I'm Mona Patterson, a third-generation resident of Altadena and science journalist. Moved by the loss of my family’s mulberry and citrus trees after the Eaton Fire, I set out to document the stories of others in Altadena who share a similar connection to a tree—whether it was lost in the fire or is still standing today. The Altadena Tree Stories project is an oral and visual archive dedicated to preserving the memories of Altadena’s trees, and the lives and communities that grew alongside them. I joined up with landscape photographer Andrea Gaffney who brings her visual storytelling perspectives to help create an archive that demonstrates community resilience. 

• We are looking to speak with people and photograph trees May 14-17. 
• There is no fee for the documentation. 
• The interview and photography will require about an hour of your time. 
• As a small token of gratitude, you will receive a small instant print of your tree. 

Scan the QR code or click here.

Walk-in tech support is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: 

• Saturday, 5/9/26

REQUIREMENTS:

• All submissions must be sent to the QR code on the right
• If included, artists will receive financial compensation
• Pieces must be appropriate for an intended audience under 18
• Contact information must be provided in case editorial team needs to follow up*
• *You are allowed to provide a burner email if you wish to remain anonymous.

Join us to take the next steps to your rebuilding and recovery process.  Learn the exact steps needed to:

1. Figure out how to pay for your rebuild,
2. Select an architect or general contractor and
3. Setup your estate plan at no charge if you are a wildfire survivor.

If you aren’t sure about rebuilding and need to discuss the potential sale of your property or purchasing a property, we have mission-driven real estate services available.

 

Technical service providers will be available at this event. Register here to attend!