The Eaton Fire east of what one might now call the Former Altadena is north of Temple City. The western boundary of the TC Unified school district is Eaton Wash. Following the Wash (or Rosemead Blvd.) north onto New York Dr. and on into the foothills takes one to the Eaton Canyon Trail, the north end of which borders Altadena on the east. The distance is about three miles from Huntington Dr.

The adjacent map indicates the location of TCHS and the "Big Hole" — known to 50s kids as the place your mother told you never to go — which has been converted in recent decades into an enclosed impoundment. The Wash was a more interesting place when it was a wild stream, trust me. —RC

UPDATE 14 Jan 2024 — Numerous alumni have written to say they're OK, though some were affected by the need to leave their homes temporarily. You can sign in and report your status in your profile, or comment below this article.