The Asian American and Pacific Islander La Canada Flintridge (AAPI LCF) Network and the La Canada Chinese Club jointly hosted a luncheon on Monday, April 21 to honor local first responders. About 100 hometown heroes enjoyed the luncheon, including firefighters from LA County Fire Station 19 and 82, deputies from the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, and officers from the Pasadena Police Air Operations Section – Helicopter Division.

During the Eaton Fire, AAPI LCF Network organized a series of charitable initiatives – Heart of Heroes – ranging from collecting donations for fire victims and assisting with relocation and home rebuilding to expressing the heartfelt appreciation for the heroes in the community via artwork and videos. Local children gathered at the LCF Library to create a 30-foot-long painting celebrating firefighters with the youngest artist being just 3 years old.  

As the culminating event of the Heart of Heroes initiative, the luncheon offered a meaningful opportunity for AAPI residents to share food and stories with hometown heroes, fostering stronger community bonds. During the event, the artwork of local children was displayed and portable power stations donated by Yoshino Technology were presented to the fire and sheriff departments.