It’s been a year since the fires. As bad as that catastrophe was, with blazes erupting in locations all over the LA area, and the two most devastating conflagrations in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, the year since then has been an ordeal for the thousands of survivors who are trying to rebuild their lives. Some have left LA. Some are working through the arduous process of constructing new homes. Many are still trying to figure out how to move on.
Tonight several hundred people gathered at Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena for a vigil, both to remember those who were lost and to celebrate the community’s resilience as it works to rebuild. Located in the middle of the neighborhoods that were ravaged by the Eaton Fire, Fair Oaks Burger miraculously survived unscathed. As the community struggled to recover, the restaurant partnered with a non-profit to provide free meals to those who needed them.
The mood was both somber and celebratory. Many of those attending lost their homes in the fire. Speakers talked about the losses they had suffered. But they also spoke of the joy they felt as the community came together to support them. It was a cold night, but the vibe was very warm. You could feel the love.
The Horizon and the Skyline 
Altadena was a good place to start with a Christmas tree lane and good people, although; a dry place at times. I spent many years at the Altadena library, grew up in Altadena elementary school to Elliot middle school, and played many ball games at the Farmsworth park. Many times applied at the Altadena hardware and Webster store, though; never hired. I later moved to another state, and now all passed history is gone due to the fires. I consider myself somewhat a lucky survivor, though; I feel without a pass. I have hope and prayers what’s left of the Altadena community can find themselves and move on in life.
Thouigh; Altadena is no longer a tourist sight and I know not when or what to return to some day.
Thank You;
William