LA Fires: How You Can Support the Los Angeles Cycling Community

Words by Errin Vasquez, photos by Cass Gilbert and Evan Christenson

Last week, Los Angeles was on high alert for some strong Santa Ana winds. Frankly, that wasn’t very surprising. They’re a common occurrence for us here in Southern California. The winds kicked up as predicted by mid-day or so, and the city settled in for a windy night. What happened next is still hard to fathom. I don’t really know how to put it in words, as it’s impossible to wrap my head ahead. On the evening of January 7th, 2025, a fire started up in Eaton Canyon, and by the next morning, the town of Altadena had been decimated.

Around the same time, a fire started in the Palisades area, near Santa Monica. Fueled by the same Santa Ana winds, the Palisades area was also ravaged. Both the Palisades and Eaton fires ripped through neighborhoods, pushed south by the strong Santa Ana winds. For the Palisades, the coast was a fire break. For the city of Altadena, there was no such break. As of this writing these fires are on track to be the most devastating fires in the history of California. Eight months without rain and wind gusts of 65 to 80 miles per hour made for a perfect storm. Countless people live among the foothills near Eaton Canyon and in the area of the Palisades near the ocean. Most lost their homes in the fires. Every day, the list of people affected gets longer. People you know or a friend of friend.

The Los Angeles Cycling community has been hit very hard. Altadena, in particular, being so close to the mountains, is home to many cyclists. The list of people in need is growing every day, but here are some GoFundMe campaigns to consider donating to if you’re able. This is by no means a comprehensive list. It’s barely a start, but your support can make a real difference as folks work to rebuild their homes and lives. If you know of other places to donate, please share them in the conversation below.

Where You Can Donate

Road Runner Bags

Brad and Ester build bags, and Ester is the vice president of the Mt. Wilson Bicycling Association.

Alvaro Cota

MWBA volunteer

Joshua Cuzzone

MWBA volunteer

Topanga Creek Outpost

Chris is a legend in the cycling world. Consider buying a belt, shirt, or leather goods.

Matt and Ellen

Matt is a co-founder of the Lowelifes. If you’ve ever ridden a trail out here, Matt has probably worked on it. He’s a key member of the community out here.

Dot Wong

SoCal Cross was the local cyclocross promoter. If not for Dot, cycling in LA wouldn’t be the way it is.

Lauren Abe

Long Live The Wheelhouse!

Brendan Sowersbey

Brendan lived in an idyllic location. Literally at the end of the road.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Support employees of NASA’s JPL.

Pasadena Humane Society

They’ve been taking care of the animals affected by the fires.

Mt. Wilson Bicycle Association

Lowelifes Respectable Citizens Club

Altadena Mountain Rescue Team

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.