What has life been like for the Eaton Fire survivors since the devastating fire? This series invites survivors to share their stories, their challenges, resilience, and hopes for the future.
~ The Editorial Team
Dorothy Wong (Photo courtesy of author)
The scars of the Eaton Fire run deep. For my husband and me, it meant total loss: our cherished home and my business equipment were reduced to ash.
By Dorothy Wong
The aftermath has been a grueling journey of navigating FEMA’s bureaucracy, which has felt drawn-out and exhausting. Balancing work with the monumental task of rebuilding has been nothing short of challenging.
Yet, amid the debris and red tape, hope endures. Our community has risen to the occasion, strengthening our bonds. We are not alone. This tragedy has revealed an extraordinary collective spirit. Long conversations with neighbors, sharing stories of support, remind us of our shared strength. Personally, I find peace in empowering the next generation toward sustainability; focusing on mobility and bicycle safety education has been deeply healing.
Even before the fire, community connection was our anchor. During the pandemic, the Altadena Farmers Market brought us together through the simple joy of bicycles. That bond grew into events at Loma Alta Park, including a magical “snow day” in December 2024, where over 150 youth spun around the ball field.
As we rebuild, I dream of a comprehensive mobility plan that empowers all residents to choose active transportation. Through community-led planning efforts, Altadena has the potential to build on our existing resilience. We have a unique opportunity to prioritize our diversity and address the realities of climate change. A town-wide multi-use trail can connect our neighborhoods, create safe spaces for everyone, and ensure equitable access.
As we look ahead to rebuilding both our personal lives and community infrastructure, prioritizing the public right-of-way will bring us closer together. Rebuilding our physical structures is essential, but rebuilding our community infrastructure with an eye toward connection and equity is transformative. Now is the time to invest in a future that is equitable, sustainable, and united.
Our home is gone, but our spirit, fueled by the strength of our community and the promise of a better-connected Altadena, remains unshaken.
Dorothy Wong is a member of the Altadena Town Council.
Are you an Eaton Fire survivor?
We invite you to share your story, where you are now, what you’ve overcome, and what lies ahead. Your experience can inspire others and help our community heal and rebuild together. Please leave a comment below with your name, email, and a brief description of what you’d like to share.
Your comment will be reviewed privately by our team and will not be published. If your story is selected, we’ll reach out to you directly.
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