'This is the beginning': $4 million for affordable housing in Altadena sparks new hope

Nearly every house on West Palm Street in Altadena was destroyed by fire, yet residents express a strong commitment to return and rebuild their community. The emotional ties to the neighborhood highlight the resilience of the affected families.

The Eaton fire devastated the community of Altadena, claiming the life of Zaire Calvin's sister and destroying his family home. Since the tragedy, Calvin has been an advocate for the local Black community, seeking to address the aftermath of the disaster and the ongoing challenges faced by survivors.

Rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades and Altadena are gaining momentum after a challenging start, with permitting processes showing varied speeds compared to other fire-affected areas like Santa Rosa and Paradise. Recent analyses indicate a more favorable pace of reconstruction in these communities following devastating fires earlier this year.

Nearly a year after the devastating fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, residents and experts are highlighting ongoing water supply issues that hampered firefighting efforts. The lack of water from hydrants during the crisis has led to calls for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to prevent future disasters.

During the January firestorms in Los Angeles, emergency alert failures severely undermined public trust, with residents in Altadena receiving evacuation orders five hours late and erroneous alerts sent to 10 million people countywide. This situation has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the emergency response system in place.

A coalition of Eaton fire survivors and community groups has urged Southern California Edison to provide immediate housing assistance for those displaced by the January 7 wildfire, which destroyed numerous homes. The call for action highlights the urgent need for support as many individuals and families struggle to find stable housing in the aftermath of the disaster.