“We Love You Altadena” sign (Photo – W.K.)
In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, the Altadena community is coming together once again, not just to remember, but to rebuild. On Saturday, October 4, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, the Altadena Library Foundation will host its annual celebration, Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter, at the Altadena Library, promising an evening of reflection, unity, and renewal.
By Rena Kurlander
This year’s event carries special significance as it marks a hopeful turning point for a town still healing. “Our event is so different this year,” said Mark Mariscal, President of the Altadena Library Foundation. “The goal is to honor two local heroes who lost homes while continuing to serve others and inviting displaced Altadenans to return for a night.”
The beloved Taste of Dena has long been a showcase of Altadena’s creative spirit, featuring local food and drink, live performances, and heartfelt community connection. This year, guests will gather in the library’s whimsical garden for a poignant spoken word performance by acclaimed poet Arielle Estoria, a shared meal, and a powerful sense of collective healing.
Central to the evening will be the presentation of two special awards:
- Community Leader Award: Victoria Knapp, Chair of the Altadena Town Council, for her tireless leadership and advocacy during the fire recovery.
- Library Staff Award: Modesta Nava, ESL Facilitator with the Altadena Library District, for decades of service and unshakable resilience.
More than just a celebration, Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter is a tribute to the Altadena spirit, resilient, connected, and forward-looking. Attendees are encouraged to wear a piece of “Altadena pride”, a hat, shirt, or scarf, and take part in a commemorative patch-making activity that will serve as a living memory of this chapter in the town’s history.
> Tickets are $25 and available to the public at: Eventbrite – Taste of Dena.
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