San Fernando Valley turns out for LAFD tribute breakfast

More than 850 residents, elected officials and community groups gathered in Van Nuys on Saturday for the second annual Breakfast with the Brave, honoring LAFD firefighters serving the San Fernando Valley. The event highlighted the Valley’s gratitude for the department after last year’s January Palisades fire and drew broad civic support.

Why it matters: - The turnout showed broad public support for LAFD in the San Fernando Valley. - Organizers framed the event as a community thank-you to firefighters who respond when local neighborhoods need help most. - The breakfast also underscored the role of local fire stations as community gathering points, not just emergency response sites.

What happened: - The 818 Week Planning Committee hosted the second annual LAFD Firefighter Appreciation Breakfast, “Saluting Our Firefighting Heroes: Breakfast with the Brave,” on Saturday morning at LAFD Fire Station 39 in Van Nuys. - More than 850 San Fernando Valley residents, elected officials and community organizations attended. - CBS Los Angeles covered the event and reported that LAFD crews were celebrated at the Van Nuys IHOP as part of the breakfast. - Los Angeles Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents Council District 6 and Fire Station 39, welcomed the crowd. - Mayor Victoria Garcia of the City of San Fernando delivered an opening tribute to the department.

The details: - The morning opened with DJ Baltazar Radio. - LAPD Cadets, youth volunteers and Girl Scout Troop 3246 led the Pledge of Allegiance. - Evangelist Hilda Pierce of Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church sang the Star-Spangled Banner. - Nahui Ollin Aztec/Mexico opened the program with a ceremonial welcome dance honoring the roots of the San Fernando Valley community. - Pastor Eli Wells of Valley Berean Christian Church gave the opening prayer. - Girl Scout Troop 3246 led the room in “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” - Performances included a youth mariachi set from Mariachi Juvenil Corazón de Oro, an Armenian dance tribute from Ararat Dance Studio, and appearances by the GALS School Cheerleaders and Dance Team. - Sheba Turk of KCAL and CBS Los Angeles co-hosted with 818 Week Planning Committee member Edwin Rosales. - A special tribute to LAFD included presentation of the Valley Treasure Award to Evan Lovett of L.A. in a Minute and KNX, introduced by LAUSD School Board President Scott Schmerelson. - Attendees included Congressman Brad Sherman, Congresswoman Luz Rivas, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez, Councilmember Imelda Padilla, Mayor Victoria Garcia and Councilmember Mary Mendoza. - Senator Alex Padilla sent a recorded message. - The Van Nuys, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills and Encino Neighborhood Councils sent greetings and support. - Residents signed a giant Thank You Portable Mural presented in honor of the LAFD Valley Bureau. - IHOP Encino hosted and underwrote the breakfast. - Brenda Watson of Lighthouse Christian Center in San Fernando closed the program in prayer. - LAFD Valley Bureau Commander Deputy Chief Luis Aldana said the turnout reflected the department’s commitment to the Valley and the community’s support for LAFD. - 818 Week Committee member Brenda Watson said the Valley would never forget that LAFD saved the San Fernando Valley last year during the January Palisades fire.

Between the lines: - The event blended civic recognition, faith, youth performances and cultural groups to broaden the sense of shared community around LAFD. - The repeated emphasis on last year’s fire suggests the breakfast was also a public reminder of LAFD’s role in major emergencies. - The large mix of elected officials and neighborhood councils signals that fire service support remains a unifying issue across the Valley.

What's next: - The 818 Week Planning Committee said more information about 818 Week and future events is available through the planning committee. - The volunteer-led coalition is expected to keep using community events to celebrate San Fernando Valley neighborhoods and local service organizations.

The bottom line: - The second annual Breakfast with the Brave became a high-turnout show of gratitude for LAFD and a civic demonstration of Valley unity.