A North Texas musician’s home in Altadena, California, was lost to wildfires, leaving her and her partner devastated and seeking support.
Altadena: A North Texas musician, Emily Elbert, is heartbroken after losing her home to wildfires in California. The fires, driven by Santa Ana winds, hit hard.
Emily, who grew up in Coppell and has lived in Los Angeles for over a decade, shared her home with her partner, Seema. They bought it three and a half years ago, hoping to create a welcoming space for friends and community.
Just last week, Emily returned from a gig and sensed something was off. After a delayed flight, she got home and decided to practice her banjo by candlelight. That’s when she noticed the smoke.
She quickly warned her neighbors and grabbed what she could. Emily managed to save a few precious guitars but lost most of her belongings, including family heirlooms and journals.
The fire not only destroyed her home but also impacted the close-knit community she loved. Many families in the area had lived there for decades, and the loss felt profound.
Now, Emily and Seema are staying with family in Torrance, thankful for their support. However, they face the daunting task of dealing with insurance claims, which has been complicated by California’s insurance market.
Despite the challenges, Emily feels grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and family, even from those she hasn’t spoken to in years. It’s a tough time, but she’s determined to rebuild and hopes to create a new home someday.
