Year Later, Pasadena Is Recovering — Slowly

Temple Faces Many Challenges, But Its Sangha Remains Optimistic

To support the Pasadena Buddhist Temple’s in its rebuilding efforts, go to: bit.ly/4jjkgKq

---

It’s been a year since wildfires erupted in Southern California, claiming lives, destroying thousands of structures and burning nearly 60 square miles in Los Angeles County alone. 

On Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire raged through the communities of Altadena and northwest Pasadena, damaging buildings on the campus of the Pasadena Buddhist Temple (PBT) and nearly destroying the temple — which was saved through the swift actions by neighbors who put out hot spots around the building and roof.

PBT suffered the most damage of the BCA’s Southern California temples. And the Eaton Fire destroyed the homes of several Sangha members.

The wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, also wiped out the homes of Sangha members of other BCA Southern District temples.

West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Resident Minister Rev. Koho Takata said the West Los Angeles Sangha members who lost their homes are in temporary housing and that some have begun returning to the temple’s Sunday services.

There were eight major wildfires in Southern California in January 2025 from Los Angeles County to San Diego County, according to official assessments. The Eaton Fire destroyed more than 9,400 structures over an area of nearly 22 square miles. An additional 6,800 buildings were lost in the Palisades Fire — the fire closest to the West Los Angeles temple — and burned 36.5 square miles of the Santa Monica Mountains. Most of the buildings were single-family residences.

Officially, 31 people lost their lives in the wildfires, but a subsequent Boston University study estimates that 440 deaths were attributable to the Los Angeles wildfires, a much higher toll.

In the aftermath of the wildfires, PBT, its Sangha and community have had to endure the difficulties of recovery and healing — and repairing the damage to the temple. 

Apart from the physical damage, the wildfires left emotional and psychological scars — for wildfire victims and residents. 

“It has been nearly a year since the fire radically changed many lives,” Kyoko Gibbs, bomori, or wife, of PBT Resident Minister Rev. Gregory Gibbs, said. “It still hits me hard because it brings up all the emotions I’ve experienced. I can't imagine what people are still going through, especially emotionally.”

Gibbs has been active in volunteering her time, along with other volunteers, assisting victims and the community in need.

Heavy smoke affected structures on the PBT grounds, which caused closure of the facility for over seven months.

“The temple building and gymnasium were closed starting from January 7,” Rev. Gibbs said. “Our annex was open two days a week for food distribution and provision of clothing and such materials.”

Working with the insurance company, various contractors, getting repair estimates and moving forward with repairs to the Hondo, gymnasium and minister’s residence were time-consuming.

At the time, the temple’s website reported: “We are facing a huge financial burden for 2025 as the remediation must be done to make the buildings as safe as possible and then repairs and safety improvements will be put in place.” 

The temple established a “Temple Fire Recovery Fund” to help offset costs not covered by insurance, FEMA or SBA loans.

During the shutdown, PBT was forced to reorganize and offer Sunday services via Zoom. In-person study classes, weekly Tai Chi sessions as well as major fundraisers were severely impacted.

“Fortunately, the COVID epidemic (pandemic) led many of our members to be more cyber conscious and capable,” Rev. Gibbs said. “So, they did keep up with services during the first eight months of the year, despite not being able to attend in person.” 

Despite the disruptions, Rev. Gibbs continued to provide spiritual guidance and support with services, hospital visitations and brief conversations with Sangha members.

Like many other temples, PBT’s source of income comes from fundraising activities.

“We were unable to have our annual chicken teriyaki takeout, bingo and dinner event and canceled a new fundraiser — casino night,” PBT Co-President Jeannie Toshima said. “Our BWA also had no chirashi fundraisers this year.”

PBT’s Obon festival, originally scheduled for July, was postponed and rescheduled for early September. The festival ended up being canceled altogether because of the delays associated with reopening the temple.

“We did have some income, which helped with our operating expenses, which continued on even though we were not open,” Toshima said. 

The Sakai Hall gymnasium was closed during the restoration and repairs, as well as the minister’s residence. Rev. Gibbs and his family were displaced from the parsonage for two months because of remediation work and repairs.

The temple reopened to in-person activities on Sept. 7.

Action and Support

Immediately following the wildfire, PBT, along with the Altadena Presbyterian Church and the Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute (PJCI),  teamed up with local restaurants in providing meals and resources for fire victims. Generous support from Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) and Keiro organizations also provided needed support.

“The meal program started right after the fire through the selfless efforts of Azay, Yama and Far Bar restaurants,” Kyoko Gibbs said.

Resources and the generosity from LTSC and Keiro, both Los Angeles-based service organizations, have been instrumental with assistance. 

LTSC and Keiro have provided workshops and seminars on mental wellness and insurance to assist in victims’ recovery. 

A Nov. 2 field trip to Tanaka Farms in Irvine, hosted by owner Glen Tanaka and Keiro, was enjoyed by about 40 Pasadena Sangha members.

Although many programs ended in September, projects to support the recovery effort continue. The temple held a benefit dance at the gymnasium on Nov. 15. A host of fundraisers are being planned for 2026. 

Since the spring of 2025, Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada has been personally visiting temple members who lost their homes in the fire, delivering gifts on behalf of the Hongwanji in Kyoto and Gomonshu Kojun Ohtani. Gifts have included a small Obutsudan, nenju, service books and montoshikisho.

PBT has received substantial support from the BCA’s Southern District and from temples and churches throughout the BCA, as well as from friends, who’ve given monetary donations, gift cards, non-perishable foods, clothing, essentials and medical supplies.

Recognition

In November, the Little Tokyo Service Center recognized PBT, PJCI and the Altadena Presbyterian Church with the Lantern Award for all the work the organizations did to provide meals and support for the Eaton Fire victims. 

“It was an incredibly humbling experience as the recovery efforts were carried out collaboratively,” Kyoko Gibbs said.

LTSC annually recognizes people and organizations that have dedicated themselves to the community. Kyoko Gibbs, Shelley Yamane-Shinmoto and June Chin represented PBT at the gala.

“We had no idea what it was about until we arrived,” Kyoko Gibbs said. “With laughter and tears, it was another heartwarming gathering that reminded me of the strength of the JA community.” 

In November, PBT received a grant from Keiro that helps subsidize expenses specifically for senior community activities.

“We have been fortunate to receive grants from Keiro to help support our programs for the seniors in our community,” Toshima said.

Moving Forward

This year, PBT faces many challenges as it continues to rebuild.

“At this point, like many BCA temples, albeit not all, we will need to have an increase in membership,” Rev. Gibbs said. "We are seeing some new attendees and some are becoming official temple members, so we are cautiously, very cautiously hopeful.”

Kyoko Gibbs added: “The challenges (for PBT) will persist in 2026. Still, I remain hopeful.”

She plans to bring the Sangha together to establish a mural on temple grounds led by local artist Miki Yokoyama, who lost her home to the fire.

“I am ready to do whatever I can for the temple, its Sangha and the community,” Kyoko Gibbs said. “I know we are stronger together.”