Community Grapples with Loss After Devastating Fires in Altadena
The tranquil town of Altadena has been shaken to its core as families and schools face the aftermath of devastating fires. Augusta Robbins, a second grader, finds solace in drawing houses while temporarily residing in an Airbnb. Her family’s home was consumed by flames, leaving her school life in disarray.
As Augusta played laser tag on January 7th, smoke invaded her family’s home. Now, not only does she face the loss of her home, but her school, Odyssey Charter School-South, has been reduced to ashes. “I really miss my friends, my teachers and playing soccer,” Augusta laments, pointing out that the soccer field is now covered in toxins and ash.
Second grader Augusta Robbins sits on the floor drawing at the temporary Airbnb her family was staying in. Since her family home burned down, she’s been drawing a lot of houses. Jireh Deng for NPR
The Heart of the Community
Jennifer O’Kaine, Augusta’s mother, recalls the importance of Odyssey Charter School-South, describing it as the epicenter of her children’s lives. “Then, I realized, anything could go. Like, if you let a school go, I mean, that is the heart of the community,” she reflects. The family had recently moved to a home near the school, attracted by its proximity and the unique educational environment.
Odyssey Charter School-South was destroyed in the wake of the Eaton fires. The public charter school served about 375 students. Jireh Deng for NPR
O’Kaine, vice president of the school’s parent association, has been deeply involved in enhancing the school’s offerings, especially in arts and enrichment programs. “It’s hard to know what to rebuild around when some of the most vital parts are gone,” she says, noting that this transformation was a collective effort by the community.
Challenges for the Pasadena Unified School District
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is facing unprecedented challenges, with over 10,000 students and nearly 1,400 employees affected by the fires. Many families have relocated beyond Los Angeles County, and even out of state. Natalie Daily, the librarian at Octavia E. Butler Magnet School, questions the impact on enrollment and the potential fragmentation of the community.
Sandy Roffman, whose daughter attends Odyssey, emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in Altadena schools. “This was a district that was gutted by redlining tactics and integration issues that led to white flight. These schools … have been through multiple phases of coming back,” she explains.
Sandy Roffman stands outside Octavia E. Butler Magnet school, where her daughter Indie attends sixth grade. Jireh Deng for NPR
Long Road to Recovery
Jason Trapp, an instructional coach at Octavia E. Butler Magnet, has also been affected, losing his home to the fire. He praises Altadena’s diversity, which was a key factor in his decision to reside there. As he stands outside the school, he remarks on its symbolic presence as a “beacon of hope” for the future.
The community’s resolve is being tested as families like the Roffmans and Trapps navigate the challenges of displacement and recovery. As students like Indie Roffman face disrupted education once more, the desire to return to normalcy remains strong.
Jason Trapp, an instructional coach and former history teacher at Octavia Butler Magnet, stands outside the fence of his school on Jan. 15. His family lost their home to the Eaton fire. Jireh Deng for NPR
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
