Honor our neighbor José, a hero of Altadena's Eaton Fire

My name is Jocelyn Bergman, my family lives in Altadena and I'm sharing this story about my heroic neighbor José Olvera who, at great personal risk, saved several of our neighbors’ homes.

He continues to keep our homes safe, all from within the now-barricaded evacuation zone.

All of the funds raised will go directly to José as an expression of our immense gratitude.

Earlier this week, the Eaton Fires in Altadena swept through the area overnight, causing horrific devastation. So many in our community lost their homes to the flames, and everyone within the evacuation zones remain displaced.

Like so many, we believed we had lost everything. We scoured for updates on our home & watched a video that showed houses on the east side of our street burning to the ground. We were convinced our home was gone.

Then late on Wednesday evening, an update from a neighbor changed everything:

"This incredible man saved your house a couple of times... we owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. His name is José."

"Also saved 2 dogs from across the street, and prevented looters from entering my house."

"He's still patrolling all night tonight to make sure our houses are ok."

José and our neighbor (pictured here) remained overnight and have since continued to ensure that our home and our surrounding neighbors' homes remain safe.

It is this kind of selflessness in the face of crisis, bravery in action, and the calling to do good for others that gives us hope for our community. José didn't do any of this for recognition; he did all of this for us, for his community.

Local news heard about his heroism and covered his story:

José Olvera is the reason that our homes are still standing. He is a man of faith; may he receive all of the blessings he so deserves.

Please, as you are moved by José's story, consider contributing to this GoFundMe to honor him as a neighbor helping neighbors and a true hero.