368 DAYS LATER...STILL ALTADENA STRONG!

Writing during this difficult time has been cathartic. It has helped to ground and center me. When I write, I hope to convey a feeling or idea; if I can do that well, it’s very satisfying. Writing for Lotus Rising LA is very important to me because it allows me to document individual and collective struggles and victories. Losing a home to a fire is unimaginable. Home is a place of refuge, peace, family, and pride. Having that taken away in such a sudden and violent manner is so destabilizing that it shakes one's sense of security and agency in one’s own life. Survivors of the fires need significant financial support, but they also need people to hear their stories. The most touching thing that has stayed with me is when Omar and Giselle, my son and daughter-in-love, took clothes and other household items that had been donated to them down to Woodbury Road in Altadena, along with countless others. They had lost everything in the Eaton fires, but the generosity of others so touched them that they were compelled to give as well. Seeing everyone on Woodbury Road loving their neighbors, regardless of race, politics, religion, or sexual orientation, and just helping those who were hurting, was inspiring.

There are times in life when people connect on a basic level, and it always seems to happen when tragedy occurs. In those precious moments in the aftermath of the event, we put down our racial bias, political, and religious differences. We remember that we are human beings who need help, and we give it. That expression of love toward someone who may or may not look like you, or who probably wouldn’t acknowledge you on the street (in normal circumstances), is the most incredible feeling. That feeling strengthened me and helped me to rise each day to face the wreckage the fires left in my life.

One year later, my lot has been partially cleared by the Army Corps of Engineers, but they destroyed half of the paved courtyard. The heavy equipment damaged my paved driveway. Nature is reclaiming the land. Blackened, ghostly remains of burnt-out tree stumps are shooting forth bright green new growths. My lot is a mixture of a decaying disaster and vigorous rebirth. Three hundred sixty-eight days later, my lot has been surveyed, I hired a contractor, and had plans submitted to the county. I have received a Will Serve Letter from the Water Company and paid Southern California Edison to have a temporary utility pole placed on the property. Now I’m waiting for the Contractor to make corrections and for him and Edison to coordinate the delivery and energizing of the utility pole so the County can approve the plans. All of this is going on as I wait to see if Southern California Edison will submit a fair settlement offer that will allow me to rebuild my home.

As always, I take deep breaths, pray, and try to get outdoors. Sometimes just going for a walk helps to brighten up an otherwise depressing day. If you need someone to hear your story, Lotus Rising Community Voices is here to listen. Contact this writer @ 4theloveofbooks61@gmail.com   

Together we will remain Altadena Strong!