Understanding this text requires an understanding of Altadena itself. This metropolis exudes storybook appeal. Situated on the sting of mountain ranges, birds might be heard chirping and squirrels rustling, and ideal homes are on show. Deeper into town, although, the panorama shifts as blocks of destroyed properties and shuttered companies become visible.
On Feb. 9, Jewel Theus agreed to an interview concerning the present affairs of her beloved metropolis, Altadena. Theus is a proud resident, having lived there the whole lot of her 24 years. She is a John Muir Excessive Faculty graduate and attended UCLA for school the place she studied Sociology.
Theus has been a social justice activist in her neighborhood since she was 16. She’s led police brutality protests, volunteered in soup kitchens, and planted bushes and foliage within the gardens by Loma Alta Park amongst different communal contributions.
Her dwelling was purchased within the Seventies by her grandparents. Throughout that point, they may not purchase property in Pasadena due to the discriminatory redlining. However they had been welcomed to purchase in Altadena, which is important as a result of that dwelling possession is a elementary aspect of generational wealth.
At one level, Jewel, her mom, father, and siblings shared one small room in that home till they may afford to hire a spot close by. Extra just lately, her grandparents moved, and Jewel and her mom determined to hold onto the property. They took over the mortgage and Jewel moved again into that small room she used to share.
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She deemed it a “full circle second.” She mirrored on the love, effort, and time her grandparents spent in sustaining their legacy dwelling. Theus deliberate to maintain the house of their household as her grandparents supposed.
When requested what life was like earlier than the Eaton hearth, Theus mirrored on her childhood in “Dena.” With a smile on her face, she defined that town was full of “hidden gems.” She gleamed whereas telling a narrative of an aged man who owned a storefront, now wasted within the hearth, the place he offered soup, amongst different items.
“I might go there, and day by day, there’s a distinct soup of the day. Like on Wednesday, it’s garbanzo or white bean soup… and his place is simply gone,” mentioned Theus.
With the understanding that Altadena is a traditionally Black and Brown neighborhood, Theus was requested if town has been current within the re-establishing and restoration course of. She sighed, shook her head, and mentioned, “No. Town has turned its again on us.”
Not solely has there been little contact with the neighborhood and metropolis, however the space is militarized— with the Nationwide Guard and police power lingering, she famous.
Stressing that her neighborhood wants compassion and charm throughout this time, Jewel lamented, “Why do I’ve to undergo after I’m the sufferer?”
She additional defined that reduction has been by the hands of mutual help efforts, which means help from neighborhood collaboration – separate from state or federal authorities charity programs, apart from the presence of the Crimson Cross.
Theus put collectively a flyer that had a listing of sources gathered by phrase of mouth. She mentioned that there’s an inflow of knowledge, nevertheless it’s not simple, so it’s overwhelming and troublesome to maintain up.
Theus is assured that she and her fellow Altadena residents will rebuild, it’ll simply take time and assist. She urges and hopes that her neighbors and friends don’t promote their property, though it could look like the one cheap possibility.
Stating the neighborhood will want long-term assist, Theus defined, “I really feel like it is a long-term dedication in a way. The garments that persons are giving are positive, however in like six months, persons are going to want furnishings and mattresses.
“Persons are going to want housing. Persons are going to want remedy. A few my associates are having nightmares the place they’re on hearth and their home is on hearth. Like, now we have PTSD.”
When requested if she had anything on her thoughts, Theus mentioned “Only one factor… Altadena is just not on the market.”
