In this episode, we talk with cinematographer Pete Villiani about his experience during the recent Altadena wildfires. Pete shares how the fire spread unexpectedly, forcing him to evacuate and later return to protect his home. He recounts the challenges of the fire’s aftermath, including the impact on his family, the community’s response, and the rebuilding process.
This is the first in a series of follow-up interviews we will be doing with Pete over time—checking in at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years—to see how his journey unfolds as he navigates recovery and rebuilding.
Pete's GoFundMe
Topics Discussed:
Chapters:
(00:00:00) What do you love about LA?
(00:02:24) Italian Food Could Be Better Here
(00:04:41) Favorite Places in LA
(00:06:59) When Did You Move To LA?
(00:12:02) The Eaton Fire
(00:15:31) Who Was Putting It Out?
(00:19:22) Concern For Your own Safety
(00:26:49) Trying to Save Other's Houses and Looters
(00:33:38) Where Are You At Now?
(00:35:33) What Are the Next Steps?
(00:39:26) "You Feel Bad, I Made It, They Didn't"
(00:44:19) The Actual Costs
(00:51:54) Perspective
(00:56:24) Plan To Check Back In
(01:00:13) "I Had A Lot More Friends Than I Thought I Had"
(01:06:01) Hopeful for the Future
Host:
Neil Alonzo