Diary of Disaster Response

“Community is a cornerstone of both individual wellness and collective well-being in the best of times. Now, friends, neighbors and an army of Los Angeles volunteers are proving that community is a powerful tonic in the worst.”

- Rachel Kraus, L.A. Times

The Pasadena Village has been meeting the unexpected needs of its members since the Eaton Fire began, the night of Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

On Monday, January 6, the normal “Your Week at the Village” arrived via email. Folks began preparing for above normal, very highly above normal, winds that were predicted along with the threat of fire. The winds picked up on January 7th and intensity increased as the night wore on. At approximately 6:00 p.m. the Eaton Fire erupted in Eaton Canyon.

Pasadena Village and its members began communicating and connecting as the fire spread rapidly. Linda Stowitts called to offer a spare room to Sue Kujawa if needed. Sue shared, “It was a relief to have it offered to me. I felt it helped me evacuate earlier.” It turns out that Sue was able to evacuate with her cat and is now staying with Linda and Tom since her house was totally destroyed.

On January 8th, the morning after the fire started, the first email went out from Pasadena Village – titled “Are You Ok?” Members were asked to respond if they were OK and to let the office know where they were staying. A request for volunteers was included so that all members could be contacted to check on everybody --- or to provide needed services.

The following day an email went out to set up a Zoom Meeting for Friday, January 10th. It also included a listing of Relief Resources and announced the Fire Relief Fund – with a matching grant of $5,000 from one member.

On Friday, January 10th the first gift cards for immediate needs went out to members who had lost homes and/or were evacuated. The check in Zoom meeting was held. Katie Brandon, Pasadena Village Executive Director, reported that many members had lost their homes – estimating at least 17 at that time, with many more members having to evacuate and remain out of their homes. The names of the members who had not connected to the village yet were shared. Members could report on the status of many of them. Other folks volunteered to contact the remainder.

During the weekend Pasadena Village staff members and volunteers continued to work, checking on members, contacting others, arranging rides, purchasing needed items.

On Wednesday, January 15, one neighborhood group, Triple Zips, decided to carry on with the potluck they had planned. Some members who had lost their homes also attended. People really appreciated seeing each other, sharing their stories of that scary night, offering support, and eating lots of wonderful food. Later that afternoon a Check-In Zoom Gathering was held. A PDF list of Villager phone numbers was provided. It was suggested that individual Villagers determine whether planned activities would continue – and whether in person or Zoom. The Village’s Zoom link was offered to anyone needing it.

The weekly Friday Bulletin went out on January 17th. Villagers in need, either who lost their homes or who had evacuated, were asked to compile lists of items they needed. Two staff members continued to add helpful information onto the AgingSGV.org Relief resource page.

The Village President, Dick Myers sent an email message to all members on Saturday, January 18, which also established a new blog called President Fire Info.

On January 21st, the regular Pasadena Village Board Meeting convened. Discussion of the relief money flowing in and distribution of additional gift cards was included in the agenda.

The Village Friday Bulletin included offers of help to fellow Village members, including Wayne April who offered to accompany folks to see the remains of their homes and sift ashes if needed.

On Monday, January 27, a general group of folks who were working on or who wanted to help with Fire Relief met. Villagers and Board members shared information about members, programs, resources and needs. The group then shifted into volunteering for various tasks such as delivering air purifiers or forming a committee to help design a binder system to organize paperwork.

Projects and support continue to expand and evolve. Air purifiers are being delivered. Lost House File Systems have been shared with the Village and will be distributed. A computerized list of offered items is being compiled so when Villagers are settled and ready they can review the list for available items. Individual Villagers are offering to attend meetings with insurance companies and other agencies.

Pasadena Village is indeed offering the support only a village can provide.

*To See More Experiences With The Fire, Click on #LAFires

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