Kai Rizdahl

Dr. Gobindath, thanks for your time.

I really do appreciate it.

I want you to turn around and tell me what you see right here on the corner of Mariposa and Lake, on this lot.

Chalene Hearing lost her martial arts studio in the Eaton Fire a year ago today.

We first met her back in March in front of what used to be the Two Dragons Martial Arts Studio on the corner of Mariposa and Lake Avenues in Altadena.

We're standing in that exact same spot now, across the street from Joey Galloway's two buildings and Jimmy Orlandini's hardware store.

Instead of scattered debris and melted steel beams, though, we're looking at what, to me, is just a smooth, dirt-covered lot.

Chalene, though, sees possibility.

She started Two Dragons with her late husband more than 30 years ago.

She teaches classes now with her son.

It's another of Altadena's multi-generational family businesses.

Before the fire, she rented space in her building.

Now she wants to own it.

How are you going to make that happen?

You have to raise a whole ton of money to make that happen.

Right?

So right now I'm working with Greenline.

Greenline Housing Foundation is a nonprofit based in Los Angeles County that provides financial assistance and education to people of color.

They've bought the lot and given Chalene the right of first refusal to buy it from them.

You're still teaching.