Even after the fire, the Angels stood.

On the morning of January 8, 2025, after the Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena and Pasadena, people driving along Valley Lights Drive saw something miraculous, the holiday Angels that had survived.

The fire destroyed 13 of the 22 homes on this one block in the Upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood. Families lost their homes and their memories, but the surviving Angels became a sign of hope that light can endure even through devastation. One of the neighbors even got a tattoo of the Angel on his left arm.

A Beloved Neighborhood Tradition

For generations, Upper Hastings Ranch has been famous for its beautiful holiday lights and decorations. Every December, families from across Southern California drive through to see streets glowing with creativity, community, and joy.

This year will be the first Christmas since the fire, and longtime residents LuAnn and Victor are determined to rebuild not just their home, but the spirit of the Angels of Valley Lights Drive itself.

Rebuilding the Angels

My parents, LuAnn and Victor, are creating new Angels to line the street, symbols of renewal, resilience, and rebirth.

They’re starting from scratch and need help covering the cost of materials to make it happen:

Plywood, Paint, Chains, Handles, Lights, Rebar, Security Chains

Posts to keep the angels upright since many of the trees that once supported them were destroyed in the fire

The total cost is $4,948.

Every contribution helps bring the Angels, and the holiday spirit back to Valley Lights Drive.

How You Can Help

Please donate if you can, and share this campaign with others who love Pasadena’s holiday traditions.

Any extra funds will go toward additional holiday decorations for all the residents who had hand-painted plywood Angels on Valley Lights Drive affected by the fire.

Your support helps ensure the Angels will shine once again this Christmas.

✨ Even after the fire, the light remains