'The only thing still left.' Volunteers race to save Altadena's vintage tiles from the bulldozers

Los Angeles Times - Mar 18th, 2025

In Altadena, a group of volunteers known as 'Save the Tiles' is working tirelessly to salvage historic tiles from homes affected by the Eaton fire before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers demolishes the remaining structures. The group is dedicated to preserving thousands of vintage tiles, including those from the renowned California Arts and Crafts movement. Volunteers, led by Eric Garland and Devon Douglas, face challenges in locating homeowners for permission and racing against time as demolition looms. Their efforts have saved tiles from about 50 homes out of the 200 identified as containing significant artistic and cultural history.

The significance of this effort lies in the cultural and historical value of the tiles, many of which were crafted by famed artisans like Ernest Batchelder. These tiles, often found in homes, businesses, and civic institutions across Southern California, reflect the region's rich artistic heritage and diverse cultural influences. The project underscores the importance of preserving such artifacts amidst the devastation of natural disasters, offering homeowners a chance to retain a piece of their past and cultural identity. The initiative has gained support and funding, emphasizing the community's commitment to heritage conservation.

Eaton Fire Altadena Save The Tiles Eric Garland Devon Douglas U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Ernest Batchelder Arts And Crafts Movement Historic Preservation

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The story provides a compelling and largely accurate account of the efforts to preserve historic tiles in Altadena following the Eaton Fire. It effectively balances factual content with human interest elements, making it both informative and engaging. The article is well-written and accessible, with a clear narrative that captures the emotional and cultural significance of the preservation efforts. While the story could benefit from greater transparency in methodology and a wider range of sources, it successfully highlights the importance of cultural heritage and community resilience. Overall, the article is a strong piece of journalism that raises awareness about the value of preserving history in the face of natural disasters.

Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of the efforts to preserve historic tiles in Altadena following the Eaton Fire. The factual claims, such as the involvement of the 'Save the Tiles' group, the historical significance of Batchelder tiles, and the challenges faced in contacting homeowners, are supported by multiple sources. The narrative accurately describes the impact of the fire and the cultural value of the tiles. However, some details, such as the exact number of homes affected and the condition of the tiles post-fire, would benefit from additional verification. Overall, the story is largely accurate and well-supported by available information.

Balance

The story provides a balanced view by highlighting the perspectives of homeowners, volunteers, and experts in historic preservation. It captures the emotional and cultural significance of the tiles, as well as the logistical challenges faced by the volunteers. However, it could offer more insight into the perspectives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their role in the demolition process. Including these views would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and the competing interests involved.

Clarity

The story is well-structured and clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative. The language is accessible, and the use of direct quotes and vivid descriptions helps to convey the emotional impact of the situation. The story effectively balances factual information with human interest elements, making it engaging and easy to comprehend. Overall, the clarity of the writing is a strong point of the article.

Source quality

The story relies on credible sources, including direct quotes from volunteers, homeowners, and experts in tile conservation. The involvement of individuals with relevant expertise, such as masons and historians, adds to the reliability of the information. However, the story could benefit from a wider range of sources, particularly official statements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or local government officials, to provide a more complete picture of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides context about the historical significance of the tiles and the motivations of the volunteers. It explains the challenges faced in the preservation effort, such as contacting homeowners and the technical aspects of tile removal. However, it lacks detailed information about the methodology used to identify and prioritize homes for tile preservation. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the reader's understanding of the decision-making process and the potential biases involved.