The recent sale of a fire-damaged property in Altadena has sparked a wave of concern and discussion among residents. The property, located on Calaveras Street, was one of the first homes destroyed by the devastating Eaton Fire in January. Despite being listed for sale just days ago, the lot has already been sold for significantly more than its asking price of $449,000. Real estate agent Brock Harris, who handled the listing, reported an overwhelming response from potential buyers, with over 100 inquiries and a dozen offers, mostly from professional home builders. The property’s appeal lies in its flat, buildable terrain—a rare commodity in Los Angeles County.
Harris explains that homeowners affected by the fire are faced with three primary options: rebuild their homes, wait indefinitely, or sell their lots and move on. The seller of the Calaveras Street property, who had been renting it out as an investment, chose the third option, citing the lengthy and uncertain process of rebuilding. However, the sale of this lot has ignited fears among some community members about the potential influx of outside developers and the loss of Altadena’s unique character. Harris acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes that many buyers are eager to build homes that align with the area’s aesthetic and cultural identity. He predicts that the area’s recovery will be a mix of local families rebuilding and professionals constructing new homes at their own pace.
The sale of the Calaveras Street property has become a symbol of broader anxieties in Altadena. Many residents, including Jeanette Munoz, whose home was destroyed in the fire, are worried about the future of their community. Munoz expressed her concerns, saying, “It was a lot of family homes, it really sucks.” She hopes that displaced families will stay and rebuild, creating an even stronger community than before. These fears have prompted local activists to rally together, urging fire victims not to sell their properties to developers. On Saturday, community members gathered at an event where they wore “Altadena Not for Sale” t-shirts and advocates spoke about the importance of preserving the area’s legacy, particularly its historic Black neighborhoods.
The event drew support from high-profile figures, including Grammy-nominated musician Aloe Blacc, whose children attend school in Altadena. Blacc, whose real name is Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III, shared his deep love for the community and stated his commitment to using his platform to protect it. He emphasized the importance of allowing long-time residents, many of whom were forced to the outskirts of the city due to decades of discriminatory housing practices, to maintain their generational wealth and pass it down to their families. Blacc’s message resonated with the crowd, as did the words of Anthony McFarland from Lift International Church, who urged residents not to sell their properties quickly. McFarland warned that developers are aware of the area’s potential for significant growth in value over the next few years and are trying to capitalize on the vulnerability of fire victims.
The event was organized in response to reports that many residents had been approached by developers less than a month after the fire. Heavenly Hughes, a community activist involved in planning the gathering, described the situation as a fight against “vultures” looking to take advantage of the community’s misfortune. Hughes and others are advocating for inclusive rebuilding efforts that prioritize the rights of current residents to return and rebuild their homes. The event served as a powerful reminder of the community’s resilience and determination to preserve its identity in the face of External pressures.
As Altadena begins the long process of recovery, the sale of the Calaveras Street property serves as a microcosm of the challenges ahead. While some residents have chosen to sell their lots, others are determined to stay and rebuild, driven by a deep connection to their community and its history. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties, but the outpouring of support at Saturday’s event suggests that Altadena’s residents are ready to come together and fight for their home’s future. Whether through rebuilding, advocating, or simply raising awareness, the people of Altadena are united in their determination to ensure that their community remains a place where families can thrive for generations to come.
