More than a year after the Eaton Fire forced residents from homes and disrupted communities across Altadena and nearby areas, survivors and their families gathered in Pasadena for an evening focused on recovery, shared experience and the continuing challenges of rebuilding.
The dinner, hosted earlier this year by law firm Bridgford, Gleason and Artinian at Pinocchio’s in Pasadena, brought together Eaton Fire survivors, relatives and neighbors for what organizers described as a chance to reconnect and speak with others facing similar losses.
The gathering included informal conversations as well as speeches from attendees who spoke about displacement, uncertainty, rebuilding and the emotional strain of recovery.
For some, the evening was less about formal presentations than about being in the same room with others who understood the experience.
“I was honored to be able to share my experiences with my community,” said Eugene Gilbert, a Vietnam veteran who spoke at the gathering about the impact of the fire. “There was so much I wanted to say — there was just so much loss. But I’m glad to have been able to share my story with fellow survivors.”
Michael Artinian, an attorney with Bridgford, Gleason and Artinian, said the remarks from attendees became one of the central parts of the evening.
“What we witnessed was incredibly powerful,” Artinian said. “People weren’t just sharing what they’ve been through — they were supporting one another in real time. There was a sense that no one in that room was alone in this anymore.”
The firm said many attendees brought friends, neighbors and others affected by the fire. Conversations touched on personal loss, temporary displacement, rebuilding timelines, contractors and the practical complications that have continued long after the fire itself.
Attendees also discussed the difficulty of moving forward while many recovery questions remain unresolved.
“The loss has been really difficult for all of us,” said Linda Frye, whose home, livelihood and community was damaged by the fire. “But walking in to see everyone smiling after such a traumatic experience was very uplifting. Our community needs these moments.”
Cory Sands, an attorney with Bridgford, Gleason and Artinian who handles wildfire-related matters, said the firm has seen survivors seeking both practical information and a sense of connection as recovery continues.
“Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation,” Sands said. “It happens when people come together, share what they know, and support each other through the process.”
The gathering also gave attendees a chance to compare experiences with others navigating similar decisions, organizers said. Those conversations included rebuilding, available resources and questions about the legal and logistical issues that often follow major wildfire losses.
As the evening ended, attendees continued talking, exchanging contact information and discussing ways to remain connected, according to organizers.
Bridgford, Gleason and Artinian said it plans additional community gatherings for Eaton Fire survivors in Pasadena. The gatherings will be held on:
• 5:30 p.m. – Wednesday May 13th
• 5:30 p.m. – Wednesday May 20th
• 5:30 p.m. – Wednesday May 27th
Each will be held at the Scottish Rite Event Center – 150 N. Madison Ave., Pasadena. For information, call (949) 831-6611 or visit BridgfordLaw.com (or @BridgfordLaw for FB, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn).
Editor: This article was based on information submitted by Bridgford, Gleason and Artinian and independently edited by Pasadena Now for style, clarity and factual accuracy. The firm is an advertiser with Pasadena Now.
