An Altadena neighborhood that was wiped out by the Eaton Fire last January led to the creation of a community of neighbors who’ve supported one another as they’ve navigated their grief and struggles since the blaze.

The Alpine Villa Community lost most of its homes in the Eaton Fire – 29 out of 36, to be exact. But since then, residents from the community have gone from being just neighbors to close friends who are helping each other rebuild and heal.

“It looked like a warzone, and sure enough, when we got to the property, it was nothing but the fireplace,” said Greg Apodaca, who lost his home of 15 years to the fire.

“Acknowledging what had happened was also the acknowledgement of saying goodbye to the house,” said Alma Apodaca, Greg’s wife.

In the days that followed, the couple and their neighbors were left with grief, shock and uncertainty. But it was this shared tragedy that brought them closer together. What started as virtual check-ins soon became in-person gatherings focused on resources, rebuilding, healing and support for one another.

“We’ve heard stories since then, other homeowners had to go at this alone, but since we had this tight-knit community, it was safe,” Greg Apodaca said. “We could talk to people who had been through the same experience as us.”

As flames ripped through homes in Pacific Palisades a year ago, firefighters acted on a moment of kindness amid the chaos. Karma Dickerson reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

As they near the one-year mark since the Eaton Fire, those who are part of the Alpine Villa Community have reflected on what they’ve gained and what they’ve lost, and how the trauma has reshaped them.

“Not only do I want to show up to be there, I want to show up to see these people and having the shared experience like community,” Alma Apodaca said. “Community means you show up for people.”

The Apodacas said they’re looking forward to rebuilding a more sustainable neighborhood with fireproof materials. They said when they return, it won’t just be a home: it will be a stronger and more meaningful place.

“It feels a little bit like we are going to be rebuilding in a community of gratitude,” Alma said.