The community of Altadena comes together in the aftermath of the devastating Eaton Fire, showing resilience and support.
The Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, has left a lasting impact on the community, destroying cherished local businesses like Fox’s Restaurant and the Bunny Museum. As residents band together to support one another, concerns regarding rebuilding and the potential for gentrification loom large. The fire’s aftermath sees a resilient community determined to rise from the ashes and preserve its character amidst adversity.
The quaint city of Altadena, California, has recently been shaken to its core by a fierce blaze known as the Eaton Fire. Within a matter of hours, a series of flames swept through the community, leaving behind a trail of devastation that destroyed longstanding local businesses and cherished family homes. As residents grapple with the aftermath, the tight-knit community is beginning to rally together, showing incredible strength in the face of adversity.
One of the most heartbreaking stories to emerge from this catastrophe involves Fox’s Restaurant, a beloved establishment that had been a staple of the Altadena dining scene since 1955. Paul Rosenbluh and his wife Monique King, who had been running Fox’s since 2017, were in the midst of finalizing plans for a new restaurant elsewhere when they learned their diner had been incinerated. This news left them devastated, as they expressed doubt about the possibility of rebuilding due to a complete loss of essential services such as water and power.
In a bid to support their 15 employees, the couple is exploring ways to integrate their team into their other restaurants, Cindy’s and Little Beast, located in nearby Eagle Rock. This compassionate move speaks volumes about the couple’s dedication to their staff during this challenging time.
Amidst the ashes, the Bunny Museum has become a symbol of resilience. Co-founder Candace Frazee is determined to rebuild, despite facing financial hurdles from not having insurance to cover construction costs. The Bunny Museum, known for its extensive collection of rabbit-related memorabilia, had been a cherished asset to the community for 27 years. Its loss represents the heart and soul of Altadena’s quirky and eclectic offerings.
As the fire swept through the area, family worries ran high. James Benjamin, concerned for his great aunt Ginny Wylie, the elderly owner of Wylie’s Bait Shop, faced a long 24 hours of uncertainty. Finally, Ginny was located safe and sound in a makeshift shelter, bringing relief to her family amidst the chaos. The bait shop, a staple in the neighborhood, was also lost in the flames, and the community is feeling the impact of such beloved establishments going up in smoke.
As the community grapples with loss, stories of resilience and kindness abound. John Sousa, a local knife sharpener, is stepping up to help those affected by the fire. He is offering his services free of charge to restore family heirlooms, providing a spark of hope and support to local fire survivors.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is stepping in to expedite the rebuilding process in Altadena. It’s noteworthy that, as of now, no rebuild permits have been issued three months after the fire, causing confusion and concern amongst the residents. The fire has left over 9,000 structures destroyed, deeply impacting the historically Black community. Residents are now increasingly worried that property sales following the fire could lead to gentrification, threatening the diversity and character of their neighborhood.
In a troubling turn of events, the first property to be placed on the market since the fire swiftly went into escrow, sparking fears of panic sales throughout the community. Before this disaster, Altadena boasted a remarkable 81.5% Black homeownership rate, nearly double the national average. This statistic was a point of pride for many residents, and they are now left wondering what the future holds for their beloved neighborhood.
As Altadena begins to rebuild from the ashes of the Eaton Fire, the strength of its community will shine through. Together, they continue to support one another, ensuring that even the most devastating losses can lead to a renewed sense of hope and resilience.
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