Through Smoke and Ash: DL Lyons Fights for His Mother, His Shop, and Altadena’s Soul

On this episode of Conversation Live: Altadena Rising, host James Farr welcomes Darrin “DL” Lyons—celebrity barber, community icon, and entrepreneur with deep roots in Altadena. DL shares the unforgettable night he and his mother braved the Eaton Canyon fire, fighting to save his barbershop from destruction. With embers the size of softballs falling from the sky, he acted on instinct and faith, using a trash can to stamp out flames.

But the fire’s impact went beyond one night. DL opens up about the lingering toll on the community—unsafe air, contaminated water, and businesses left in limbo. Through it all, his bond with Altadena remains unshaken. This episode is a powerful portrait of resilience, legacy, and what it means to stand your ground when everything around you is burning.