How an Altadena yoga studio became a lifeline for Eaton Fire survivors

After the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, Crescent Yoga started a scholarship fund for people affected by the fires.

Community members, people from out of state and even out of the country have donated to the fund — and the studio has also offered discounts so that its students can continue to practice yoga.

Three months later, business has slowed down, but Crescent Yoga is still running.

“There were tears ... for days, maybe even weeks, after we reopened after the fire,” said Carrie Meadows, co-owner of the studio.

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But she says out of the flames, the community bonded.

“Now people are calling each other by name and saying, 'Hey, saw you at the library last week,' or, you know, things like that. And it's really what we always dreamed would happen," Meadows said. "But sometimes it takes a tragedy to kind of bring people together in that capacity.”

The studio’s scholarship fund was able to give members who lost their homes or were displaced three months of free yoga.

Meadows said she was blown away by the support.

“Our very own students, some were still not even back in their homes yet, and generously donated to that fund to support their classmates who at the time could not afford classes.”

Co-owner Emily MacLean said many members have shared how thankful they are the studio is still open.

“It's just a place to get away, a place to practice, to come and just be with community and sit around for a little bit, do some breathing,” MacLean said.

She wants the community to know they’re still here for them.

“We're holding the space for Altadena, for everybody. Come take a class,” she said. “We're going to be here.”

LAist midday host Nereida Moreno recently spoke with the owners of the studio. Here’s the full conversation.