David Ly of Rebuild Altadena: Championing Resilience at the Eaton Fire Collaborative Opening

Eaton Fire Collaborative event

When the Eaton Fire Collaborative unveiled its new physical hub—the “Collaboratory” on October 7, 2025, it was more than a ribbon cutting. It was a signal to the communities of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre: recovery is not only possible, it’s organized, local, and survivor-centered. Among the many community leaders and survivors in attendance was David Ly, founder of Rebuild Altadena.

For David, this event was deeply personal, professionally meaningful, and a moment of public accountability to the mission he has embraced since January’s blaze.

Who Is David Ly — A Leader Forged in Fire

David Ly is not just a contractor or community advocate—he’s someone whose life changed overnight when his own home was destroyed in the Eaton Canyon Fire. Rebuild Altadena+1

• With 20+ years' experience in residential and commercial development, David brings deep technical knowledge to rebuilding. Rebuild Altadena+1

• His design sensibility is informed by architectural study and material sourcing across Europe (Italy, France, Spain), giving him a refined eye for detail, sustainability, and build quality. Rebuild Altadena+1

• When disaster struck his own home, David didn’t retreat. Instead, he coalesced a network of professionals (architects, contractors, insurers, planners) to walk alongside other homeowners through the complexities of recovery. That network became Rebuild Altadena. Rebuild Altadena+1

• His approach is holistic: guiding through insurance claims, permitting, design, material sourcing, cost control, and construction management. He believes rebuilding should leave homes more resilient than before. Rebuild Altadena

• He is currently installing advanced fire-resilient systems—such as the Vicon Smart Sprinkler System in his own new build to set a standard and prove the concept. Rebuild Altadena. In short: David understands both the emotional devastation of loss and the granular, technical challenges of rebuilding.

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What the Eaton Fire Collaborative “Collaboratory” Opening Meant

The Eaton Fire Collaborative (EFC) is a united effort among nonprofits, civic groups, agencies, and survivors to coordinate recovery efforts across the impacted region. Eaton Fire Collab+2Eaton Fire Collab+2

The “Collaboratory” is its first permanent physical presence: a resource hub where survivors can find vetted services, meet partner organizations, attend events, and graph their pathway to recovery. Altadena Now+2Eaton Fire Collab+2

Event structure & highlights:

• 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Mix & Mingle: informal connection time for survivors, service providers, community members

• 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Community Update: key leaders shared status, progress, gaps

• 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. — Meet the Partners & Walk the Space: explore the facility, talk one-on-one with nonprofit and agency tables, see demos

• Tours and demonstrations of how the Collaboratory will function as a shared workspace, resource center, and coordination node. Altadena Now+2Pasadena Now+2

The event was open to survivors, their families, and any community member who wants to engage with recovery resources. Altadena Now+1

EFC leadership emphasized that this hub is meant to be survivor-led, transparent, and accountable. Christina Jensen (Vice Chair), Christy Zamani (Long-Term Recovery Group Chair), and other voices reiterated that “survivors helping survivors” must remain central. Altadena Now+1

As of the opening, the Collaborative encompassed 200+ organizations, nonprofits, and civic agencies — a scale unmatched in previous local disaster recovery efforts. Altadena Now+2Pasadena Now+2

David Ly’s Experience: From Presence to Purpose

David walked into the event carrying layers of meaning: the grief of loss, the responsibility of leadership, and the hope of a better rebuilt future. Here’s how his experience likely unfolded:

1. Visible Leadership & Trust Building

By attending, David reinforced Rebuild Altadena’s role not just as a service provider but as a trusted voice in the community. Homeowners saw him engaging with institutions, not behind a screen, but side by side with others confronting recovery.

2. Network Strengthening & Collaboration

He connected with nonprofits, city and county agencies, local civic groups, and other recovery stakeholders. Conversations in the corridors and at exhibitor tables likely seeded new partnerships, resource sharing, and alignment on projects.

3. Ground Truthing Survivor Needs

Walking through partner booths, David no doubt heard firsthand accounts from neighbors about challenges: permit delays, insurance disputes, supply chain issues, cost escalation, emotional fatigue. Those real stories help refine priorities and direct resources where they’re most needed.

4. Inspiring by Example

Installing the Vicon Smart Sprinkler System in his rebuild, David is walking the talk about fire resilience. His presence at the hub reinforces that rebuilding is not just about replacing what was lost—but doing so smarter and safer. Rebuild Altadena

5. Symbolic Affirmation of Commitment

The opening of a physical hub marks a transition—from immediate relief to sustained, coordinated recovery. David’s public participation signals that this isn’t a short-term effort. It’s a long haul—and he’s here for it.