One Altadena resident is trying to turn Eaton Fire’s painful memories into a practical initiative, providing a pathway for the community to rebuild and thrive.
Losing her home in a wildfire, Freddie Seig decided to start the Altadena Coalition with her sister six months ago to help bring together communities affected by physical and emotional trauma.
“Altadena came together and they were connected like family and helped by those who helped and helped,” Sayegh said. “You have this new relationship with someone in Altadena, as if you were part of a new club. You’re part of a new identity.”
Their organization hosts events at the Woodbury Cooperative Center in Altadena, including workshops, weekly meetings, and more, providing resources on how to connect with neighbors and services, as well as how to navigate the aftermath.
In January 2025, Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, forcing many residents to navigate insurance hurdles to housing anxiety.
“It was the driving force behind me and my sister to help. It was that, or a victim of the fire,” Sayegh said.
Sayegh’s parents, four siblings and relatives also lived and worked in Altadena, but the fire forced many fires to spur all over Los Angeles County, forcing them to find temporary housing while awaiting rebuilding. Before the fire, Sayegh’s family was closely knitted and held a large family celebration at his parents’ home.
“The most difficult thing is evacuation of all my family, from West Covina to Temple City, Monrovia, all to all my nephews,” Seig said. “It was so hard to bring everyone together, so we don’t see much of each other anymore.”
The aftermath of the fire allowed many Altadena residents to withstand all the difficult steps of recovery, revealing how unprepared the community was. Sayegh said he is committed to making Altadena an example of what is possible after a disaster.
“It must be environmentally friendly, fire, wind and flood resistant. You need to implement all forms of renewable energy. You need a vibrant downtown and walking district,” says Sayegh. “My dream is to create new memories for the next generation and the future.”
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