From the Ashes: David Ly Talks Rebuilding Altadena on PBS SoCal
- Dawn Holy Grits Creative
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Earlier this month, David Ly, founder of Rebuild Altadena, was featured on PBS SoCal to share the story of how this grassroots rebuilding initiative was born and why the work matters so deeply for our community.
David is a longtime Altadena resident and licensed contractor who, like many neighbors, lost his home in the devastating Eaton Canyon Fire on January 7, 2025. That loss and the long, confusing path to recovery that followed became the catalyst for Rebuild Altadena, a community-driven effort dedicated to helping fire-affected families rebuild with strength, clarity, and fire resilience. Rebuild Altadena+1
In the PBS SoCal segment, David walked viewers through the emotional and practical realities of fire recovery, from shock and displacement to the real challenges of navigating insurance, county permitting, rising costs, and fire-hardening requirements.
The spotlight underscored not just one person’s story, but a movement one rooted in neighbor-to-neighbor support and a shared vision of a stronger Altadena. Facebook
What David Shared
Personal loss turned community purpose. After losing his own home, David realized how many others were overwhelmed by the recovery process and wanted to build with them, not just for them. Rebuild Altadena
Bringing experts together. Rebuild Altadena isn’t a typical construction company it’s a coordinated network of designers, engineers, builders, and fire-resilience specialists focused exclusively on helping Altadena families navigate every step of the rebuild. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
Fire resilience at the core. The organization emphasizes smarter building practices and materials that go beyond code, helping families rebuild with safety and durability in mind. Rural Builder Magazine
Community events and fairs. Rebuild Altadena Fairs have become gathering places where homeowners can meet experts, learn about materials and technologies, and find support and clarity in what can be a confusing process. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
Why This Matters Now
More than a year after the Eaton Canyon Fire one of the most destructive wildfires in California history thousands of homes in Altadena and surrounding communities are still in various stages of recovery. Families are dealing with insurance gaps, county regulations, temporary housing costs, and complex rebuild timelines while trying to make lasting decisions about the future of their homes.
David’s PBS SoCal appearance brings that struggle and the community response into the light, reminding all of us that rebuilding isn’t just about structures; it’s about restoring hope, connection, and home.
Altadena exists to make sure families who want to come home can do so with a rebuild that is reliable, locally built, transparent, and fire-resilient.” — David Ly.
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