Community Rebuild: Volunteer Initiative in Altadena’s Loma Alta Park
Los Angeles County has launched a vibrant initiative encouraging community volunteers to assist in rebuilding Loma Alta Park in Altadena, an area severely impacted by the recent Eaton fire. The county’s call to action features bright flyers inviting the public to participate in activities ranging from mural painting to tree planting every Saturday throughout April.
Context of the Initiative
The Eaton fire, which struck on January 7, caused extensive damage, destroying over 6,000 homes in Altadena and leaving the community grappling with recovery. Loma Alta Park has remained closed due to damage and ongoing health safety concerns, as the soil has yet to be tested for hazardous materials.
Volunteer Opportunities and Community Sentiment
According to the flyer, “With your help, Loma Alta Park will be the first public park to re-open for the Altadena Community after the devastating Eaton Fire.” The call to action invites volunteers to bring gardening tools and wear comfortable clothing. However, the response from local residents has been overwhelmingly critical.
- Many residents expressed that the initiative is disconnected from their reality, highlighting that the park sits amidst numerous destroyed homes.
- Concerns were raised regarding the safety of allowing activities in an area that may still pose health risks due to potential contamination.
- Comments on social media revealed feelings of frustration and sorrow, with residents emphasizing their grief over lost homes and the perceived insensitivity of the volunteer initiative.
Official Response and Future Plans
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger responded to the community’s feedback, stating that she understood the concerns but emphasized the public’s desire to restore community services for families and children. Barger indicated that parks are essential to re-establishing a sense of normalcy within the community.
The county plans for Loma Alta Park to reopen by May 2024, contingent on safety evaluations and the removal of damaged infrastructure alongside soil testing. Officials have stated that personal protective equipment will be available to volunteers during the cleanup efforts.
Funding and Community Projects
Funding for the park’s restoration comes from a combination of sources, including a significant $2.4 million grant from the FireAid benefit concert, which raised approximately $100 million for fire victims. Local foundations, including the Dodgers and Clippers, are also committed to enhancing the park’s facilities, promising new sports amenities and youth programs.
Continuing Concerns
Despite the planned improvements, residents like Lesley Atkins express disappointment at the prioritization of park restoration over direct aid for displaced families. Many feel that volunteer initiatives may overshadow the ongoing struggles of those who lost homes and livelihoods.
As Altadena slowly works toward recovery, community members continue to navigate their way through loss and uncertainty, seeking supportive actions that address their immediate needs. “Celebrating anything right now is completely tone deaf,” Atkins conveyed, highlighting the emotional complexity surrounding the county’s current initiatives.
Conclusion
The push to reopen Loma Alta Park serves as a reflection of the broader challenges faced by communities recovering from disaster. While the prospect of restoration can bring hope, it is crucial that such efforts remain sensitive to the realities faced by residents still grappling with the aftermath of the Eaton fire.
