Eight months after the devastating Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, victims returned Saturday to the site of their former homes to celebrate a new beginning.
More than 100 friends, family members and community leaders gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of rebuilding efforts in the foothill neighborhood.
Jonathan Weedman and Raymundo Baltazar, who have lived in the area for more than a decade, were among the first residents to put shovels in the dirt. They told KTLA’s Erin Myers that the support of neighbors has carried them through what has often been a lonely, difficult recovery process.
“Sometimes it’s been very lonely,” Baltazar said. “The process is complex, and a lot of the times it’s just wait and see. But when you start seeing people show up, it really fills you again.”
The couple said one of the most powerful moments of the day came when a man named Gil approached them. Gil grew up in the home they are now rebuilding, and his grandfather and father helped build its original walls and gardens decades ago. He, too, lost his home in the fire.
“What a wonderful connection, what a wonderful through line to what we’re here for today,” Weedman said.
The sheriff’s department also sent deputies and commanders to show support, with residents noting the agency’s help since the fire.
While rebuilding is a reason for celebration, the couple acknowledged the pain of what was lost. Weedman said his grandfather, former California Gov. Goodwin Knight, left behind a collection of historic documents, letters and photographs — all destroyed in the blaze.
“I’m just heartsick that it’s all gone,” he said. “Everybody lost irreplaceable things here … but we’ve got to get back on the horse, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
“It’s hard to find positivity when there’s so much being thrown at you, but we have found it within ourselves,” added Baltazar. “This is a great partner to have; we’re celebrating our 20th year together.”
The couple credited humor and community for helping them stay hopeful through months of grief and waiting. To honor the past, Baltazar created a small pop-up gallery of family photos recovered from the fire, including the last picture taken inside their home before evacuating.
“Those moments didn’t just go away,” he said. “They’re still here. They’re part of our history.”
The pair, now marking 20 years together, said they plan to host a two-day celebration once their home is complete.
Alexis Lewis and Erin Myers contributed to this report.
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