Altadena Contractor Helping Neighbors Rebuild After Losing His Own Home in the Eaton Fire
Altadena Contractor Aids Community Rebuilding One Year After Eaton Fire
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – One year after the devastating Eaton Fire, local contractor David Ly is dedicated to helping neighbors rebuild their homes through Rebuild Altadena, following the loss of his own house in the disaster.
Ly, a long-time Altadena resident with over 20 years of experience in construction, has redirected his expertise to assist families navigating the complex rebuilding process. “We’re moving forward, as you can see, working with the clients as we’re rebuilding,” he stated.
The Eaton Fire, which surprised many residents, left Ly and his community in shock. “This was my trauma response to seeing and being in the fire. It was a complete shock to all of us,” he explained. His initiative to support others arose from a desire to utilize his skills for the benefit of his neighborhood. “How can I use my education, my skills, to help my neighborhood? That’s how Rebuild Altadena was born,” Ly remarked. Since launching the program, Rebuild Altadena has welcomed approximately 1,000 visitors seeking assistance.
Nicole Wirth, one of the residents who has benefited from the program, recalled her initial feelings of uncertainty. “I was honestly in survival mode, so I really did not know what to do. I never had experience building a home,” she said. Reflecting on her progress a year later, Wirth acknowledged the critical role Rebuild Altadena played in her journey. “The only reason why I’m at the stage I’m at is because Rebuild Altadena was so good at getting permits in and communicating with me,” she added.
At the core of Rebuild Altadena is a commitment to transparency. Ly ensures that all professionals involved are vetted for licenses, insurance, and prior work to protect residents from potential exploitation. “I meet with them personally to try to figure out their intentions,” he explained.
The project also emphasizes preserving the unique character of Altadena. Architectural designer Steven Lamb, who also experienced loss in the fire, collaborates with Ly to maintain historical integrity during the rebuilding process. “David is very concerned that Altadena remains Altadena,” Lamb noted, crediting his background in historic preservation with helping to retain architectural details.
Despite ongoing challenges, Ly finds purpose in his work. “Being able to help in that sense and guide them through this, and then being a source that they can lean on, the community we have built among us has been amazing,” he remarked.
