Altadena, California, is making its own bumps toward recovery. Almost nine months after the tragic Eaton Fire killed 19 residents, the community is sincerely rebuilding their character and culture, particularly on the impacted west side. Janet Lee is one of the people now suffering as a result. She and her sister Christy operate Fair Oaks Burger, an Altadena institution and gourmet burger joint that has wowed the Altadena community for almost four decades.
The Eaton Fire destroyed the vast majority of the community, burning two-thirds of the buildings to the ground. Janet Lee reflects on this challenging period, describing the nine-month recovery mark as a “turning point where people are feeling a lot more hopeful.” In spite of the devastation, she said that what’s heartening is how communities are rallying in the rebuilding efforts.
“There’s neighborhoods that are getting together, saying, ‘Let’s do this together. Let’s build together,’” Janet Lee stated.
The fire’s destruction caused Janet and Christy to shut Fair Oaks Burger down in the longer term. They found a way to support their community by serving tacos and burgers to their affected neighbors from the parking lot of their restaurant. Christy Lee, who is with us today, shared how the healing power of this act of service changed so many lives.
“It was actually quite healing in some ways, ’cause we were all kinda grieving together,” she remarked.
Janet Lee’s personal loss was profound, as her parents’ home was among the many destroyed by the flames. She acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on their business: “Unfortunately, the people that passed, a lot of them were Fair Oaks Burger’s customers.”
The artists’ community has continued to support one another in order to help recovery efforts. The Eaton Fire Collaborative Long-Term Recovery Group recently opened what they are calling “The Collaboratory.” This space aims to provide residents with essential resources needed for rebuilding their lives, including therapy, guidance for reconstruction, and various necessary items—all at no cost.
Brandon Lamar is the treasurer of the Eaton Fire Collaborative Long-term Recovery Group. He stressed the importance of cooperation in creating the healing communities needed for restorative justice. “I think it allows us to collaborate more, and that’s what this space is really all about,” he noted.
Continuing failure to address the needs Their member Victoria Knapp, a member of the advisory collaborative shared the continuing struggles. “Right now, the only thing that’s a bit hard for people is the permitting,” she explained. According to Sarah, despite these challenges, there is a feeling of optimism and hope as residents look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
