Expressing messages of love and remembrance in chalk (File Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)
The Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR) will host a community gathering on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire, the devastating 2025 blaze that reshaped both the physical and emotional landscape of Altadena. The commemoration will begin at 5:00 pm in the Grocery Outlet parking lot at 2270 Lake Ave. and is open to all residents.
By Melanie Hooks
The Eaton Fire remains a defining moment for the community, a disaster that brought loss and upheaval, but also revealed the deep resilience and compassion that characterize Altadena. Organizers say the anniversary event is intended not only to remember what was lost, but also to recognize the rebuilding and recovery that have taken place over the past year.
Victoria Knapp, who served as Chair of the Altadena Town Council when the fire struck, underscored the importance of coming together at this milestone. “We know how important and impactful the one-year anniversary of this disastrous event—which forever changed Altadena and Altadenans—is” she said. “We wanted to create an opportunity for the community to come together to heal, support, and rally around each other. These milestones are important for marking our collective grief and also our recovery.”
Current Altadena Town Council Chair Nic Arnzen also reflected on the significance of the moment and the progress made since the fire. “As we gather to mark one year since the Eaton Fire, we do so not only to remember what was lost, but to honor the extraordinary strength that has carried Altadena forward. Over the past year, I’ve witnessed neighbors lift one another up, rebuild together, and refuse to let tragedy define our future. This anniversary is a moment to reflect, but also to reaffirm our shared commitment to healing, resilience, and the continued restoration of our community.”
The evening’s program will feature music, remembrances, and light refreshments. Attendees will be invited to reflect on the challenges of the past year while also acknowledging the strength and solidarity that emerged in the aftermath of the fire. The event will proceed rain or shine.
Veronica Jones, President of the Altadena Historical Society, reflected on the significance of the moment. “As we mark the anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire, we pause to remember the lives lost, homes destroyed, and the resilience of our community,” she said. “Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the courage and strength of Altadena’s residents and our shared commitment to recovery and rebuilding together.”
CCAR encourages all community members to join in this collective moment of remembrance, gratitude, and renewed hope.
Community Gathering Wednesday, January 7, 2026 5:00 pm Location Grocery Outlet parking lot 2270 Lake Ave. Altadena Open to all residents
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