The “Recovery & Restoration” event will run from 6 to 11 p.m. at the temple, located at 1993 Glen Ave. in Pasadena. The evening will feature dinner, dancing, and live music by Kokoro, a Southern California band known for performing at community fundraisers. Special guest performances are also scheduled. Organizers say the event will celebrate “resilience, gratitude, and community solidarity.”
The Eaton Fire began at 6:18 p.m. on Jan. 7 and rapidly expanded to more than 14,000 acres, destroying 9,418 structures and claiming 19 lives. The Pasadena Buddhist Temple suffered fire and severe smoke damage, with multiple buildings affected, including the Hondo (main worship hall), classrooms, kitchen, gymnasium, and the minister’s residence.
Environmental testing revealed contamination from ash infiltration containing heavy metals, arsenic, asbestos fibers, and microplastics. Months of specialized cleaning and costly remediation were required before the temple could safely reopen.
Temple officials estimate total recovery costs at approximately $400,000. While insurance covers a portion, the shortfall exceeds $75,000. The fundraiser aims to help meet a $100,000 goal to close that gap.
The temple narrowly escaped destruction on Jan. 8 when embers ignited beneath the Hondo’s wooden supports. Neighbors Elliot Sloane and Michael Murray spotted smoke and jumped the fence to douse hot spots with hoses. When temple co-presidents Lori Hatakeyama and Alan Hatakeyama arrived to open the gates for evacuees, they found the men on the roof actively wetting down the structure. Temple leaders later visited the Sloane family to thank them and present gifts from the Sangha.
Recovery efforts have been led by resident minister Rev. Gregory Gibbs and his wife Kyoko, who kept the facility open seven days a week as a place of refuge for fire victims. Co-presidents Jeannie Toshima and Lori Hatakeyama have coordinated volunteers, communications, and fundraising initiatives.
The Sons of Gardeners (SOGs), a dedicated group of volunteer groundskeepers, have played a key role in cleanup and restoration, moving equipment, removing damaged items, and preparing facilities for professional remediation.
The temple canceled its 2025 Obon Festival after environmental testing revealed lingering contamination, requiring additional cleaning and testing phases.
Sixteen Sangha members lost homes or businesses in the fire. The temple launched the PBT Eaton Sangha Support Fund to provide emergency aid and has served as a distribution center for food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and survival kits. Partner organizations include JACCC, Yama Sushi, and others.
The Pasadena Buddhist Temple, established in 1948 and affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu tradition and the Buddhist Churches of America, continues to offer in-person and online services while navigating its recovery.
For reservations or more information about the Nov. 15 fundraiser, contact pasadenasangha@icloud.com, Carol Tanita at cntanita57@gmail.com, or Shelley Yamane at yamaneshinmoto@gmail.com.
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