When I began photographing the aftermath of the Eaton Fire last January 2025, I came across numerous homes that still had Christmas decorations up when they were destroyed. Wreaths were still hung on fences, burnt strands of lights, and melted decorations. Every time I saw that it magnified the fact that each mound of rubble had been a family's home. Everything I saw obviously was a reminder but with Christmas you think of joy and hope, children, and home. When I saw homes in April and May that hadn’t burned but still had Christmas decorations up, I knew those people were still displaced waiting to get their homes cleaned. I reminded me that the impact went beyond just the homes that were lost.
This year I have returned to some areas multiple times to photograph. There is one lot that the homeowner decorated for every holiday. The Werewolf of Altadena also changed attire for holidays, and this past month I saw lots of people making a point to recognize the hope of Christmas by still decorating in some way. In Upper Hastings Ranch the community there has a long tradition of decorating each street as a different theme. I remember going there as a child and my parents driving me around to see the lights. Dozens of homes were lost in Upper Hastings Ranch and the association there has placed a lighted star in front of each house that was lost. One owner set up a Nativity Scene where their home once stood. I have seen lots of signs of hope and resilience throughout the burn zone. This past month I have met people effected by the fire and with each conversation I have been impressed with their resolve.
As we approach the 1st anniversary of the fire on January 7th, I wanted to showcase my recent images from Altadena and Pasadena to show how far people have come and how much further the area has to go to recover.
Christmas Tree Lane - Altadena
Deodar Pine trees line Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena and for 105 years the residents have hung Christmas lights on the trees. Miraculously none of the trees were lost in the Eaton Fire (the trees have properties that protect them from fires) but unfortunately several homes on the street were lost. At least one of the homes has already started reconstruction. It is a tradition I remember from my Childhood and I am so grateful that it wasn’t lost in the fire.
Adrian Molina - Owner of Sidecca
CA DSC 5920 11-30-25 Adrian Molina
Sidecca is a boutique shop in Altadena on Lake Avenue which survived the fire with just smoke damage. They have long carried Altadena themed products and really represents the community well. I was able to get Adriana to pose for a photo shortly after she reopened in November. She had to shut down again a couple weeks ago when heavy rains caused massive leaks in her shop. She is amazingly resilient, and I am sure she will be back because I know her customers will continue to rally around her. www.sidecca.com
A Couple Images from my Phone:
Finally, two images from my phone. One from Christmas Eve when I found a house that is in the process of being framed where the owner had hung a wreath on the plywood. The other is something my phone created when I apparently moved during a long exposure in Hastings Ranch. Happy New Year and may the recovery from the Eaton Fire pick up speed in 2026. Lots of people still hurting up there.
