Help Erin and Tom Recover from the Altadena (Eaton) Fire

Last Wednesday, in the dark, early morning as bullhorns sounded immediate evacuations, my sister Erin Takeuchi and brother-in-law Tom Soong, along with their three pugs, fled their smoke-filled home on Mariposa Street in our hometown of Altadena, California. Their neighbor's home began to burn as they drove away through 90 mph wind gusts, thick smoke, and flying embers. Thankfully, they survived, but their beautiful home for over 25 years and all its contents completely burned down.

Erin and Tom's lives have abruptly changed. The road ahead is long and uncertain as they navigate insurance claims and rebuilding, while trying to meet their immediate needs for housing and buying clothes to wear to work and replacing everyday items. Erin and Tom have long careers in service to the public and our communities. Erin has been a public school teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 35 years, and Tom has served the City of Los Angeles EmpowerLA neighborhood councils for over 25 years.

If you wish to donate, these funds will go directly to Erin and Tom to help them reestablish their lives and provide some semblance of normalcy such as clothing, personal items, and human and dog food. Aloha and mahalo nui for your support.

Always be wary of fraudulent GoFundMe accounts. GoFundMe asked that I provide more info on myself to ensure that this is a legitimate requesting source. My name is Dawn Takeuchi Apuna and I am one of Erin's younger sisters. I currently reside on Oahu and am a proud graduate of John Muir High School.

*After posting this gofundme, I noticed that Erin's kind and thoughtful co-worker Mike Blasi had already posted a similar gofundme (https://gofund.me/c0f93bdd). I did not intend to duplicate efforts. I've decided to continue this gofundme because it has already received donations, and it should reach audiences different than Mike’s. I have been in touch with Mike. We are not asking for duplicate funds, and funds from both gofundmes will go directly to Erin and Tom and their recovery. Thank you.