Sharing Some Like-Community Information

I had the chance to recently have dinner with a woman who lost her home in the Eaton Fire. I shared a little with you last week about her attitude toward her community. She seemed more concerned about the loss of the community than the loss of her house. 

I understand that. I love the Crescenta Valley and many people here are like family. I found that out when our offices here at the newspaper were burglarized and people were eager to help, mainly by donating money so we could quickly and easily get back on our feet. 

To think that in a matter of days our area could be wiped out – wow! Truly unbelievable. 

I’m so pleased (but not really surprised) to discover the number of people and organizations that have stepped up to help our neighbors to the east. For example, at LA County Parks, including CV Park, a Care Camp was established through Jan. 31. It provides youth and teens with a supportive space for fun and recreation. Care Camps are for those under mandatory evacuation or significantly impacted by the fires. The local YMCAs – Crescenta–Cañada, Crescenta Valley and Verdugo Hills – are accepting cash and gift card donations that will be distributed via its Foothills Strong emergency assistance fund. A drop-in center has been established at the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA at 6840 Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga for anyone who lost their home or has been displaced during the fire. They can pick up basic needed items. The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge (CCLCF) opened its door for distribution of donations to those affected by the recent fires. Our reporter Ruth Sowby stopped over there and got some firsthand stories of those impacted by the Eaton Fire and also some great photos. (You can read her story in our Between Friends section of the paper.)

You can also read Mary O’Keefe’s story of the unique ways that the La Crescenta Woman’s Club and Angel Flight came together to open the historic clubhouse to those in need. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy also held a donation drive from Jan. 15 through Jan. 17 asking for donations of uniforms, gift cards, school supplied and bedding.

Steve and I had a chance to drive through Altadena on Sunday and the devastation is indescribable. I saw cars and buildings that are burnt husks of their former selves while others have burned completely; all that’s left are piles of ash. Due to the caustic air quality it’s hard to determine when people who still have a house can go back not to mention those who lost everything – will they go back?

Imagining something similar happening here is unthinkable – and something I hope never happens.