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Deadly fires have blackened so many square miles and upended so many lives across the Los Angeles area. But they have brought another profound transformation, too. You can see it every day at NDLON’s Pasadena Community Job Center, the beating heart of the immigrant community since this disaster. Workers collecting shovels, rakes and chainsaws and heading off in truck brigades to clear fallen trees and fire debris from the streets of Pasadena and Altadena. Volunteers sorting huge piles of donations – bottled water, food, diapers, tools, protective equipment and other necessities. Fire survivors in a long line of cars getting loaded up, one by one. Vendors in the parking lot serving hundreds of free hot meals. Artists painting a mural that shows a line of workers toiling, packing, lifting – and holding up the world in their hands. |
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In just a few days, the fires have led to a surge of solidarity, generosity and community spirit. They have energized immigrants’ courage and determination. And they have told a totally different story about immigrants. Pasadena is the place where harmful lies are being dumped in the trash, along with tree stumps and ashes. “This is the trench from where we will fight Trumpism,” said Pablo Alvarado, NDLON’s co-executive director. “This job center is where immigrants are demonstrating civic and political leadership and power. This work we are doing is showing our deep commitment to our city and all our neighbors. By filling this need, we show how much we are needed.” He added: “Immigrant workers aren’t waiting in fear to be deported. They are not taking, stealing and destroying – all the bad things our adversaries falsely blame us for. They are working hard to make their community better. This region will recover from the fires. But only with the work and strength of immigrants. That’s what makes recovery possible.” Many videos, photos, interviews and stories are available through NDLON’s Radio Jornalera and social media platforms here. Our press kit is available [here]. The Today Show covered NDLON’s cleanup efforts. So did Caló News and The Los Angeles Times. Please see Olivia and Cesar stories as members of our Emergency Fire Brigade. NDLON’s efforts are centered on mutual aid and solidarity, guided by the principle “Solo el Pueblo Salva al Pueblo” – only the people save the people. We welcome support but are not waiting to be rescued; we’re mobilizing to protect and help our community, immigrant to immigrant, neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend. El Tribuno del Pueblo brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: tribunodelpueblo.org. We’re all volunteers, no paid staff. Please donate at http://tribunodelpueblo.org to keep bringing you the voices of the movement because no human being is illegal. |
