Imagine Altadena in the spring. That’s what René Amy did when he created and funded the Great Altadena Poppy Project.

The image persisted even as the 65-year-old community activist spent the past 10 months doing all he can to recover, rebuild and return to his hometown: What would the Altadena burn scar look like if 100,000,000 California Poppy seeds were sown across the fire-ravaged community, all for free?

“Folks need hope these days and I know that I do. It’s been a truly-terrible grind for everyone, and spirits are low,” Amy said. “California poppies exemplify beauty, grace and resilience. They’re self-sufficient, drought tolerant, and will grow and flower in the toughest conditions. Altadenans know what tough is and this project is intended to help renew and encourage those who ha

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