Los Angeles Wildfires Disaster Relief
January 22:
“We Will Get Through This” in Altadena
Written By Ida Eva Zielinska
Published #76 | Spring 2025 Issue
Although devastated by their losses, Colette and John Lichtwardt begin to focus on the things they still have to be grateful for. Photo/Jennifer Chien
SHARE
While a distribution for Palisade Fire survivors took place in West Los Angeles on January 22, another in El Monte served those affected by the Eaton Fire, most from Altadena. Many who came had lived there for years. “We’ve been in the neighborhood for a long time, 14 years,” John Lichtwardt, one of the care recipients, said. “We lost our house on January 7, which happened to be my birthday.” Keeping her emotions in check like her husband, Colette Lichtwardt added, “It was two weeks yesterday. And… It feels like ten years.”
Gradually, the couple found their feelings shifted during the course of the distribution. “We lost everything, but it feels so important to stay focused on, okay, there’s still stuff that we can be grateful for,” John said, Colette interjecting, “Like this organization.” John continued, “You know, for me, it’s just an awesome demonstration of compassion.” Colette summed it up, saying, “It just blew my mind.”
The emotions of loss were even more acute for those whose livelihoods disappeared in the flames, like Larry Demula, who ran a business out of his home. “Every house on our block and the blocks around it, just leveled to the ground. Nothing, nothing left, no trees, no… Nothing,’’ he shared. Nonetheless, Demula kept a brave face, acknowledging the aid received and those offering it.
In their eyes, and their handshakes, and hugs, I could feel the love and the care. No other place has given me that.
Felisa Wright had also lost her home, as well as the childcare business she ran there for over nine years, and now, she must start over from scratch. “I’m in the process of trying to find another home for myself, my family, and my business,” she said.
The San Gabriel Valley Service Center had set up a “Prayer Wall” and “Conversation with Buddha” area, which care recipients of religious leanings greatly appreciated. “I’m very, very strong. I believe, and I have a lot of faith, that God is going to make a way,” Wright said. “This, too, shall pass. We will get through this.”
