In the aftermath of the devastating Eaton fire in Altadena, California, residents are grappling with the decision of whether to rebuild their community or leave for good. The fire ravaged large parts of the neighborhood, leaving many homes destroyed and a lingering smell of toxic smoke in the air. While some families, like that of Miles Loudermilk, whose home remained intact, face a crossroads of uncertainty, others are left to ponder the future of a community that has been a cherished part of their lives.
A month after the fire, Loudermilk and his parents, both in their 70s, are contemplating the long-term implications of the destruction. Many homes on West Terrace Street are boarded up, as residents choose to stay away, unsure of what the future holds. "The landscape around the area is just decimated. We don’t know if that’s going to be looking that way for the next two or three, four, five, 10 years," Loudermilk expressed, highlighting the uncertainty that looms over the community.
A rallying cry has emerged among the residents: "Altadena is not for sale." This phrase has been seen on numerous yard signs throughout the area, where once vibrant neighborhoods thrived. The eclectic nature of Altadena attracted many, with its mix of artists and independent thinkers who enjoyed a small-town atmosphere, often characterized by unique homes and easy access to nature. However, the fire has left behind only remnants of this history, with trees being one of the few surviving elements.
Hans Allhoff, chair of Altadena Heritage, voiced concerns regarding the potential loss of the community’s character amid a regulated rebuild. "I think there is a concern that with a heavily supervised, regulated rebuild, we’ll lose some of that," he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the unique essence of the area.
The fire’s impact has been profound, with many residents, including Allhoff himself, losing their homes. The community is now faced with the challenge of coming together to forge a path forward. Some residents fear that if they do not unite in their efforts to return, the area could be reshaped by outside developers, resulting in a loss of the community’s spirit and identity.
Before the fire, Altadena was home to approximately 42,000 people, with a rich history of multigenerational families and locally-run businesses. The fire’s destruction has left many families, particularly in historical Black neighborhoods, uncertain about their future. Leslie Aitken, a long-time resident who lost her home, emphasized the need for compassion towards senior residents who may be forced to make difficult decisions about their future.
At a recent town hall meeting, residents gathered to hear from officials and experts about available resources for rebuilding. Representatives from FEMA and the Small Business Administration provided information on assistance programs, urging residents to apply for help regardless of their insurance status. Aitken voiced a plea for understanding, stating, "Be gentle with us. Because we don’t have maybe another 15 years looking in front of us."
Community member Freddy Sayegh, who lost his childhood home, has taken on a leadership role in advocating for collective action among residents. He proposed forming a coalition to approach contractors as a unified group, which could lead to cost savings and a smoother rebuilding process. Sayegh emphasized the importance of solidarity, saying, "We must fight for each other because that’s all who’s going to care about us — our neighbors."
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, the sentiment remains strong: residents are committed to preserving the essence of Altadena. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but many believe that through unity and determination, they can rebuild not just their homes, but their community as well.