In a significant show of unity, more than 450 Altadena residents gathered at a Town Council meeting on Tuesday to voice their concerns over proposed dense developments in the community.
The meeting highlighted the residents’ determination to preserve their neighborhood’s identity following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, which occurred 18 months ago.
The proposed developments, enabled by state laws SB 9 and SB 1123, would allow multi-unit residences to replace single-family homes destroyed in the fire. Nearly half of the properties in the burn zone have been purchased by developers, causing alarm among residents who fear losing their community’s character. Francine Cafarchia, an Eaton Fire survivor, expressed her distress, stating, “It’s my beautiful Altadena and they’re going to ruin it.”
Local leaders, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, have introduced SB 1090, the Keep Altadena Lands in Altadena Hands Act. This bill aims to exempt Altadena from the state laws, allowing the community to rebuild on its terms. Pérez emphasized that the bill is “not a ban on density,” but rather a response to concerns about developers splitting lots into multiple parcels.
Community advocacy groups, such as Beautiful Altadena, have been instrumental in rallying support for the bill. Shawna Dawson Beer, leader of Beautiful Altadena, highlighted the importance of fairness and equal protection for fire survivors. She noted that the original purpose of the state housing bills was for urban infill, not for communities like Altadena.
The bill will undergo two committee votes in the state Assembly. If approved, it will proceed to the full Assembly for consideration. As the community continues its recovery efforts, residents hope to maintain Altadena’s unique character while addressing the need for affordable housing.
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