Altadena Resident with Family Roots Dating Back to the Late 1800s Faces Devastating Eaton Fire Loss

ALTADENA, Calif. - Jan. 20, 2025 - PRLog -- Ricardo Mejia, a lifelong Altadena resident whose family's history in the Altadena and Pasadena area dates back to the late 1800s, is facing an unimaginable loss. The Eaton Fire destroyed his home, which he shared with his brother, sister-in-law, their two teenage children, and to which he planned to expand in order to share with his recent fiance, Camila, as they just became engaged last year. Now, his fiancé's sisters, Maria and Gabriela Hernandez, are rallying the community to help him rebuild through a GoFundMe campaign.

Ricardo's story is one of deep connections to Altadena and Pasadena. In the late 1800s, Ricardo's maternal great-great-grandfather, Don Jose Rodarte, arrived in Chihuahuita, a town in Pasadena that received its name because many of its inhabitants were originally from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Chihuahuita was a settlement next to a creek called Eaton Wash, now known as Eaton Canyon Creek. The settlement would become home to five generations of the family lineage.

Chronicled in the book Gregorio, Mexican Emigrant (https://www.amazon.com/Gregorio-Mexican-Emigrant-Alejandr...) by Ricardo's uncle, Alejandro Mejia, the family's history is intertwined with the community's growth and identity. Ricardo's maternal great-great-grandfather served as the garden's foreman at Henry Huntington's mansion in San Marino, now known as the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, playing a great part in the development of the region.

Ricardo's own life reflects this legacy with roots connected to Altadena and Pasadena. After graduating from UCLA, he returned to Altadena and chose to buy his first home there, in the community in which he grew up. Just last year, he became engaged and began planning to expand his family home, envisioning a future with his fiancée, Camila. Those dreams were alive and growing. Then, the Eaton Fire happened.

The fire not only destroyed Ricardo's home but also upended the lives of his loved ones who lived there. "Ricardo is one of the kindest, most selfless people you'll ever meet. He would never ask for help, but with his blessing, we're reaching out on his behalf to rally the support we know he's going to need," said Maria. "He's proud of his roots and the legacy his family has built here. Losing his home is heartbreaking, but the outpouring of support from the community gives us hope."

The GoFundMe campaign aims to provide immediate relief for essential needs like clothing and daily necessities while also supporting Ricardo's longer-term recovery. The funds will assist with needs that might not be fully covered by other sources of aid.

Ricardo's story is not just about loss; it's about resilience and the enduring strength of community. His family's legacy, spanning over a century, is a testament to the contributions of Mexican immigrants who shaped Altadena and Pasadena. This campaign is an opportunity for the community to give back to a family who has long been a part of its fabric.

This heartbreaking possibility reflects a broader issue facing immigrant families in the region. Without support, families like Ricardo's may no longer be able to maintain their roots in the area, erasing the significant contributions they have made to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of communities like Altadena and Pasadena.

"The displacement of legacy families and all families affected by the fires, not only disrupts individual lives but also diminishes the diversity and historical depth that define the neighborhoods of Altadena and Pasadena," said Gabriela Hernandez. "Supporting Ricardo's recovery is about more than one family; it's about preserving the shared history and vibrancy of the area."

Support Ricardo's Recovery
To support Ricardo Mejia's recovery and help him rebuild his life, please visit the GoFundMe campaign here: [GoFundMe Link (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ricardo-mejia-after-eaton...)]. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Contact Information:

Gabriela Hernandez

hello@alignedamplification.com

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