Scenes from the Candlelit Vigil to Honor Altadena’s Healing at the at the burned site of the Altadena Town & Country Club. Jan. 11, 2026 (Photos – Staff)
Under a quiet sky, flickering battery-powered candles illuminated the burned grounds of the Altadena Town & Country Club parking lot, as a crowd gathered to remember, to grieve, and to promise one another they would rebuild.
By Rena Kurlander
The candlelight remembrance marked one year since the devastating Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, claiming 19 lives and forever altering the community. Standing where flames once raged, residents came together not only to honor those lost, but to affirm the resilience of a town determined to endure.
“This is why we gather, for light,” said State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez. “Each candle is a symbol. A promise that the 19 lives lost will never be forgotten.” She paused, adding, “It has been incredible watching you all come together.”
Music opened the evening as the Ben Family, known for their appearance on America’s Got Talent, sang a heartfelt tribute titled “We Love You, Altadena.”
The vigil was organized by community members Veronica Fields of Connect 2 Rise Inc. and Yolanda Williams of Kinfolk Helping Hands. Williams shared her deep roots in Altadena, which date back to 1963. “This is home,” she said simply.
U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu reflected on returning to the site just two nights after the fire, when she stood alongside FEMA officials and saw small fires still burning amid the smoldering remains. She described the scope of the tragedy as unfathomable, emphasizing that the loss of life leaves a void that can never truly be filled.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna echoed the collective grief felt throughout the community, underscoring shared compassion and unity. He noted that when the President visited the Palisades after the fire, Luna made a deliberate decision to be present in Altadena, emphasizing the importance of standing with the community during its time of loss.
A letter from Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton was read aloud by Eleanor Lee, carrying a message that resonated deeply: “The 19 lives that passed will not be forgotten.”
Faith leaders stepped forward, including pastors whose own churches were lost in the fire. One pastor repeated a refrain that became a shared vow: “I am with you.” He asked neighbors to turn to one another and speak the same words aloud.
As battery-powered candles were lit, the crowd spoke in unison:
“We will never forget.”
“The Altadena 19.”
Another pastor, Pastor McFarland, asked those who had lost homes to raise their candles. Hundreds of flames rose together. When he called out, “Does anybody live in 91001?” the response came back strong and defiant
“Whatever has been destroyed, I can rebuild again.”
“We will not sell our homes.”
The vigil included 60 seconds of silence, followed by chants that rang through the night:
“91001! Altadena strong!”
Judy Matthews recited a poem before a video presentation honored the 19 individuals who perished, a reminder that the loss was personal, profound, and permanent.
Yet the night also carried hope.
Jeff Perry, founder and co-owner of Angel City Lumber, revealed a surprise. More than 1,000 trees removed from burned properties, once destined to be chipped, were saved and transported to the Las Flores Water Company site.
Perry explained that trees removed from fire-damaged properties were preserved and will be milled into high-quality, appearance-grade lumber, including cabinets, molding, and door jambs, to help Altadena residents rebuild their homes, transforming what was lost into a foundation for renewal.
What was lost will now become part of what rises.
As the community looks ahead, a shared goal emerged: this is the year of building back, with hopes to be 50 percent rebuilt by 2027.
On the scorched land where a country club once stood, Altadena stood together, remembering the past, honoring the fallen, and reclaiming its future, one candle at a time.
Click on photos to enlarge:
Scenes from the Candlelit Vigil to Honor Altadena’s Healing at the at the burned site of the Altadena Town & Country Club (Photos – Staff)
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