everything from financial assistance to rebuilding, insurance, and more.
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2. California lawmakers moved to protect homeowners in times of crisis.
“Altadena Not For Sale” became a rallying cry among residents determined to rebuild and raise awareness about predatory developers seeking to capitalize on the disaster. The community voiced this and other concerns at a public forum hosted by State Senators Sasha Renée Pérez and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas.
Senator Pérez, whose district includes Altadena and Pasadena, is actively working to pass legislation aimed at protecting homeowners and renters. One such measure, the Generational Homeownership Protection Act, would allow wildfire-impacted residents to address gaps in homeownership records without facing penalties, helping families retain rightful ownership of their properties.
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3. A documentary follows one family’s journey after the fire.
The Eaton Fire destroyed Emani Lloyd’s home, where she lived with her mother, aunt, and grandmother. The house had been in their family for half a century, purchased by Emani’s grandparents in 1975.
Filmmaker and activist Sadè Sellers is documenting this multigenerational Altadena family’s journey as they navigate life after the fire—from finding temporary housing to rebuilding what was lost. Sellers spoke with NewsOne about the project and its significance.
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4. The Brotherhood Crusade launched a relief fund for wildfire victims.
The Brotherhood Crusade, a service organization with a long history in LA, launched its Wildfire Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by the Eaton Fire. As it did during the global pandemic, the organization is raising money to provide direct financial support to displaced wildfire victims.
In partnership with Urban One Cares, the Wildfire Relief Fund is working to support short-term survival while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.
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5. A local artist creates beauty from the ashes.
Celebrated artist and longtime Altadena resident, Keni Arts, began painting the devastation left behind by the Eaton Fire—including his home of nearly 40 years.
His series, called Beauty for Ashes, was recently shown at the Altadena Library where the community gathered to view the haunting watercolor scenes. The artist, beloved for his artwork depicting everyday scenes across Altadena and Pasadena, continues to paint life around town en plein air.
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6. Altadena Boys grew from a donation drive to a youth mentorship movement.
Altadena Boys started as a week-long donation drive in January, inspired by Altadena Girls, which also launched in response to the Eaton Fire.
The organization has since expanded its programming to include youth mentorship and career development opportunities, shifting its focus to long-term growth and life beyond wildfire recovery.
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7. Greenline Housing Foundation started ‘banking’ land to keep Altadena in community hands.
In March, Greenline Housing Foundation purchased its first lot in Altadena as part of a greater effort to retain community control of the land and stave off predatory developers.
Greenline’s founder and president, Jasmin Shupper, spoke with NewsOne about how her Pasadena-based nonprofit is supporting Eaton Fire victims in both the short and long term.
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8. Architects impacted by the Eaton Fire are helping neighbors rebuild.
Members of the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoCal NOMA) came together to support their Altadena neighbors as they navigate rebuilding their homes.
The Altadena Rebuild Coalition (ARC), led by Black architects, engineers, and other industry experts, formed to be a resource for information and mutual support as Eaton Fire victims rebuild and recover.
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The road to recovery is far from over. To support Eaton Fire relief efforts, visit UrbanOneCares.com.
Altadena: A Picture Of Hope
was originally published on
newsone.com
