Wildfires driven by the worst windstorm in 10 years have blanketed Southern California, wreaking widespread destruction and misery.
In the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, the Palisades fire has destroyed more than 1,000 buildings. In the San Gabriel Valley, hundreds of buildings have been damaged or destroyed by the Eaton fire with the communities of Altadena and Sierra Madre particularly impacted. In each area, the fires have left communities decimated.
Three dangerous and rapidly spreading wildfires in Los Angeles County started on Tuesday, Jan 7. The flames have been propelled by a dynamic Santa Ana windstorm with powerful gusts ranging from 40 mph to 80 mph, the most harrowing in the foothills and mountain areas.
The following are landmarks, businesses, schools and other notable structures that we have confirmed have been damaged or destroyed by the fires. We will update this list as we learn more.
Fox’s Restaurant, Altadena. The 69-year-old diner was destroyed in the fire, according to an Instagram post from the restaurant.
The Bunny Museum, Altadena
Side Pie pizza restaurant, Altadena
Altadena Golf Course, Johnny Eusebio, general manager of the Altadena Golf Course, said the course was lost to the fire (Associated Press).
Altadena Senior Center, Altadena.
Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. Leaders confirmed in letter to congregants on website.
Altadena Community Church UCC. Confirmed on church’s website.
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, Altadena. Confirmed on church’s website.
Five schools in Altadena were “substantially damaged” in the Eaton fire, according to a preliminary assessment of Pasadena Unified School District schools. Elliot Arts Magnet School, Aveson Charter School, Loma Alta Elementary School and Noyes Elementary School were damaged in the fire, said Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco. Franklin Elementary School, which closed in 2020, was about 80% damaged
McNally House, Altadena
Zorthian Ranch, Altadena
Malibu’s Reel Inn, a favorite seafood restaurant for 36 years. Confirmed on restaurant’s Instagram.
Moonshadows, possibly the most popular restaurant on the beach in Los Angeles, built on stilts/pylons above the sand.
Cholada Thai, owners Sawai Theprian and her husband Nikorn Sriwichailumpan, moved to the U.S. with the dream of opening a restaurant; they have owned the restaurant since 2000, according to Malibu Magazine.
Gladstones was the highest grossing independent restaurant in the U.S. in 2009. Former Mayor Dick Riordan owned the restaurant for more than two decades.
Historic business: The owners of the landmark Malibu Feed Bin, a pet supplies store that opened in 1961 for horse owners and dog lovers, announced the store had been “lost” to the wildfire, according to The Independent.
Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio: Posted to its Instagram story: “While we lost our tasting room to the fire yesterday, all of our staff is safe.” They’ve also been posted photos and videos, including the remnants of the massive blue chairs and yellow table that stood outside the outdoor spot.
