UPDATE: Thousands gathered in Altadena on January 7, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of the devastating Eaton fire that claimed 19 lives. The community came together at the Grocery Outlet, a local hub and symbol of resilience, to reflect on their shared loss and renew their commitment to recovery.
The event, organized by the Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR), drew more than 1,000 attendees, showcasing the community’s determination to heal. Attendees held up cellphone lights during a poignant poem reading by local artist She She Yancy, transforming the parking lot into a sea of flickering lights as they honored the memories of those lost.
Local leaders, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the fire’s cause. “You have a right to know what happened,” she said, echoing the calls from residents demanding an investigation from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The event also featured emotional speeches from council members and clergy, who named each victim, fostering a sense of unity amidst the grief. Victoria Knapp, outgoing chair of the Altadena Town Council, reminded attendees, “Altadena showed the world exactly who we are,” reinforcing the spirit of compassion and strength within the community.
Artist Keni Arts, who lost his home and studio in the fire, showcased his work, “Beauty From Ashes,” capturing the town’s struggle and resilience. He expressed hope, stating, “Hope and goodness can flourish out of so much darkness,” as he handed out prints of his artwork to attendees.
Many locals wore t-shirts demanding accountability for the fire, highlighting ongoing frustrations about the investigation process. Megan Gerig and Gabriela Caparco, founders of the Altadena for Accountability group, stressed the importance of community support. “There is something about gathering with people who understand exactly what you went through that is healing and helpful,” Caparco noted.
The gathering served not only as a memorial but also as a rallying point for future recovery efforts. Nic Arnzen, incoming chair of the Altadena Town Council, reflected on the complex emotions within the community, stating, “You’re angry and then you’re happy, scared and then hopeful.”
As Altadena continues to recover from this tragic event, the community’s solidarity remains a powerful testament to their resilience. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and ensuring that the lessons learned from the Eaton fire lead to stronger safety measures in the future.
The outpouring of support at this anniversary event underscores the unwavering spirit of Altadena—a community forever changed, yet standing strong together.
