Juicy Little Society Founder Honored for Helping Altadena Families Recover From Eaton Fire

Opening of Community Corner by the Juicy Little Society (Photo – W.K.)

More than 100 fire-ravaged local residents gathered to celebrate the opening of Community Corner by the Juicy Little Society, where U.S. Rep. Judy Chu recognized nonprofit founder Krystal Lopez for her work supporting the Altadena community. Representatives from State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez and State Assemblymember John Harabedian were also on hand to present certificates honoring Lopez and the Juicy Little Society for their service to the community.

By Joan Riback

“Krystal’s story is one of the most inspiring that I have ever heard,” Chu said. The Senator described Lopez as a victim of trauma and exploitation who turned her pain into purpose by founding a safe space for mentorship, a thrift store whose profits go back into the community, and a weekly food distribution program.

“Krystal and her team are making sure that no one in this community feels unseen again,” Chu said. “I was so moved by Krystal’s story and inspired by the work her team has accomplished that I was proud to honor Juicy Little Society as my Congressional Nonprofit of the Year!”

Chu recognized Lopez and the Juicy Little Society for responding to the overwhelming needs of the community following the Eaton fire through its “We Out Here Altadena Fire Relief” effort. The initiative has provided consistent weekly support to families affected by loss and displacement, while also offering free educational workshops, mindfulness activities, community events, and distributions of fresh food, household essentials, and baby gear to anyone in Altadena who needs them.

Through partnerships, including the Dena Relief Drive, the organization has helped more than 5,000 families obtain essential items.

What began as an emergency response has grown into an ongoing commitment to restoration, healing, and stability for the Altadena community.

The Juicy Little Society is a youth-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through mentorship, education, and hands-on life experiences, with a focus on underserved and underprivileged youth in Altadena. Its programs provide safe spaces where young people can build confidence, discover their voices, and develop the skills they need for life.

According to the organization, Juicy Little is “more than a nonprofit”; it is a movement rooted in resilience, healing, opportunity, and growth. Through partnerships with schools, local businesses, and community organizations, the society says it remains committed to rebuilding, restoring, and creating a brighter future for the next generation.

Joan Riback holds an MA in Organization Development. After losing her home in the devastating Eaton Fire, she is currently working with her community to rebuild.

(L-R) Altadena Rotary Secretary Mark Mariscal, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and her field representative, Amalya Rucker, share a light moment (Photo – W.K.)

(L-R) Miles Kealing, representative for Assemblymember John Harabedian; Xalma Palomino, representative for Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez; and interns Zitalli Rodriguez, Linus Edwards and Kaitlyn Chiao (Photo – W.K.)

Some of the items available to community members at Community Corner (Photo – W.K.)