What a beautiful and poetic tribute to a uniquely special place. There’s a Dutch word, gezellig. If you ask a Dutch person the meaning they can’t quite define it- cozy, intimate, warm, quaint, snug- but beyond that it’s a feeling. A way of life. Altadena felt that way. Thinking of you guys and many beautiful memories of my own in this truly gezellig town. ❤️❤️❤️🩹
Hi neighbor, we lived on the corner and loved seeing your family walk by with Mabel. I sometimes wonder if I’ve been romanticizing our beautiful Altadena. But reading this post makes me realize so many in our neighborhood felt the same way. As we settle into our new normal, I worry we’ll never have it that great again. I could’ve lived there forever.
This is such a beautiful tribute to Altadena and everything that made it special. You captured not just the loss of the places, but also the memories and the sense of community that made it feel like home.
We never lived there, but we visited friends often, and it was always on our list of places we dreamed of calling home someday.
Thank you for putting into words what so many are feeling—it’s such a powerful reminder of how deeply connected we are to the spaces and people we love. ❤️
Kira, my wife and I lived on Jaxine Dr. just off of Chaney Trail. From your picture I’m guessing that your house is in Jane’s Village? We’re still sifting through rubble and ash but absolutely plan on rebuilding. I’m tearing up reading your wonderful essay as you mention all the places that are no more. I was more a Pizza of Venice fan than Side Pie but still excellent pizza. There are a few of us writing about our post fire experience here on Substack and I’m so happy to have read yours. Thank you for this.
Yes we loved our Altadena foothills neighbors so so so much. You captured a lot and of course each person has more to add to the story of what made Altadena beloved. For me, it was the sense of true celebration of diversity…. We all loved being our town of such unique and varied individuals, interesting and full of character - like the houses that burned….. our strength was in our blend of uniquenesses … thank you for this piece to share with the world what we lost in the fire.
your writing, as always, allowing the reader to be completely immersed and empathetic. I am still so saddened by this infinite loss that you and so many others are going through. hug through the waves of the internet.
What a beautiful and poetic tribute to a uniquely special place. There’s a Dutch word, gezellig. If you ask a Dutch person the meaning they can’t quite define it- cozy, intimate, warm, quaint, snug- but beyond that it’s a feeling. A way of life. Altadena felt that way. Thinking of you guys and many beautiful memories of my own in this truly gezellig town. ❤️❤️❤️🩹
altadena was gezellig squared T_T
Hi neighbor, we lived on the corner and loved seeing your family walk by with Mabel. I sometimes wonder if I’ve been romanticizing our beautiful Altadena. But reading this post makes me realize so many in our neighborhood felt the same way. As we settle into our new normal, I worry we’ll never have it that great again. I could’ve lived there forever.
This is such a beautiful tribute to Altadena and everything that made it special. You captured not just the loss of the places, but also the memories and the sense of community that made it feel like home.
We never lived there, but we visited friends often, and it was always on our list of places we dreamed of calling home someday.
Thank you for putting into words what so many are feeling—it’s such a powerful reminder of how deeply connected we are to the spaces and people we love. ❤️
God, this breaks my heart. Love to your beautiful family and beautiful Altadena.
So so beautiful, Kira. 💔
The people of Altadena are some of the best in LA. What a beautiful community. Our hearts are with you. We will help you all rebuild.
beautiful ❤️🩹 my heart is with you!
Wouldn’t expect anything less heartbreaking and beautiful 🩷🩷🩷
Kira, what a gorgeous piece of writing (as usual). Thinking of you and your family. XO
So beautiful Kira. Tears for your loss and sending my love to you
What a beautiful eulogy.
Love love love!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kira, my wife and I lived on Jaxine Dr. just off of Chaney Trail. From your picture I’m guessing that your house is in Jane’s Village? We’re still sifting through rubble and ash but absolutely plan on rebuilding. I’m tearing up reading your wonderful essay as you mention all the places that are no more. I was more a Pizza of Venice fan than Side Pie but still excellent pizza. There are a few of us writing about our post fire experience here on Substack and I’m so happy to have read yours. Thank you for this.
Yes we loved our Altadena foothills neighbors so so so much. You captured a lot and of course each person has more to add to the story of what made Altadena beloved. For me, it was the sense of true celebration of diversity…. We all loved being our town of such unique and varied individuals, interesting and full of character - like the houses that burned….. our strength was in our blend of uniquenesses … thank you for this piece to share with the world what we lost in the fire.
Such a lovely description of a town. So sorry there was so much devistation there!
your writing, as always, allowing the reader to be completely immersed and empathetic. I am still so saddened by this infinite loss that you and so many others are going through. hug through the waves of the internet.
💔💔💔💔