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Walter "Bud" Elsaesser (Elsaesser)

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

I just heard from my sister Marian that someone told her Eliot Junior High has been gutted.   Dan Gallup and I went to Eliot,  as did many other PHS students.  And the house I lived in when I went to PHS,  at the corner of Woodlyn and Washington, just up the street from school, is surrounded on 3 sides by the Eaton fire, although it may still be standing. Regarding Hastings Ranch,  Marian's friend lives there and just got an evacuation warning.  It's such a sad , frightening time!  -- Jean

Jane Scurr

Thank you for the fire updates and information. Anyone with upper Hastings info would be appreciated. Looking for Tropical Ave. between  Cartwright and Algeria.

Barbara Kaplan (Kraemer)

Here is a link to an interactive site where you can see which areas have burned and which are under evacuation orders. So heartbreaking to see - Altadena has been especially hard hit-and hoping that family and friends still living in the area are safe. From what I can see parts of very upper Upper Hastings have burned but it seems that in many of the burned areas some homes did still survive.    Eaton Fire | CAL FIRE

Nancy Green (Harper)

Hello, I am watching all the devastating fire news from up here in Idaho. I'm so sorry for those who are experiencing this horror. It is so horrible to watch, I am wondering about Sierra Madre. I grew up a few houses east of Michillinda just across from Hastings Ranch. Sending prayers and love to all of you. 

Sharon Campbell (Mc Carthy)

I have never posted here before but want to share what I've seen first hand.  My Mom and sister lived on Meadowbrook Road in Altadena  at the end of the cul de sac near the Altadena Golf course.  The house is completely destroyed.  
 

I was able to drive around above New York Drive and Allen.  I cannot begin to describe what I saw.  There would be 3 houses in a row totally gone then several houses untouched.  On my moms street (1532 Meadowbrook) two houses at the beginning of the cul de sac are completely gone then several homes are fine.  Mom and the house across the street are gone.  Everyone else is fine. Will send photos later.

William Messersmith

I just used the link provided by Barbara Kaplan and using the 3D map is outstanding! It allows you to zoom and position to show significant detail. Unfortunately, it also shows just how signifcant and widespread this disaster is. I suggest that all of you should use this link to learn more.

Jane Scurr

Thank you Barbara. I just used your link and it is very informative. Hoping all your families are safe. What a tragedy.

Keith Anvick

After graduating from PHS, my parents moved from Sierra Madre to the foothills of nearby Arcadia.  They knew the house was in an area that was susceptible to fire, so they put in a large swimming pool.  They lived in that house for about 5 years.  (I lived with them for a couple of years while attending PCC.)

In looking at the CalFire maps, it appears that the house burned down this last week.....

Keith Anvick

Daniel Joseph

You can look at any address for current known status

https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/

Joe Silver (Silver)

I lived 3 blocks west of New York Dr. and Altadena Dr. Right above Eaton Canyon.  Does anyone know who f the fire reached any of those 1000 or so homes there?

Judy Cox (Gottfeld)

Pictures of my childhood home after the fire. 

Judy Cox (Gottfeld)

I'm still stunned by the devastation...

Mary Manzer

I'm sure we have all been following the fire closely, particularly those places that were meaningful to us.  My heart goes out especially to those that still live in the area and are experiencing the disaster first hand.  I remember Sherry Campbell (McCarthy) and her mother fondly and wish them the best.  Were your mom and sister displaced or did they live there a while ago?

Margaret Hansen (Bruce)

Judy Cox - I remember your childhood home.  I am so sorry for the emotions you are feeling.  
Sherry Campbelll-  I remember your house too from dropping you off at your home after some PPC activities.  So sorry for your family lose too.

My brother lived in our family home and all that is left is part of the chimney. Most of the homes on the corner of Homewood and Allen  are destroyed.  The Hansen family has lived on Homewood Dr for 75 years.  My heart breaks for all the families that are dealing with this disaster.  My brother left with a few clothes because he never dreamed the fire would move to Allen and Altadena Drive.  I think of all the happy memories our family made in that home and realize the blessings we had are still alive in our heats.  My prayers are with so many people along with my brother and PHS alumni that are dealing with the pain from this fire disaster.  

Barry Chisholm

Tracy Dunning

To answer your question, here are vetted organizations to support the relief efforts in the devastation in our beloved hometown.

• California Community Foundation: Its Wildfire Recovery Fund supports both intermediate and long-term relief in underserved areas.

• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Its California Wildfires Recovery Fund helps communities rebuild after the fires.

• California Fire Foundation: Provides support to families of firefighters.

• LA Fire Department Foundation: The LAFD Wildfire Emergency Fund provides current Los Angeles Fire Department workers with equipment and supplies.

• Pasadena Humane Society: Helps with pet evacuations in the Los Angeles area.

• American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles: Provides shelter, food, water, health and mental health services for those who need to evacuate immediately.

• Direct Relief: Delivers medical aid to first responders battling the fires as well as displaced residents.

Judy Cox (Gottfeld)

Thanks, Tracy, these are very useful. I think it's worth noting too, that donations are going to be needed on an ongoing basis. The recovery will take years, not months. I remember from the Chico and Santa Rosa fires, that the survivors were extremely grateful for all the help, yet after several months felt forgotten. 
Thanks, Margaret, for your kind words, too. For me, and many of us, it's just memories, and a sense of loss. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it is for those that lost everything. I still can't wrap my head around all the devastation. 

Craig Harriman (Harriman)

Thank you, Judy for those pictures of your childhood house on N Altadena.  Sorry for your loss.  The house my grandfather built in 1929 at 2564 N Altadena survived and you can see how close the flames came up the side of Eaton Canyon.

The house I lived in during PHS days at 1378 La Solana was destroyed.  Incredible how random things were!

Mary Manzer

There is also the Pasadena Community Foundation which specifically helps those impacted by the Eaton Canyon Fire.  It is referenced by the California Community Foundation.

Barry Chisholm

Mary and Tracy, thank you for posting information and links to those community organizations.  I'll share all that with our Key Club members so they can decide how they would like to help.   

I agree it's important to understand the relief effort will go on for some time, perhaps long after tragic events are no longer in the headlines and many have forgotten the need for help.  I'll see if the Key Clubbers here in NH can donate again at some point later this year.  

Michael Coates

I lived in Santa Rosa during the firestorms of 2016 and 2017. They were devastating. We had to evacuate for days. But they were nothing compared to the Eaton and Palisades fires. Rebuilding was surprisingly quick in some of the gutted Santa Rosa neighborhoods.

Clay Werts

On March 29th 1969 2 teenages, Clay Werts and Nora Cohick, who were freshman at Pasadena City College, Got in a V.W. bug and drove to Las Vegas NV. Some friends and family joined them at the L.D.S. chapel at Alta & Jones where they were married. That was 56 years ago. Our journey, like everyones, has had its share of challenges. We've had many bumps and bruises along the way. We had 4 sons and a daughter join us early in our journey. They have brought us 22 grandchildren. The days seem to come and go quickly, there is no question, we are in the autumn of our years. When asked if we have any aches and pains, the real question should be, how many and how often. But at our age that is to be expected. We are healthy and enjoying life. I don't think we have ever been happier. You could even say we have reached that place known as "Happily Ever After"  We hope you and your family are there also or will arrive soon. Be of good cheer, the best is yet to come. May peace be with you, this day and always. 

Mike Berg (Berg Mike)

Well done Clay! Congratulations to you and your family.

Modie (Martin) Katz

Clay, Great journey! 👍Congratulations to both you and Nora! With many more happy, healthy and prosperous years to come🙏