Friday, September 19, 2025

Taste of Dena Returns, Celebrating Altadena’s Resilience

Library Foundation event reconnects community, honors leadership, and supports healing

As Altadena begins a new chapter after the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the Altadena Library Foundation is set to rekindle the community’s spirit through its annual ‘Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter’ event.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Altadena Library, the evening is designed as an act of community healing, honoring leadership and fostering connection among neighbors as Altadena moves forward—lots cleared, hearts mended, and hope renewed.

“Our event is so different this year. The goal is to honor two local heroes who lost homes while continuing to serve others and inviting displaced Altadenans to return for a night,” said Mark Mariscal, president of the Altadena Library Foundation.

Taste of Dena has long served as a celebration of Altadena’s creativity and togetherness, featuring a variety of local food, drink, live music and performances.

This year’s event will take place in the library’s whimsical garden where guests will enjoy a spoken word performance by renowned poet Arielle Estoria and share a meal as a collective act of healing and hope.

Attendees will also participate in an interactive memory-making activity, bringing a piece of Altadena pride—a hat, T-shirt or scarf—to add a commemorative patch that symbolizes shared resilience and community spirit.

The evening will feature the presentation of two special awards that highlight outstanding dedication during challenging times. The Community Leader Award will be presented to Victoria Knapp, chair of the Altadena Town Council, recognized for her leadership and advocacy during the fire recovery. The Library Staff Award will honor Modesta Nava, ESL facilitator with the Altadena Library District, whose decades of service and resilience continue to inspire.

Tickets for the event are $25 and available to the public. All proceeds support the Altadena Library Foundation’s ongoing work in strengthening the libraries and community. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

For tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-dena-the-next-chapter-tickets-1587946032329?aff=oddtdt

Since 2009, the foundation has supported the Altadena Libraries through fundraising and advocacy, bolstering initiatives such as the Curiosity Connection mobile library, Little Free Libraries and inclusive community programs, ensuring that the library remains a hub for connection, healing and inspiration.

“Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter is not just an event; it is a reminder of who Altadena is—resilient, connected, and committed to walking into the future together.”

Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. For more call (626) 787-4774 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-dena-the-next-chapter-tickets-1587946032329?aff=oddtdt. Tickets: $25.