The Jones family of Altadena is one of many families who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 7,000 buildings in the San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles.
Family matriarch Denise Jones told KTLA 5’s Carlos Herrera Saturday morning that she and her loved ones have lived in the mansion for 55 years.
Now their beloved home has been reduced to ashes.
She said she was unable to find her mother’s urn because the house was still smoldering when she returned to check on it Saturday morning. There was nothing left for her to salvage.
“I’m home, and my home is gone,” Dennis said frankly. “We worked so hard to put everything together and now it’s gone…I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
A photo of the Altadena home owned by Adonis “Coach AD” and Dennis Jones before it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (Courtesy of the Jones family)
Ms. Jones’ husband, Adonis, is known in the community as “Coach A.D.” as he was a sports coach in the San Gabriel Valley for many years, but Ms. Jones is a “tough guy” who truly loves his community. ”, but this fire caused him to “set back”.
“I love the community. That’s my job…I’m a tough guy, but it’s kind of tough right now,” he said. “I have to pull back because I’m used to it.” [having] A drive to make things better. ”
Eaton fire leaves generations of local families homeless
Coach AD and Dennis’ daughter Rochelle called the street where her home once stood “beautiful” and expressed her gratitude to call Altadena home. She told KTLA that she went back to check on the house her parents had worked so hard to build, even though she wasn’t allowed, and was shocked to find it “lying on the ground.” Ta.
That said, she still has her eyes on a bright future.
“We are hurting, but not without joy,” she said. “We know the best is yet to come. We’re here, but we’re not going anywhere and we’re going to rebuild.”
A photo of the remains of the Altadena home owned by Adonis “Coach AD” and Dennis Jones after it was gutted in the Eaton Fire. (Courtesy of the Jones family)
The stoic AD coach has asked everyone who has helped him in the past to help him now, but with or without help, he will fight a tough battle.
“If I touch it [your heart]touch mine… if you can help, please do,” he said. “I’m not going to quit until I rebuild and get back on my feet…I’m going to try and fight until I get better.” [my house] return. ”
According to Dennis, the Altadena community can best be described as “one big family,” which is why so many area residents are doing their best to stay positive.
“The sad thing is that normally you can ask your neighbors for help, but… [but] Our neighbors are in the same situation, all devastated and homeless,” she said. “We’re all in this together and we need help. We all need to do what officials are supposed to do, which is help all of us.”
In this regard, Denise is concerned about whether the help she and others in the community desperately need will be provided in a timely manner.
When asked if she thought help would come soon from KTLA, all she could say was, “I hope so.”
“I hope so. [officials] Keep your word,” she said. “We have no choice but to believe in them.”
Dennis ‘Coach AD’ Jones and Adonis Jones stand in front of the remains of their Altadena home, which was gutted in the Eaton Fire. (Courtesy of the Jones family)
Overall, the Jones family is grateful that everyone is physically unharmed and urges the public to help not only them but as many others affected by the recent wildfires that scorched Southern California. are.
They also advised those not affected by the fires to value their lives and their loved ones, knowing that everything could change in an instant.
“I am grateful for the kind hearts that donate not only to my family, but to all the families around me,” Rochelle said. “Life can change in the blink of an eye, so don’t take anything for granted.”
“To the Altadena and Pasadena families: I love you all and we will get through this,” she added.
Click here to learn how you can help those affected by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
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