We are asking for donations for our dear neighbors and friends who – like us – lost everything they owned in the Eaton Fire.

Erick and Marca have lived on Loma Alta for 40 years and dedicated their lives to nurturing the special community we had built in Rubio Canyon. They also happened to be our landlords, and within 24 hours of losing their own homes were focused on how they can give back to us, attempting to return rent, offering to dig through the rubble and more…. This is who they are.

Erick stayed back to fight the fire, and even after watching his home go up in flames CONTINUED to fight…successfully saving a house on our street despite receiving burns to his face from embers.

They constantly put their needs behind those of others in an effort to build a family made of neighbors and contribute to the community that was their entire lives. When Patti, the original owner of our house became sick, they took care of her - for years.

This love of community was evident through the everyday gestures too: when the winds started, they made sure the whole street was set up with power from their generator. When we hosted, as we frequently did, they would scheme with us and help set us up to ensure our guests had the best experience possible.

Over sunset drinks Marca would frequently yell that she was going to lower the rent – a terrible business move we needed to talk her out of. All they care about is the happiness of others…as they always said to us “we are just so glad you love the house as much as we do.”

Mike and I will miss the frequent household projects we worked on with them, the coffee talk while watching the sunrise over the city, and all the everyday interactions that made us feel a part of our beloved community of Altadena.

They have treated us as family - allowing us to make our house a permanent home, that was ours as much as theirs.

Anyone that knows them, knows that they are resilient – generous – and never would ask for help. Which is why we ask you today to give to our family, Marca and Erick, on our behalf. These funds will help them start to rebuild their community and lives.