Pasadena Christmas Angels Symbolize Hope After Devastating Eaton Fire

A Tradition of Resilience

• 💡 The "Angels of Valley Lights" tradition in Pasadena, spanning 50 years, has become a symbol of resilience and rebirth following the January wildfires.
• 📌 This holiday display, featuring 22 angels, draws both locals and tourists, offering a message of hope to the community.

Overcoming Trauma Through Art

• 💔 The wildfires, specifically the Eaton Fire, left deep trauma, with some residents experiencing significant anxiety and emotional distress.
• 🎨 To aid in healing, residents Victor Sandoval and Lanne Hasslam turned to art, with Hasslam creating new angels and Sandoval writing poetry.
• 🌟 One poem reflects the sentiment, "Who needs tomorrow? When you have today," emphasizing the importance of living in the present.

Rebuilding and Community Support

• 🛠️ After most of the original angels burned, new ones were crafted from 8x4 slabs of 3/4 inch plywood, hand-painted by Hasslam with help from her grandson.
• 🏡 These new angels serve as a holiday blessing for neighbors still displaced by the fire.
• 💰 A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs of the new angels and support neighbors, aiming to raise $5,000.
• ☀️ The angels are powered by solar lights, a fitting detail for Valley Lights Drive.

The Emotional Impact

• 😢 The rebuilding process and the return of the angels evoked strong emotions, with many, including the reporter, breaking down in tears due to the shared trauma.
• 🙏 The Angel Project is seen as a vital service to the community, providing comfort and a sense of normalcy during the holidays.