Altadena Fire: Aid for the Caudle and Arguien Family

On January 7, 2024, our families’ lives were turned upside down as the devastating Eaton fire raged through Altadena taking so many homes, including our sister and her husband (Mike and Karen Caudle) and our Mother’s (Henrietta Arguien) right next door to each other. Altadena has been our family home for the last 48 years. Now after this heartbreaking tragedy they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

Mike and Karen, with quick thinking and decisive actions, got everyone from both homes to safety, along with what few possessions they could grab on the way. Racing between the two homes, putting Mom, Iain, Isabel and two dogs in the car along with themselves and making their way down from the foothills through the growing chaos and panic.

Mom’s home was a gathering place for the entire Arguien clan over the many years that they have owned the home. It was where employees who worked for Dad had work parties, family weddings happened, wedding and baby showers, family dinners, game nights and just simple wine nights were enjoyed. Mom’s home continued being the gathering place even after Dad passed, with the help of Mike and Karen Caudle who are right next door. Karen and Mike facilitated keeping mom in her home for many years.

Mom’s 7 children, 16 grandchildren, multiple great grandchildren and all of our families and friends knew that Mom’s house was the gathering spot. It was where we all gathered and connected. It was the center of our whole family. It was where the best food came out of and the recipes that have been handed down for years now, there was no lack of grilling or baking that made our tummies as full as our hearts while being there. The two properties merged as one as our families grew, two yards for playing ‘hide-n-seek’ or swimming in the pool at Mike and Karen’s, double the garden space and easy sleep overs creating lifelong memories for all of us.

We, Tim and Katie Arguien started this GoFundMe on behalf of our family and would like to kindly reach out to family, friends and community for any support you can offer the families as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. It is hard to imagine where to begin, ‘one step at time’ is the theme of the day. Every dollar, every message of support is appreciated and will help these families as they take the next steps towards healing and rebuilding their lives.