Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena

01/12/25

“Why should the State of California prioritize the rebuilding of Altadena?”

The wildfires sweeping Los Angeles have decimated humungous swaths of the metropolitan area. Altadena, a town in the San Gabriel Valley region, is one of the most affected places. Altadena is a diverse, dynamic community that’s long served as a cornerstone of the region’s Black American population. Altadena was one of the few places in Los Angeles County where Black Americans could receive a home mortgage during the redlining era, allowing it to hold a multigenerational Black American community. On January 7th, 2025 around 6:30 pm Pacific time, the Eaton fire started in Altadena, and spread over the city. Over 7,000 structures have been destroyed and the entirety of the town was evacuated. Given Altadena’s significance as a home for these communities fleeing racist state abuse, California should be obligated to rebuild Altadena. This is Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena.

If you need help or would like to provide help Black Altadena/Pasadena families hurt because of the LA fires, please check out the Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena Mutual Aid Directory for resources

Image credit: Nextdoor