As the sun rises on a Saturday morning in Altadena, the scent of coffee mingles with the revving of engines as car enthusiasts from near and far gather at Unincorporated Coffee’s parking lot. Classic cars line up, showcasing a vibrant array of automotive history and personal stories. The atmosphere is a mix of nostalgia, resilience, and a shared passion for vehicles that have weathered the test of time.
A Community United by Loss and Resilience
The backdrop of the Eaton fire, which left a trail of destruction in its wake, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the Altadena community. Tyreke and Traivon Jackson, long-time car aficionados, recount the loss of their cherished vehicles to the flames. Traivon lists the names of the cars lost, each representing a piece of personal history and shared memories now reduced to charred remains.
Amidst the devastation, Dave Stone emerges as a beacon of hope and connection. His Instagram account, @Not_EV_Altadena, has become a digital archive of the cars left behind, a testament to the resilience of both the community and the vehicles that have stood the test of time. Stone’s passion for documenting the aftermath of the fire transcends his initial indifference to cars, driven by a desire to honor the stories and legacies embedded in each vehicle.
Healing Through Shared Passion and Connection
The Altadena Cars & Coffee meetup, born out of Stone’s initiative, serves as a gathering place for individuals seeking solace, camaraderie, and a sense of normalcy in the face of adversity. Will Stifel’s 1952 Ford F1 truck, a family heirloom with cinematic ties, stands as a symbol of resilience and hope amid the ashes. The possibility of restoration offered by an auto shop sparks a glimmer of optimism in the midst of loss.
For Lauren Ward and Kevin Kuzma, the meetup provides a much-needed sense of community and connection in the wake of profound loss. Ward’s emotional recounting of the fire’s impact on her life and vehicles underscores the deeply personal nature of the losses experienced by Altadena residents. Kuzma’s journey with his mother’s cherished 1957 Chevrolet 210 encapsulates the bittersweet process of letting go while preserving memories through unexpected avenues.
Through the lens of Dave Stone’s camera, the stories of Altadena’s lost cars come to life, each frame capturing a moment frozen in time. From the haunting beauty of a fire-scorched Ford truck framed by palm trees to the resilient spirit of a 1985 Porsche 911 Slantnose, Stone’s images evoke a sense of reverence for the past and a call to action for the future.
In the midst of tragedy, Altadena Cars & Coffee emerges as a place of solace, remembrance, and connection. The shared language of cars transcends boundaries, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. As the community continues to heal and rebuild, the meetup stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Altadena residents and their unwavering passion for the open road.
For those seeking to join future meetups and be part of this vibrant community, follow @altadenacarsandcoffee on Instagram. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and drive towards a brighter tomorrow.
