ARTchivist's Notebook: Please help
This past week has been a rough one here in South Pasadena. Although we did not have to evacuate, we are now neighbors to destruction at a breathtaking and heartbreaking scale. Many of my friends and professional contacts have lost their homes, important historical and cultural sites are no more, and the entire region is facing a long and uncertain recovery process.
While much attention seems focused on the Pacific Palisades fire, the Eaton fire has exacted an even more devastating toll in Altadena, a foothill town north of Pasadena. Altadena is a historic Black town that is still 58% people of color. Landlords throughout L.A. are already price-gouging to take advantage of desperate, displaced people looking for temporary housing in what is already a very tight housing market. With these pressures, it’s uncertain whether Altadena can remain a sanctuary for a diverse, middle-class population, or whether it will become another site of gentrification that continues to push people of color out of the area.
Because it is relatively affordable, Altadena is also home to many artists. Along with their homes, many of them have lost studios, and in some cases, much or all of their work.
One bright spot in all of this loss is the number of folks who have stepped up to donate resources or time. I have been laid up with a shoulder injury, but my husband volunteered at two donation centers for a few hours and was sent home because they had too many volunteers! Many of the centers are no longer accepting donations of food, clothing, and supplies, because they are full. This abundant generosity reminds me that most people are empathetic and want to help, even, or especially when it feels like the world is falling apart.
What is needed are monetary donations that people can use to secure housing, that organizations can spend where needed, and for the fire-fighting efforts that are still ongoing.
If you have the means, please consider donating in any amount. Below are a few fundraising efforts that caught my eye, but there are many more!
Grief and Hope. Volunteer-led fund to be dispersed directly to artists and art workers displaced by the fires.
Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena. List of GoFundMe’s to support Black families who have lost their homes in Altadena and Pasadena.
Pasadena Humane. This animal shelter has taken in over 400 animals displaced by the fire, including many in need of emergency medical care.
Nellita’s Crafts. This Little Tokyo craft shop is holding a sale of special items to support the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and their neighbor, the restaurant Azay, which has been supplying bento boxes for fire fighters.
Thank you so much for your consideration.