Jose Luis Bernabe and his wife of 52 years, Emilia, moved to the U.S. from Mexico in 1987, settling in Altadena to build their dream home and family. Over decades, Jose Luis established a thriving landscaping and construction business, which became the foundation of their livelihood. Tragically, the Eaton fire destroyed their home, which also served as the headquarters for their business, leaving them with nothing but memories. Now in their mid-seventies, Jose Luis and Emilia face the daunting challenge of starting over.

Jose Luis and his son Juan have been trusted landscapers for our family in El Sereno for over 30 years. When Jose Luis first began working for us, Juan was just a boy helping his father. Over the years, Juan became a partner in the business, modernizing their tools and growing their services. For our family, the Bernabes are more than just landscapers—they’re like family. Whenever our mom needed help around the house, she’d say, “Let me call Jose Luis.”

In the early hours of January 8th, Juan arrived at our driveway with his work van, asking to park it for safety. He shared the devastating news that the fire had not only destroyed his home, but also his father’s and his aunt’s. Along with their homes, they lost their work trucks, equipment, supplies and tools, personal belongings, and three generations of irreplaceable memories.

The Altadena community has been deeply impacted by this tragedy, and it’s hard to fathom the loss so many families are experiencing. The Bernabes now face the monumental task of rebuilding their lives and their business from scratch.

We are asking for your help to support the Bernabes as they recover. Donations will go toward immediate living expenses such as temporary housing, food, clothing, and other essential needs.

Any amount, big or small, will make a meaningful difference to this hardworking family as they work to recover and rebuild after this life-altering loss.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Sincerely,

The Esparza family

Los Angeles, CA

Message from the Campion Family:

Dear Friends and Family,

Kindly consider donating to Sr. Jose Luis & Sra. Emilia Bernabé. These dear friends of ours lost everything in the Eaton fire. They lived in Altadena, not far from the house where we lived in the 80s and 90s, which also burned to the ground. Over the nearly four decades we have known them, they have helped us in many ways, big and small. Thank the Good Lord they escaped with their lives! A day later we spoke to their son Jose Luis, Jr., whom we have known since he was a boy. He said his parents are exceedingly grateful to The Almighty for escaping with their lives. As for the rest of it, his father simply shrugged and said, “Well, material things can always be replaced.”

Appreciatively,

Toby and Anita Campion

Below is a message from Juan:

“Dear friends and family,

I hope this letter finds you well. With a heavy heart, I write to inform you of a recent fire that caused significant damage to our home and business. Thankfully, everyone is safe, but the fire has left us with substantial losses that will take time and resources to recover from.

As we begin the process of rebuilding, we are reaching out to you for support. The fire destroyed everything essential and we are now facing the challenge of replacing what was lost.

We kindly ask for your support during this difficult time. Any donation, big or small, would make a tremendous difference in helping us recover and move forward. Your generosity will go directly toward our new beginning. Additionally, we would appreciate it if you could help spread the word by sharing our story with others who may want to help.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we have already received. It is a reminder that even in the darkest times, compassion and kindness light the way. Thank you for considering our request and for standing with us as we rebuild and heal.

With sincere gratitude,

The Bernabe’s.“

Who am I?

The Esparza Family, from El Sereno, Los Angeles, CA

Relation to the Bernabes?

The Bernabe’s have worked with our family as landscapers for over 30 years

How Will the Funds Be Used?

The funds will go directly to support Jose Luis Bernabe and his family as they recover from the devastating Eaton Fire. This includes: