Three Generations of Homes Lost to the Eaton Fire

Rebuilding Hope After the Eaton Fire: Support for Our Family

On January 7th, the Eaton Fire devastated three generations of our family, claiming not one but three beloved homes. Three lifetimes of memories, love, and history were turned to ash. What once stood as the heart of our family now exists only in our minds.

My mother and stepdad, Judy Lizarazu and Vance Weisbruch’s, home on Braeburn, lovingly known as the “Halloween House,” was a beacon of joy that brought neighbors together every October.

My brother and his wife, Juan Pastor and Sana Konya’s, home newly purchased just two years ago and beautifully remodeled a year ago, was a fresh start for his family, now tragically reduced to ashes.

My grandmother, Gloria Lizarazu’s, home, the heart of our family gatherings, stood in a neighborhood that suffered the most devastation—block after block of homes completely gone, leaving behind a wasteland of loss and heartbreak.

While we are profoundly grateful that everyone made it out safely, the loss is overwhelming. The memories, the history, and the spaces that made us who we are have been reduced to rubble. But even in this heartbreak, we remain determined to rebuild—not just homes, but the sense of belonging and hope these places represented.

These homes weren’t just structures; they were our history, our safe places, and the foundation of who we are. The weight of what we’ve lost is crushing.

Now, we’re standing in the aftermath, trying to figure out how to move forward. The journey ahead feels daunting—rebuilding not just homes but the life, hope, and sense of belonging that were lost in the fire.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and support we’ve already received, and it’s a reminder of the resilience that can come from community. Whether it’s keeping our story in your thoughts or sharing it with others, every gesture of compassion helps us on this path to healing and rebuilding.

As we work to move forward—piece by piece, brick by brick—we hold onto the hope that one day we can create new memories, honor what was lost, and carry on the legacy of love and resilience that these homes stood for.

Thank you for being part of our journey.