Judy Chu: “1 year ago today, the communities of Altadena and Pasadena that I represent in California were struck by tragedy. In…”

“1 year ago today, the communities of Altadena and Pasadena that I represent in California were struck by tragedy. In just a matter of hours, the Eaton fire, driven by hurricane-force winds reaching 90 miles an hour, forever changed the communities my constituents have called home for generations. The fire destroyed over 9,000 structures, most of them single-family homes. It scorched over 14,000 acres, decimating entire neighborhoods and turning places of worship, schools, restaurants, and community institutions to rubble. Most tragically, it took the lives of 19 of our loved ones, neighbors, and friends. We have recently learned that 440 additional people across southern California died in the month following the fire due to delays in medical care and exposure to toxic elements. The Eaton fire was the second most destructive wildfire in California's history. Those we lost helped to shape the fabric of their communities, and their absence has left a void that cannot be filled. They are in our thoughts on this 1-year anniversary of the fire. We remember Anthony Mitchell, Sr., a 68-year-old father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who brought everybody together, and we remember his son, Justin, who was born with cerebral palsy and was known for his infectious smile. Anthony and Justin both died waiting for help that they would never receive.”