Feeding Hope Amid Tragedy: Jaime Alvarez’s Commitment to Eaton Fire Victims

The long line of cars and trucks moves slowly along Lake Avenue headed toward Altadena. Donations continue to arrive at the Pasadena Job Center where scores of volunteers are distributing essential supplies like water, clothes, baby food and hygiene products to people affected by the Eaton Fire.

In the middle of the parking lot distribution area next door to the Center at Lake Avenue and Villa Street, sits a pop-up kitchen where Jaime Alvarez, owner of Baja Cali, his sister Norma, and some staff members, have teamed up with World Central Kitchen to serve meals to evacuees.

The location is one of a number that World Central Kitchen set up across Los Angeles County to serve victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Alvarez, who has two Pasadena locations, has been feeding victims and first responders since Monday, with a rotating menu of tacos, chicken bowls and burritos, and he hopes to create more events, including some type of “Taco Tuesday” event.

The Eaton fire broke out late last Tuesday, fueled by high winds and dry conditions. In its continuing wake, it had destroyed over 1,700 homes, displacing hundreds of families. The aftermath left many struggling to find basic everyday necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

Between the donations and Alvarez’s food, a lot of needs are being met, for at least a little while.

From their portable kitchen grill and a few tables, Alvarez hopes to serve 2,000 meals this week, through Sunday.

Alvarez is also hoping for more volunteers to assist with the distribution centers, saying, “I’d like to invite folks that can volunteer, come out and help the community here over here.

The Pasadena Job Center is doing a wonderful and magnificent job with coordinating this donation process,” he added. “As you can see here, the cars are coming in, people are getting goods that they need and they’re getting a free meal as well.

“So, if folks are out there willing to, and wanting to volunteer,” he said, “we’d love for folks to come out.”