1st Commemoration & Anniversary

We Will Rebuild

On the evening of January 7, 2026, people began gathering in the Grocery Outlet parking lot at 2270 Lake Avenue to mark one year since the Eaton Fire. It was more than an observance. The evening honored the 19 lives lost and celebrated the survivors.

The setting mattered. The store suffered only minor damage and was quick to reopen. In the weeks that followed, and still today, its parking lot has hosted support services for affected families. Above it all, a large banner on the side of the building declared: “Altadena Strong — We Will Rebuild!”

We didn’t set out looking for attention. Since the fire, many of us have been asked to share our stories. We would gladly trade it for the old furniture we never got around to repairing. But point a camera at us and hold a mic near, and we will tell our stories. More than telling them, we are writing, painting and filming our way forward, so that others in our community, and anyone facing a loss like ours, might see a future built on hope.

Stories built on hope

  • The January calendar painting is a compilation of these three paintings completed during the event.

  • People returned to Grocery Outlet in July of 2025 in a memorial service to those who lost their lives in the Eaton Fire. We met beneath the beautiful (now iconic) mural painted by master muralist, Victor Ving.

  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Organization and the Red Cross were quick to set up and provide services in the parking lot.

  • 12-4-18 was the day Grocery Outlet put on its public face, having previously been Ralph’s Supermarket. I sipped coffee and painted at the Dutch Bakery as the sign was about to be hoisted up.

  • 2016 • Do you remember Red Box? I used to rent videos from the Box. They were located at the west entrance of Ralph’s. Grocery Outlet sealed that entrance and relocated the main entrance. Red Boxes disappeared when streaming took over.

CBS reporter, Kara Finnstrom, interviewed Keni as he painted the scene of the 1st Commemoration & Anniversary.