Climate Action

WED-C03: Learning from Altadena: Post-catastrophe Rebuilding Through Public Space and Art

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM PT

1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

Speaker(s)

Jonathan L. Franklin, ASLA

Senior Planning and Design Associate
Kounkuey Design Initiative
Los Angeles, California
Chester Kano, Architect (he/him/his)

Deputy Director
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
Alhambra, California
Leigh Adams (she/her/hers)

Educator, designer, advocate
APLD
Altadena, California

Public space and art are driving equitable recovery from the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena. Panelists will share their experience working on Altadena-based projects that utilize participatory design and community engagement to rebuild public spaces, preserve cultural identity, and support displaced residents.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify the constraints and opportunities involved in rebuilding public spaces after climate-driven disasters.
Apply culturally responsive strategies to engage displaced and traumatized communities in equitable recovery processes.
Navigate the allocation of public, philanthropic, and cross-sector funding to best serve community-centered rebuilding efforts.
Evaluate how art and design interventions can preserve cultural identity and strengthen social resilience during long-term recovery.