An Altadena mother is leading an effort to rebuild the village’s preschool, and her son’s school was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
The loss of the school is more than physical destruction, the community has lost a safe haven for its children, says Danielle Neal, mother of a Kindergarten student at Village Garden.
“There’s a maze over there where kids run and walk in little spirals and stop to pick strawberries from the bushes,” Neil said. “It’s heartbreaking to see all the ruins.”
The nature-focused school incorporates farm animals, gardens, and outdoor classrooms, and was also the home of the Ramsey-Ray family.
“We took it from two acres of very dilapidated buildings to a great school,” Jeff Ramsey Ray said. “I think I’m just devastated and angry.”
Within days of the destruction, Neil, who had lost his home in the fire, rallied his parents and community members to find a new location for the preschool.
“As a parent, my focus is on my child. If he is with his friends and teachers, the foundations of his community and his hometown raise him so beautifully, I can’t handle anything else. ” Neil said.
For now, Village Play Garden Preschool students are able to continue learning in a temporary space in Arcadia while restructuring plans are underway.
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