Altadena contractor aids neighbors after Eaton Fire

One Year After the Eaton Fire: Local Contractor Helps Neighbors Rebuild

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – It’s been one year since the destructive Eaton Fire started.

A local contractor who lost his home in the Eaton Fire is helping his neighbors rebuild and return to the community they love.

“We’re moving forward, as you can see, working with the clients as we’re rebuilding,” said David Ly.

David Ly is a longtime resident of Altadena. He is a licensed contractor with experience in construction, contracts, and custom homes. However, he never thought he would lose his home in a matter of minutes.

“This was my trauma response to seeing and being in the fire. It was a complete shock to all of us,” Ly said.

His mission to help others rebuild was inspired by his over 20 years of experience as a professional contractor.

“How can I use my education, my skills, to help my neighborhood? That’s how Rebuild Altadena was born,” Ly explained. “We hold your hand through the whole planning process all the way up to the construction. Since Jan. 7, we’ve probably had 1,000 people through our doors.”

One of those people was Nicole Wirth.

“I was honestly in survival mode, so I really did not know what to do. I never had experience building a home,” Wirth said.

A year later, she and her family did not imagine they would be this far along in the rebuild process.

“Frankly, the only reason why I’m at the stage I’m at is because Rebuild Altadena was so good at getting permits in and not having any changes made and communicating to me so I can advocate as well,” Wirth said.

David says that transparency is at the heart of Rebuild Altadena.

They offer a list of vetted professionals to ensure displaced residents are not taken advantage of.

“We vet them for their licenses, their insurance, and past work. I meet with them personally to try to figure out their intentions,” Ly stated.

Another important aspect is ensuring new homes reflect the spirit of Altadena. Residential designer Steven Lamb, who also lost his home in the fire, plays a key role in this effort.

“David is very concerned that Altadena remains Altadena, and because of my background in historic preservation, I’m sort of along to make sure we do preserve as many architectural details as we can in a way that people can actually afford,” Lamb said.

While Altadena residents still face many challenges, David believes that Rebuild Altadena has been therapy for him.

“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,” Ly said.