A Phoenix of Renewal at the Rose Parade

A dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom have endured the hardships of the previous year's devastating fires, work tirelessly atop the 'Rising Together' float. This majestic phoenix serves as a beacon of communal revival following the tragic Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles. Every square inch of this float is meticulously adorned with natural, organic substances such as bark, seeds, and flowers.

In Pasadena, California, a 40-foot-long float towered over Darlene Leyba as she diligently filled in the gaps with vibrant blooms on the wire mesh. In line with the regulations of the parade, the float must be dressed in nature's own products. Blue waves culminate in the tail feathers of the imposing phoenix, bringing Leyba's words to life: 'A phoenix, rising.' At 76, Leyba gazes up at this mythical creature, symbolizing the community's rebirth from the ashes of destruction. 'We feel like we are rising above adversity, ready to restore and rejuvenate our communities,' she explained.

The fires that engulfed neighborhoods, including Leyba's own, left behind blackened ruins not far from the parade route. It was merely a week after the 2025 New Year’s Day festivities when her home was reduced to ashes amidst the debris-laden grandstands. 'I told my children to pack an overnight bag, believing we'd soon return,' she recalled. 'We never went back, nor did we ever get to bid farewell to our home.'

Yet, through collaborative efforts on the float, Leyba is rediscovering a sense of community, a float crafted entirely by those who have endured the fires. The Rose Parade, an iconic New Year's Day spectacle, attracts millions of viewers eager to witness the inventive displays of Southern California's abundant natural beauty parading down Pasadena's streets. For local residents, being part of the teams crafting these floats is a source of immense pride. This tradition dates back to the inception of the Tournament of Roses in 1890.

Although her home was consumed by the Eaton Fire, Leyba is determined to rebuild in Altadena. 'It’s our home,' she insists. 'We are eager to return.' As she lends her hands to the creation of the float, she feels honored to represent her community. 'Goodness, I am representing Altadena,' marvels Leyba, 'all these families who lost their homes, all who dwell within this community. It’s a privilege.'

Miguel Santana, the CEO of the California Community Foundation, which is committed to wildfire recovery and sponsors the float, commented, 'It’s akin to a living memorial, crafted from vibrant flowers and organic matter, displaying the unique LA experience as the world watches.' He acknowledged the mental strain survivors face as the anniversary of the disaster approaches.

Santana elaborated, 'People are really feeling an emotional strain. Navigating the complex insurance system leaves them frustrated and stressed. The federal aid we’ve seen in other natural disasters hasn’t reached us, and people are struggling.'

In addition to highlighting the continued need for assistance, Santana hopes the float offers a form of healing, bringing together survivors to create something truly memorable. 'One individual shared today that this is the first event he has attended since the fires,' Santana shared. 'After losing his sister, attending events was difficult for him, but growing up in Altadena, being part of the Rose Parade felt like the right choice.'

During its construction in the float barn, survivors and families of the 31 individuals who perished in the fires had the special opportunity to place sunflowers on the float, each symbolizing a life lost. Many shared stories of their loved ones as they delicately positioned the blooms.

'Our hope is that for one day, as they see the float swaying down the familiar streets, they realize that the world genuinely cares for them and they are not alone in their grief journey,' Santana expressed.

Healing Through Creation

'Initially, being around others felt arduous,' confided Myra Berg, a survivor of the Palisades Fire. 'However, when I see others affected, whether through loss or smoke damage, it motivates me to assist.'

Berg found new comfort working high up on scaffolding, engaged with the phoenix, savoring each moment of the process. 'I loved every bit of it!' she exclaimed.

Berg represents many volunteers balancing multiple rebuilding projects, her own Malibu home included, with anticipation of its completion next year. The swift progress on the float stands in sharp contrast to the sluggish pace of construction permits elsewhere.

'Another journalist inquired whether the float’s construction offered solace. I replied, 'Certainly therapeutic!' and now I feel like I’m advancing,' Berg jovially remarked.

She concluded with a poignant reminder: 'It’s important for the world to acknowledge and honor the survivors and victims. Often, these disasters are forgotten, making this float a wonderful way to demonstrate that we’re coping and are grateful for support.'