Over seven hundred San Fernando Valley residents came together on August 23, 2025, to celebrate and honor the extraordinary service of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) during the 818 Week LAFD Appreciation Event, a vibrant day of gratitude, culture, and unity.
The program opened with the powerful rhythms of DJ Baltazar Radio and a stunning Mexican ceremonial dance by Nahui Ollin Aztec/Mexico, setting the tone for a morning of heartfelt tributes.
The 818 Week Committee, a dedicated and diverse group of volunteers from across the Valley, worked tirelessly to plan the event, showcasing the strength and spirit of the community. Committee member Edwin Rosales offered a moving reflection on witnessing the January wildfires from Reseda and affirmed solidarity with communities in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and other fire-impacted neighborhoods: “You are not alone. Together, we will rise, rebuild, and restore what was lost.”
The ceremony featured cultural performances, including the Malaya Filipino Dance Arts, Ararat Armenian Dance Studio, Girl Scouts Troop 3246, and GALS School and Van Nuys High School Cheerleaders, symbolizing the Valley’s rich diversity.
Highlights included:
- Presentation of the Colors by LAPD Van Nuys Cadets, with LAFD Explorer Cadets and local Girl Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
- National Anthem sung by Cile Borman, Pacoima, and a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice” by Girl Scouts Troop 3246.
- A flag presentation from the U.S. Army Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion to LAFD Los Angeles Fire Department Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, honoring the department’s courage during the January firestorms.
- Remarks from Councilmember Imelda Padilla (CD6), Congressmember Brad Sherman, CA Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, Mayor Karen Bass, City Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Monica Rodriguez, and Adrin Nazarian, San Fernando Mayor Mary Mendoza, and LAUSD School Board President Scott Schmerelson.
Greetings from Van Nuys Neighborhood Council – Panorama City Neighborhood Council – Encino Neighborhood Council – Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council – Sylmar Neighborhood Council – Foothills Trails District Neighborhood Council
Guests also signed a giant Thank You Portable Mural, a lasting tribute to be presented to the LAFD in recognition of their heroism.
“This event was more than just a ceremony; it was a message of gratitude, resilience, and unity,” said event planner Gwendolyn Posey. “It showed that when we come together as a community, we can create something powerful and lasting.”
The event concluded with thanks to the 818 Week Committee, sponsors, and the broader community for their support in making the celebration a success. A special acknowledgment to IHOP-Encino for underwriting the cost of the breakfast and preparing the meal.
Please see videos and photos, and more to come: https://www.facebook.com/818Week