Share
PostPublished
In January 2025, the Pasadena and Altadena community was forever changed when the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes and countless memories. One year later, very little has changed with housing situations as most families are still in limbo. Since the initial devastation, Keiro assisted local community organizations with easing some worries that these families experienced by listening to their needs and establishing a Disaster Recovery Fund supporting:
- First Presbyterian Church Altadena (FPCA), Pasadena Buddhist Temple (PBT), and Pasadena Nikkei Seniors (PNS) as they collaborate to provide meals, activities, educational workshops, and other opportunities to connect for older adults and their loved ones affected by the wildfires; and
- Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) to provide mental health counseling, case management, and other client assistance to those impacted by the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County.
When It Rains, It Pours
The 13 months following the fire were full of highs and lows: from feeling grateful for being safe to dealing with the sudden loss of a family home and valued possessions. Janie is one of the many residents who still has an uphill battle of navigating the loss of her home and trying to figure out what the next steps are.
She tells herself everyday that “we will have a home” as she and her husband, Stan, continue with their plan of rebuilding their home in the Altadena area. They have experienced many speed bumps along the way, such as her architect passing away suddenly, family members’ health issues, and navigating Southern California Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. On top of all this, she, and many others like her, still worry about day-to-day necessities like food, finances, and even where to do laundry.
Yet through all of the worries, she is still smiling. “Because Stan’s family is so supportive, I’m used to having that kind of community around me. I don’t know what I’d do without it. To see the Japanese American community in Pasadena, the cultural center, the Buddhist temple, and our [Presbyterian] church working together is a demonstration of what I would hope for [everyone]. All together, [we are] supporting each other.”
Definition of Community
Throughout the devastation, an outpour of hope and support from the community rose from the ashes. Kyoko, one of the four women who led the support efforts during these tough times, explained, “People who have been in the meal program include temple members [and others] who either lost or experienced severe damage to their homes. Doing something together, especially fun outings, has helped create such a ‘homey’ environment where they share tears and laughter.”
Hosting these gatherings helped those who faced uncertainty feel a sense of normalcy again and find refuge with others who are also in similar situations. With the support of Keiro’s Disaster Recovery Fund, community members were able to attend regular luncheons, watch the Defining Courage film, enjoy a Dodgers game, visit Tanka Farms, and attend educational workshops. In February 2026, a group of community members were invited to attend a luncheon at the Panda Inn in Pasadena. Attendees enjoyed a wonderful meal along with being part of Keiro’s Giving Tuesday campaign, each receiving a bag full of snacks and goodies.
Colors in the Dark
To mark a year of resilience, Kyoko had the beautiful idea of creating a mural at Pasadena Buddhist Temple, painted by the local community and supported by the Disaster Recovery Fund. “All participants, including fire survivors, community members, friends, and neighbors, can say they enjoy being part of the mural project. Some chat while they paint; others work quietly. Everyone seems to be present at the moment.”
Miki Yokoyama, the artist behind the mural and a fire survivor, felt the sadness and hopelessness that the community was going through. The mural’s design is inspired by all the things that you can see in Altadena and Pasadena such as the monarch butterflies, peacocks, poppy flowers, Christmas Tree Lane, PBT, FPCA, and even the bear recently hibernating in a local home’s basement. She said that she used blue throughout the mural to represent water. “Even though we lost our [homes from the fire], the water heals everything.”
The mural is called “Healing and Hope” as it is not only showing that colors shine brightest in the dark but that we can heal from the wounds and look for a better tomorrow.
When reflecting on the support these organizations received, Kyoko shared, “Knowing that organizations like Keiro and LTSC are always available to support us has been a great relief. It made me feel like, ‘It is going to be ok, because I am not alone.’ That sense of security allowed me to regain hope.”
If you would like to visit the mural, please contact Pasadena Buddhist Temple.
