People Killed in Palisades/Eaton Fire to be Honored at Rose Parade

This is a depiction of the float that will honor the deceased and the survivors in the Rose Bowl Parade.

This editor received the following message: “Hello, I am the sister-in-law of Lora Swayne who was one of the 19 who died in the Eaton Fire. I am trying to help the California Community Foundation get in touch with relatives of the 31 who died in both the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

“As you may know, there will be a Rose Parade Float honoring those who lost homes/business in both areas as well as honoring the 31,” Swayne said. “I offered to help give a list of the 31 plus any family members and it’s been quite a task for me and I just found this site (Circling the News) while looking up one of the people in the Palisades,”

She’s asking people who know the deceased to please contact her. “I can put family names/contact info on the list, and give them to my contact person, which is Giliean Silsby with Cal Comm Foundation.”

“They would really like to get in touch with families before the Rose Parade. Thanks,” Shirley McCombs-Swayne 818-730-3930

“Rising Together:” Wildfire Survivors Will Have a Dedicated Float in the 137th Rose Parade

Those affected by the wildfires, the deceased and the survivors, will be honored in the Rose Parade presented by Honda float.

The California Community Foundation (CCF) and the Black Freedom Fund (BFF) are co-sponsoring the 55-foot-long float, “Rising Together.”

No funds designated to support wildfire survivors were used to sponsor the float. Rather, the float serves as a tribute to the 31 residents who lost their lives in the 2025 wildfires and honors the resilience and strength of the more than 13,000 families who lost their homes.

The float showcases a phoenix rising, representing renewal and collective strength; California native plants and depictions of the San Gabriel Mountains, where the Eaton Fire burned; and waves and shoreline elements honoring the coastal communities of Pacific Palisades and Malibu which were devastated by the Palisades Fire.

To honor the lives lost, 31 sunflowers will appear on the float — a symbol of remembrance and resilience.

Those riding and walking alongside the float will include:

• Families who lost their homes
• Older adults who are facing uncertainty about their future
• Community volunteers and grassroots leaders who organized food drives, resource sharing and emotional support networks in the fires’ aftermath
• Survivors representing the diverse communities impacted, many of whom are experiencing disproportionate displacement and recovery barriers.*

Gina Clayton Johnson, founder and executive director of Essie Justice Group, lost her home and her parents’ home in the Eaton Fire.

“Losing my home and seeing my parents lose theirs was devastating. What has carried me through is the strength of the community that raised me. I grew up watching the Rose Parade and even took part in its traditions as a young girl, never imagining I would one day return as a survivor. Riding on this float is not about celebration; it is about honoring our neighbors who are still grieving, still rebuilding and still fighting for answers. It is a reminder that when communities stand together in truth and accountability, we rise,” said Clayton Johnson.

Sue Kohl, president of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, lost her home in Pacific Palisades and will also ride on the float. “It’s an incredible honor to ride on the Rose Parade float representing wildfire survivors.  Losing my home and my town in the Palisades Fire was devastating, but today I ride to celebrate resilience, renewal and the unbreakable spirit of a community that refuses to be defined by loss.”

Additionally, the Palisades Long-Term Recovery Group is seeking relatives and friends of those who died in the Palisades Fire to honor them on a special white-glove memorial. If one of your loves ones passed away, please email info@paliltrg.org.