City National and LA Galaxy Build Pasadena Soccer Space After Wildfires

Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School in Pasadena, California, is located just one mile from the burn zones of the devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025. The fire burned more than 14,000 acres over 24 days, destroyed 9,414 structures, and tragically claimed 19 lives. 

Many members of the school’s community were impacted by the wildfires and lost their homes, including Arian Whitley, Octavia E. Butler’s principal. To support the community, the school received a powerful symbol of hope and resilience: a brand-new mini soccer pitch donated by City National Bank and the LA Galaxy. This new space provides students with a place to play and inspires the community to reconnect on the field. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Pasadena Unified School District, and the City of Pasadena, the project is designed to promote wellness and fun, foster connection through soccer, and support the region’s ongoing recovery efforts. 

The mini-pitch unveiling launched LA Galaxy’s tribute weekend for legendary midfielder Cobi Jones, one of the club’s most iconic players, whose name now graces the pitch. Jones joined the community for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, signed autographs, posed for photos, and played soccer with some of the students. 

This donation builds on Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) jersey partnership with the LA Galaxy and City National’s founding partnership with the Galaxy’s home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park. It is also part of the commitment both banks made to long-term wildfire recovery, which began with a $3 million contribution made in the immediate aftermath of the fires.

Earlier this year, City National reinforced its ongoing commitment to community rebuilding by presenting the American Youth Soccer Organization’s (AYSO) Region 13, which serves the Altadena and Pasadena community, with $25,000 in LA Galaxy tickets, giving the league’s young soccer players the opportunity to watch the pros,  and donating $25,000 to Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School to restore youth soccer programs and provide much-needed sports equipment.  

“This new mini-pitch is about giving our students a place where they can move, connect, and feel a sense of ownership on their campus. After the disruption our community experienced during the fires, having a space like this helps restore a sense of normalcy and belonging in their daily school experience,” said Whitley, Principal of Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School. “We’re grateful to the LA Galaxy, City National, the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the City of Pasadena and all of the partners who helped make this possible for our students.” 

With this partnership, Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School has gained more than just a soccer field – it has gained a symbol of hope for a brighter future for its students and the community.