Altadena Pride Walkabout Marches On Today Despite Wildfire Devastation

The 4th Annual Altadena Pride Walkabout will take place Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Altadena Library, bringing together a community still recovering from devastating wildfire damage.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger will unveil a Pride flag on the library’s east lawn during opening ceremonies at 600 E. Mariposa St. Participants will be provided with free flags during the ceremony. The event proceeds despite the Eaton Fire, which destroyed so much of the town in January.

Organizer Nic Arnzen, an Altadena Town Council member and LA County LGBTQ+ commissioner, founded the walkabout four years ago. This year’s event required a GoFundMe campaign after the fire destroyed most previous venues.

“In addition to the recent natural disaster that leveled half our town, diversity is under attack nationally, but Diversity Equity and Inclusion will always be an Altadena priority,” Arnzen said in May.

The walkabout through Central Altadena will begin at 3:30 p.m. Activities will return to the library from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a community gathering, concert and resource tables.

The library will provide specialized spaces including a Youth Sanctuary for college-age participants and under from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. A Spiritual Exploration and Community Healing Sanctuary will operate from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The January Eaton Fire killed at least 17 people and destroyed 9,418 structures, according to CAL FIRE. The fire became the fifth deadliest and second most destructive wildfire in California history.

Arnzen said he will avoid asking locals for donations this year due to fire losses. “I’ve made a point over the years not to ask for sponsorship and to keep our Pride local and essentially ad free. This year, I have no intention of asking anyone in Altadena or the area to donate services, goods, or cash. They have lost too much and deserve to be taken care of,” he wrote on the fundraising page.

All activities will remain free to participants. The event is part of the San Gabriel Valley Pride Tour 2025.

Local sponsors include Troy Wise, Altadena Sheriff’s Station, and Captain Ethan Marquez, El Patron, Calisto Tea House, Kat’s Macaroons, Prime Pizza, Loren Roberts, Hearken Creative, and Farmers Insurance – Maricela Viramontes Agency. The mid-century modern library was designed by architect Boyd Georgi and opened in 1967.

Barger represents the Fifth District, the largest supervisorial district in Los Angeles County. The district spans 2,785 square miles and includes 20 cities and 83 unincorporated communities.

Arnzen was appointed to the LA County LGBTQ+ Commission by Barger and represents the Fifth District. He has served three terms representing Altadena on the town council.

“It is a deep foundation to our community that wind, fire, hate-filled executive orders or incredibly cruel and fear-based legislation can’t take away,” Arnzen said of the community’s commitment to diversity.

The Christmas Tree Lane Model Railroad Society at 2085 Santa Rosa Ave. will host an open house from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in conjunction with Pride celebrations. Fair Oaks Burger, a community hub, reopened Saturday after fire damage and unveiled a new Robert Vargas mural celebrating Altadena on June 7.