Altadena Fire Survivors Fight Foreclosure & Demand Justice from Southern California Edison

Altadena Fire Devastation and Community Impact

• 🔥 The 2025 fires in Los Angeles, specifically the Palisades and Eaton fires, caused widespread destruction, displacing over 100,000 people and destroying approximately 16,000 buildings and homes.
• 🏘️ The historically Black community of Altadena was left in ruins, with over 6,000 homes destroyed, 60% of which were owned by Black families.
• 💔 Filmmaker Ondi Timoner, who lost her home, and community activist Heavenly Hughes are highlighting the struggles of residents in the Oscar-shortlisted documentary "All the Walls Came Down."

Community Organizing and Rebuilding Efforts

• 🤝 Community bonds strengthened after the fires, leading to "power luncheons" where displaced residents connect and support each other.
• 🌱 Despite the devastation, there is a strong commitment to rebuilding Altadena, with organizers encouraging residents to remain and participate in the reconstruction.
• 🗣️ Community members are demanding a voice in conversations with elected officials, particularly Supervisor Barger, to ensure the preservation of their Black and Brown community.

Southern California Edison's Role and Responsibility

• ⚡ Southern California Edison has accepted responsibility for starting the Eaton Fire, reportedly due to failing to shut off power during high winds and maintaining a dormant power line.
• ⏳ The utility company has stated they will not pay out claims until the following year, creating an urgent housing crisis for over 61% of Altadena families facing potential foreclosure.
• 💰 Activists are calling on Edison to tap into its emergency funds of billions of dollars to provide immediate financial assistance to families and prevent foreclosures.

Predatory Practices and Financial Hardship

• 📈 Developers are engaging in predatory behavior, offering low-ball amounts for land to residents experiencing hardship, effectively buying up properties at pennies on the dollar.
• 📄 Many residents are also facing issues with their insurance companies, which are reportedly not paying out claims, forcing homeowners to pay for repairs upfront before reimbursement, a difficult feat after losing everything.
• 🏛️ A petition is circulating to place a moratorium on foreclosures, urging Governor Newsom and the legislature to act to protect Black and Brown families from losing their land while awaiting compensation from the power company.