Nickerson Gardens honors founder's legacy after descendent dies in Eaton Fire
The Nickerson Gardens neighborhood held a candlelight vigil to honor Rodney Nickerson, whose grandfather founded the largest public housing community in Los Angeles.
"What tonight is about here in South Los Angeles is that there are no borders," LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides said.
Nickerson died inside of his Altadena home during the Eaton Fire. Kimiko Nickerson said her father Rodney insisted on staying in their family home that he purchased in 1968 for $5.
"We found his bones, his whole body was intact," Kimiko said.
The Nickerson family is deeply rooted in the Los Angeles community. Kimiko said her great-grandfather, William Nickerson was the founder and owner of Nickerson Gardens in Watts, the largest public housing development in Los Angeles.
"We just want to show the love for the William Nickerson family and thank them; because of them our community exists," organizer Donny Joubert said.
The Eaton Fire decimated neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena, making it one of the deadliest in California's history. More than 7,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed and 16 deaths have been reported.
It is also one of the top 20 most destructive wildfires in the state and fire officials said Tuesday that the 14,117-acre blaze has reached 35% containment.