Altadena and Pasadena Youth Event Saturday Marks Year After Eaton Fire

As Altadena and Pasadena continue recovery efforts one year after the Eaton Fire wrought destruction across both communities, LIFT Altadena announced a free youth event aimed at support, connection, and healing. 

“Rock the City” is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m., at 1757 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena. 

The one-afternoon event is open to youth ages 15 to 24 and will feature live musical performances, worship, games, complimentary food from Chick-fil-A, mental health services, free counseling, and cash and gift prizes. 

Pastor Anthony McFarland of LIFT International Church, one of the organizers with LIFT Altadena, said in a statememt that the event is intended to remind young people “that they are seen, supported, and deeply valued” after the past year. 

He described the gathering as “a night of joy, restoration, community connections and a powerful way to kick off the new year together.”

Cash and gift prizes will be awarded to churches and individuals who register and bring the most students, ages 15 to 24. Students must be registered online to be counted. 

Local group My Tribe Rise will award a $1,000 grant opportunity to 20 students selected to receive the grant. Recipients must be present at the event to receive funding. 

Admission is free, but registration is required and a must for students who want a grant. Registration is available through LIFT Altadena’s website at: https://www.liftaltadena.org/event/fr53zs5/rock the-city-youth-night 

LIFT Altadena describes itself as a faith-driven community organization committed to empowering individuals and families through outreach, resources, and programming focused on youth development, healing, and economic opportunity. 

My Tribe Rise, founded in 2019 by West Altadena residents Heavenly Hughes and Victor Hodgson, blends mutual aid — including food, clothing, healthcare, and housing assistance — with efforts to end racial profiling, police and community violence, and other inequalities affecting Black and Brown communities in Altadena and Pasadena. 

Community members, churches, families, and educators are encouraged to invite students to attend, according to the organizers.