Sandra “Nana” Newman with grandchildren Ana Newman and Thaddeus Newman. (Courtesy photo)

Sandra “Nana” Newman’s home in Altadena has been a safe haven for her family for over 50 years. “It’s just home. It’s just love,” said musician Alpha Parton, a close friend of the family and former resident of the home.

Known for its warmth and familiarity, the neighborhood exuded a sense of belonging. “You walk into the neighborhood, and you see people smiling and saying, ‘Stay safe out there, brother.’ It’s definitely family for sure.”

But the tranquility of this multigenerational household — composed of Nana, her grandson Thaddeus Newman, roommate Imani, and additional roommate, Alpha — was shattered by the recent wildfire that swept through Altadena. For Thaddeus, the ordeal unfolded slowly at first, then all at once.

“We saw the fire on the hillside; you could see it from our front lawn,” Thaddeus recounted. “The winds were insane. There were moments when it felt like the house was gonna fall.”

Related Stories:

https://lasentinel.net/the-syms-family-after-the-fire-we-will-rebuild.html

https://lasentinel.net/displaced-black-families-gofund-me-directory.html

As the fire crept closer, they remained hopeful. But around 3:20 a.m., an Amber Alert shattered their hopes.

“I woke up, and there was smoke everywhere. We didn’t have time to grab anything. We just got to our cars and evacuated.”

By 5 a.m., Thaddeus returned to check on the home with the intention to defend it from the fire. The scene was apocalyptic.

“There were embers on the front lawn. I got scared and left. By the time I went back later, the neighborhood was pitch black, and most of the homes were on fire.”

Above is Nana’s home before the fire. Below shows the tremendous damage done to Nana’s home. (Courtesy photo)
(Courtesy photo)

With power lines down and only a few firefighters on the scene, he realized the neighborhood’s fate rested on slim resources and the efforts of determined residents.

Despite the devastation, Thaddeus remains committed to rebuilding.

“This is generational. My grandma moved from the East Coast and got her first home here. Our whole street was Black and Brown families who’ve been here for 50, 60 years. We’re definitely rebuilding. People keep trying to buy it, but we’re holding on,” he said.

Alpha summed up the family’s perspective: “God is still really, really good. He’s blessed us tremendously with support and community to carry us through this. We definitely feel the love—even thoughts and prayers.”

To contribute to Nana’s home, please visit their GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-friends-rebuild-their-lives-due-to-the-eaton-fire