This Los Angeles Fire Community Archive follows up on the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires of 2025, which left large parts of Altadena and Pacific Palisades in ruins. Thousands of Angelenos lost their homes, including Cal State LA students and faculty. More than one year later, in spring 2026, many of those displaced by the fires are still unable to return home. Signs of construction are gradually appearing, but bureaucracy, insurance red tape, barriers created by financial institutions, and the limited availability of construction companies are preventing many of those affected from starting to rebuild their homes and businesses.

            Cal State LA’s Perspectives student history journal collected testimonials, memories, photos, videos, and reflections in response to the 2025 LA fires one year later. Submissions will be added to a permanent online collection at Cal State LA Special Collections and Archives.  

            Photos and reflections submitted by a wide array of community members from Cal State LA, along with submissions in their entirety, will be available online through the Cal State LA Special Collections. Links to news articles have been included in the archive.  

Regina O’Melveny February 25, 2026

“My daughter's family is rebuilding in the Palisades. Last year was really difficult for everyone, especially my grandchildren, 9 & 12, since they lost home, school & community.

But I can share that as I bear witness through writing, to the arc from devastation to resilience, we take great inspiration from the renewal in nature, the Santa Monica Mountains where we often walk near their home. Here is a poem I wrote about the green transformation after the fire, and the gift of several beautiful rains this season.

We are rebuilding. Attached is a picture of our basement being excavated. Our house was 100 years old, so it did have a basement. It is a like for like, almost a clone house, just with all the "sins" washed. The architect did add 10% - they cannot help it. 

Bonnie Buratti

February 2026

My wife and I were lucky enough to relocate to a new permanent residence in Pasadena. For us, Pasadena was the closest similar community to Altadena and we have turned the page.

Taylor Morton

February 2026

News coverage of the fires

"LA's wildfires: Your recovery guide" LAist

"Homes that survived the 2025 LA fires are still contaminated" LAist

"One year later: The Palisades and Eaton fires" LAist

"Alleged Unlicensed Contractors Charged in Eaton Fire Zone Set for Pasadena Hearing Monday" Pasadena Now

"One year after Los Angeles firestorms, California continues all-of-government community recovery efforts" Governor of California

"A Year After the LA Fires, Recovery Is Lagging, But Bright Spots Emerge" Inside Climate News