A Local Hero's Struggle: Rebuilding After the Eaton Fire

Tony Banuelos, a well-known figure in Monrovia, is facing a tough road to recovery after the Eaton Fire destroyed his Altadena home. With his restaurant business slowing down and the challenges of rebuilding, he's finding strength in his community and family. The fire, which tore through the area six months ago, left Banuelos with nothing but a dirt lot where his home once stood. The emotional toll was heavy, but he understands that no one is to blame for the natural disaster. His sister's home was also lost in the fire, adding to the family's struggles. Banuelos owns Jake's Roadhouse in Monrovia, a place loved by locals. After news of his loss spread, the community rallied behind him, packing the restaurant with customers. The support was overwhelming, but now, business has slowed down again. Factors like the pandemic, wildfires, rising egg prices, and recent ICE raids have taken a toll on his business, with a 30-40% drop in the last few weeks. Living with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren in a packed Monrovia home, Banuelos is trying to stay strong. His son, Miguel, has seen his father's emotional moments, but Tony remains focused on moving forward. The cost to rebuild is over $1 million, but his insurance only covers $460, 000. The biggest hurdle now is getting the building plans approved, a process that could take months. Despite the challenges, Banuelos is trying to stay positive. He knows that anger won't help him rebuild his life. With the support of his community and family, he's taking it one step at a time.