Thursday, January 1, 2026

Altadena Marks One Year Since Eaton Fire’s Devastation with Dual Commemorative Vigils

Community gathers to honor 19 victims and affirm commitment to recovery one year after the fire devastated the landscape

On January 7, the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena’s foothills, killing 19 people and forever reshaping the community’s landscape. One year later, residents will gather at two locations to honor those lost and affirm their commitment to recovery.

The Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery will host a community commemoration at 5 p.m. in the Grocery Outlet parking lot, featuring music, remembrances, and light refreshments, open to all “rain or shine.” A second vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the corner of N. Lake Avenue and E. Loma Alta Drive, sponsored by Kinfolk Helping Hands and Connect 2 Rise Inc. The 7 p.m. event will feature a children’s choir, performances by the Benn Family (known from “America’s Got Talent”), and community speakers.

The Altadena Grocery Outlet, which sustained only minor exterior scorching, has become a symbol of resilience. After reopening in February, co-owner Sandra Valenzuela expressed that the reopening would be bittersweet, as five of the store’s employees had lost their homes in the fire.

A banner at the store displays: “Altadena Strong — We Will Rebuild!”

The vigil sponsors invite the community to gather in solidarity as they look toward healing, rebuilding, and a brighter tomorrow.

The Altadena Candle Light Vigil will run on Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. Grocery Outlet parking lot, 2270 Lake Ave., in Altadena. For more information, call (626) 794-3988 or visit https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ5e8PhgT_n/.