Mayra Macedo-Nolan, Clergy Community Coalition, speaking at the Rose Bowl’s Court of Champions (Photo – Brian Biery)
In the brief time since the devastating Eaton Fire, more than 80 community groups and nonprofit organizations, along with city, county, and state officials, have united to address the immense task of recovery and rebuilding in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre.
By Brian Biery
On Wednesday, March 19, at the Rose Bowl’s Court of Champions, representatives from the Collaborative spoke about the challenges ahead. They highlighted the critical need for partnership and cooperation to ensure that survivors of the fire can fully recover from the devastation that began on January 7.
A key component of the initiative is the formation of a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), modeled on best practices developed in other fire-ravaged communities like Paradise and Lahaina. The LTRG will be supported by the American Red Cross, as was the case in those cities, to ensure a coordinated, community-driven response.
Collaborate Pasadena Executive Director Geoff Albert stated, “We’re committed to minimizing duplication of efforts while centering the voices and needs of those most impacted by the fires,” while Altadena Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp added, “Our community has been devastated, but in the midst of this devastation, we have seen something powerful—the unwavering support of those who refuse to let us suffer in silence.”
(L-R) Jose Madera, NDLON, Geoff Albert, Collaborate Pasadena, Christy Zamani. Day One, Victoria Knapp, Altadena Town Council, and Darryl Quails, Retired Deputy Police Chief -PPD (Photos – Brian Biery)
The Eaton Fire Collaborative
The Eaton Fire Collaborative is committed to preserving the beauty, resilience, and integrity of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. Its mission is to provide clear, reliable information, counter misinformation, and amplify the voices of those most affected by the fire during the recovery process. The vision is: “Together, we will rebuild stronger.”
The Eaton Fire Collaborative has been meeting weekly since January 14 to plan and coordinate this collective effort. The group has already launched several initiatives to streamline recovery efforts, including:
- A Trusted Resource Hub:
A newly created collaborative website serves as a reliable source for recovery information. - Master Calendar & Donation Distribution:
A centralized system to manage essential forms, donation efforts, and upcoming events. - Eaton Fire Volunteer Hub:
A platform where organizations can coordinate volunteer support, and individuals can sign up to contribute to recovery efforts. - Efficient Coordination:
An effort to avoid duplication of resources and reduce strain on government services, while addressing key logistical concerns such as waste management and traffic. - Long-Term Recovery Structure:
A unified approach is being developed to support residents and businesses throughout the recovery process, which will ensure a sustainable path to rebuilding.
To stay connected with the Eaton Fire Collaborative visit its online site at eatonfirecollaborative.org; or email them at eatonfirecollaborative@gmail.com.
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