AFSCME member continues to serve even after losing his home in wildfire
On January 7, 2025, the Eaton wildfire began in the hills of Altadena and Pasadena, California. Thus far, it has destroyed more than 4,600 structures, killed 16 people, and displaced thousands of people, including AFSCME Local 858 Secretary Robert Montanez.
As the Eaton wildfire headed towards his home in Altadena, Robert Montanez used a water hose to put out embers that fell from sky to try and protect his home. Realizing that he was not going to be able to save his home, Robert evacuated and instead of heading to a nearby evacuation center, he headed to work. Montanez arrived at 5:15 a.m. and began his workday as a maintenance worker as if it was like any other workday. “I knew my house was on fire but there was nothing I could do about it”, said Montanez. “We wanted to make the city safe by clearing driveways and sidewalks, and getting people to places that were giving out donations. It helped me keep my mind off my house.”
Montanez and other members of Local 858 have been working tirelessly for the past week to clear soot, fallen trees, and other debris from neighborhoods, while dealing with the loss of their own home. Unfortunately, dealing with disaster isn’t unfamiliar to Local 858 members. Montanez remembered clearing debris after hurricane winds ravaged Pasadena in 2011, and keeping the city clean and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Now, once again, amid the disbelief and devastation, the true essence of Local 858 has emerged. They’ve continued to help the community by bringing donations to families that were forced to evacuate. They’ve checked on each other and helped each other find resources and information that will help them recover and rebuild. “I am a man of faith, and I know that we need to help others when we are all being troubled by natural disasters,” said Montanez. “Seeing the joy in them being helped, it brings me an assurance that my job is being done for good reason.”
The next few weeks, possibly months, will be a path of recovery for the citizens of Pasadena and Altadena. As the Eaton wildfire continues to burn, City of Pasadena employees do not yet know all that will need to be done to fully recover but they are prepared to get it done no matter what. “We’re working tirelessly on the front lines to ensure the safety of Pasadena and Altadena residents,” says Pedro Ibarra, president of Local 858. “With the help of city workers and volunteers, we’re focused on cleaning up and restoring our neighborhoods. Pasadena is a vibrant community, and we’re committed to bringing it back to its beautiful, welcoming best.”
