ALTADENA, Calif. — The devastating wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area have sparked concern not only for the houses of the rich and famous but also for the longstanding communities of Black families that have thrived in the Altadena region. The fires’ destruction casts a shadow over neighborhoods that have historically provided refuge from discriminatory housing practices, allowing families to flourish in homes they owned in an environment of racial and economic diversity.
The scale of the damages raises fears about the long-term impact on these communities. Recovery may prove difficult for many affected residents, and the looming threat of gentrification could alter the character of the area altogether. Samantha Santoro, a 22-year-old student at Cal Poly Pomona, articulated her frustration about media coverage prioritizing celebrity uproar over the lives of everyday residents. She expressed deep concern for her Mexican immigrant parents who, alongside neighbors in Altadena, face an uncertain path forward after losing their homes.
“This isn’t like having a second home to fall back on,” Santoro lamented. The family had enjoyed stable rental rates at their two-bedroom home but is now temporarily reliant on relatives in Pasadena. With only renters insurance aiding them, Santoro reflected on the harsh reality of losing everything her parents worked for throughout their lives.
In Altadena, which sustains a population of around 42,000, the blend of small bungalows and lavish estates comprises a strong community fabric that supports blue-collar workers, artists, and professionals alike. According to census statistics, 58% of residents identify as non-white, with a significant proportion being Hispanic and Black. The area gained prominence during the Civil Rights era as a place where Black Americans could secure home ownership without the barriers commonly imposed by systemic racism. With an impressive Black home ownership rate of 81.5%, Altadena stands out in contrast to national figures.
Victoria Knapp, chair of the Altadena Town Council, expressed her concerns that the consequences of the fire might permanently alter the neighborhoods. She fears that developers will seize the chance to transform destroyed properties, projecting significant impacts on residents with fewer resources. “Those individuals will suffer the most,” Knapp asserted.
Kenneth Snowden, a 57-year-old resident, reflected on his family’s long ties to Altadena, which afforded them the opportunity to purchase homes since the early 1960s. This history was shattered as both his own home and another he bought later were consumed by flames. He is advocating for fair assistance from state and federal authorities, stressing that all impacted homes, regardless of their value, deserve equal consideration.
“I want zero percent interest loans to help us rebuild and reclaim our lives,” he stated. “If there’s money to be spent in other areas, then surely there is a way to support us through this disaster.”
Similar sentiments were voiced by Shawn Brown, who not only lost her home but the charter school she established in Altadena. She urged fellow homeowners not to succumb to offers that might tempt them to sell their properties: “Rebuild and continue the progress of African-Americans for future generations,” she advised.
The Pasadena Rosebud Academy team is currently fundraising for a new home while seeking temporary accommodations in churches. However, even some churches were not spared; the Altadena Baptist Church sees its bell tower as one of the few remaining structures.
Rev. George Van Alstine is actively assisting over ten church members who have lost their homes while navigating the complexities of insurance claims and federal support. He expressed concern that ongoing fires would accelerate gentrification, resulting in displacement for many Black families within his congregation.
“There are families here who might be forced to leave because rebuilding costs will be insurmountable for them,” he noted.
Another resident, 32-year-old photographer Daniela Dawson, had been managing two jobs to meet her rent but fled the fire with little more than her vehicle and cat. She lost countless pieces of photography equipment and acknowledged her regret for not having renter’s insurance.
Dawson plans to return to Arizona to regroup but does not anticipate returning to Altadena in the future.
As these communities begin to assess the damage and contemplate their next steps, the soul and character of Altadena hang in the balance, with many residents striving to rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty and loss.
