Altadena could see temporary relief from predatory developers as new home offers signs of hope
Altadena residents still reeling from the devastating Eaton Fire scored a pair of victories this week — one in Sacramento and another back home — as lawmakers moved to shield the community from developers while a new modular home rose from the ashes of a burned-down landmark.California lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously advanced Senate Bill 1090, legislation supporters say would protect fire survivors from opportunistic developers seeking to reshape the devastated neighborhood before longtime residents have a chance to rebuild.Just a day earlier, recovery efforts became visible in Altadena when a crane lowered a modular accessory dwelling unit onto the site of the former Bunny Museum, which was destroyed in the fire.The demonstration home – built by Team AB Builds – is intended to showcase how modular construction could help speed rebuilding across the community.The legislation and the construction are a symbolic turning point for a town still struggling to recover from one of Los Angeles County’s most destructive wildfires.“This is important community-driven legislation,” bill author state Sen.
Sasha Renee Perez, D-Pasadena, said in Sacramento.The bill would temporarily exempt Altadena from state zoning laws that allow multi-unit development on lots formerly occupied by single-family homes, giving displaced homeowners more time to rebuild before investors can capitalize on the destruction.“It will protect Eaton Fire survivors and allow them the time they need to rebuild their community without the overpowering influence of predatory developers looking to take advantage of the devastation and suffering caused by the Eaton fire.”The proposal stems from the aftermath of the Jan.7, 2025, Eaton Fire, which scorched 14,921 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures across Altadena and Pasadena, and wiped out roughly 6,000 single-family homes in Altadena alone.Perez said survivors are increasingly vulnerable to lowball offers from speculators eager to buy up da...