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Study Reveals Eaton Fire’s Impact on Altadena’s Black Community

A recent study conducted by UCLA has shed light on the devastating effects of the Eaton fire on the Black residents of Altadena, revealing a disproportionate impact on their homes and financial well-being. The fire, which destroyed over 9,000 structures in the heart of Altadena, ravaged historically Black neighborhoods that have long endured racial discrimination and more recent gentrification.

The study, published by UCLA on Tuesday, found that Black residents in Altadena were 1.3 times more likely to have experienced major damage or complete destruction of their homes during the inferno. Additionally, Black fire victims tended to be older and faced financial challenges that would hinder their ability to rebuild compared to residents as a whole.

According to the study, 61% of Black households in Altadena were within the fire’s perimeter, compared to 50% of non-Black households. Nearly half of Black residents’ homes were either leveled or suffered severe damage, in contrast to 37% of non-Black households. Lorrie Frasure, an author of the study and director of the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA, emphasized the urgency of addressing the specific needs of the affected Black community. “This kind of shock that happens so swiftly affects a large number of households in a 24-hour period,” Frasure explained. “The data can shed light on who’s at risk and the particular ways in which we need to address a middle-class community.”

Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

The emotional toll of the fire’s destruction is exemplified in the story of Lisa Odigie, whose family home in Janes Village was destroyed in the blaze. The house, which had been in her family for decades, held cherished memories and dreams for the future. However, the fire took everything, leaving Odigie devastated. Reflecting on the loss, she remarked, “What you spend 20, 30 years building is just wiped out in an instant.”

The Impact of Historical Policies on Altadena’s Black Community

The history of Altadena, marked by segregation and redlining policies, has played a significant role in shaping its communities. The Home Owners’ Loan Corp. created a security map in 1939 that ranked neighborhoods based on risk to lenders. This classification led to suppressed home prices in the western part of Altadena, where Black families were able to purchase homes despite societal barriers. By 1970, 70% of Black households in Altadena owned their homes, a rate nearly double that of Black residents elsewhere in Los Angeles County.

However, gentrification and rising home prices in recent decades have led to a decline in the Black population in Altadena. The current median home value in Altadena exceeds $1 million, making it increasingly difficult for new Black homeowners to afford property. The study warns that the younger Black community, already struggling with homeownership, will face additional obstacles in the aftermath of the fire.

Legal Challenges and Community Concerns

Attorney Ben Crump, known for filing wrongful death lawsuits against Southern California Edison after the Eaton fire, highlighted the generational wealth lost in the tragedy. Many families lost not only their homes but also the opportunity to pass down assets to future generations. Crump emphasized the importance of preserving the community’s legacy amidst fears of outside investors taking advantage of vulnerable residents.

The aftermath of the Eaton fire has left a lasting impact on Altadena’s Black community, with challenges in rebuilding, financial security, and preserving generational wealth. As residents navigate the process of recovery, it is crucial to address the specific needs of those most affected, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories are not forgotten.