The devastating Eaton Fire, fueled by relentless winds, ripped through Southern California, leaving a trail of destruction reminiscent of a warzone. Among the thousands of residents displaced and homes reduced to ashes is that of filmmaker Tom Stern, whose Altadena property now resembles the desolate landscape of Hiroshima after the atomic bombing. Stern, known for his work on projects like SpongeBob SquarePants, Crank Yankers, and Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us, was forced to evacuate with little more than his cats and some precious 8mm film footage for his upcoming documentary on the iconic art-punk band, The Butthole Surfers. Upon returning to his neighborhood, he was met with a scene of utter devastation, a stark contrast to the vibrant artistic community he had called home for the past three years.
Stern’s experience reflects the widespread loss and trauma experienced by countless Southern Californians grappling with the aftermath of the rapidly spreading wildfires. The Eaton Fire alone consumed over 14,000 acres, leaving a mere 3% contained in its initial stages. The speed and ferocity of the fire left little time for residents to salvage belongings, forcing many to flee with only the essentials. This sudden displacement has left families facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch, grappling with both emotional and financial burdens.
The destruction of Stern’s home represents not just the loss of personal possessions but also the disruption of a significant creative endeavor. His backyard studio, painstakingly constructed and filled with props and sets for the Butthole Surfers documentary, was also consumed by the flames. This loss is a significant setback for the project, which was nearing completion and slated to premiere at a major film festival within months. The documentary, years in the making, represents a significant investment of time, energy, and passion for Stern, and the fire has thrown its future into uncertainty.
Compounding the tragedy is the inadequate insurance coverage Stern had on his property. While insured, the “bare minimum” policy will likely cover only a fraction of the exorbitant rebuilding costs in Altadena, where average home prices hover around $1.3 million. Having moved to the area just three years prior following a difficult divorce, Stern had found solace and inspiration in the close-knit community of artists and creatives. The prospect of rebuilding, both his home and his life, is now a monumental challenge.
In the face of this devastating loss, Stern’s friends and colleagues have rallied to support him. Peter Orth and Jonathan Wolff launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his recovery and rebuilding efforts. The fundraiser aims to help Stern replace some of his lost belongings, salvage the Butthole Surfers documentary, and ultimately, begin the arduous process of rebuilding his home. The outpouring of support reflects the deep impact Stern has had on his community and the widespread recognition of his creative talent.
Despite the immense challenges ahead, Stern remains focused on completing his documentary. Temporarily residing with a friend, he is determined to bring the Butthole Surfers project to fruition, a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. While the Eaton Fire has left an indelible scar on the landscape and the lives of those affected, the community’s collective efforts to rebuild, both physically and emotionally, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. The story of Tom Stern serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
