Posted on 06/18/2026 5:48:58 AM PDT by Libloather
Anger and anxiety filled a packed town hall Tuesday as hundreds of Altadena residents pushed back against proposals that could transform single-family neighborhoods devastated by the Eaton Fire.
Nearly 450 people attended the meeting, where residents learned that 49% of properties sold in the burn zone since the wildfire have been purchased by developers, a revelation that drew an audible gasp from the crowd.
The debate centers on California housing laws, including SB 9 and SB 1123, which can allow developers to build up to 10 housing units, as high as three stories, on a single residential lot.
Residents warned that increased density could strain water supplies, electrical infrastructure, parking and evacuation routes while permanently changing the character of Altadena.
“We are a single-family residential community who lost everything and now we’re losing our community,” one resident said during public testimony.
Another speaker called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene.
“You got to push Newsom to do something,” the resident said. “We need more from him.”
The meeting’s primary focus was Senate Bill 1090, known as the “Keep Altadena Land in Altadena Hands Act,” introduced by State Sen. Sasha Renee Perez.
The proposal would create a five-year moratorium on state density laws such as SB 9 and SB 1123 in designated Altadena ZIP codes, aiming to protect fire-damaged properties from outside corporate real estate speculators.
Despite the intense discussion, the Altadena Town Council did not vote on the measure or take an official position during the Tuesday meeting.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
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I think so. Many have sold their charred land—too expensive do environmental remediation, permits to rebuild, etc. Easier to sell and developers swoop in and take advantage of carefully crafted to their benefit local zoning laws.
. “You got to push Newsom to do something,” the resident said. “We need more from him.”
What are they talking about?
"Governor Gavin Newsom strongly supported of both SB 9 and SB 1123, having signed both into law as part of his administration's efforts to address California’s housing shortage."
This allows "developers to build up to 10 housing units, as high as three stories, on a single residential lot."
BTW, Newsom will be happy to bring these policies nationwide if he becomes president. Newsom is no doubetdly getting kick-backs from the developers.
Wouldn't be surprised if the developers started the fires in the first place as a land grab - certainly appears that way...
Bam! You said it better than I would have, but yes, all of that.
It is criminal how hard it is for those people who were burned out, to rebuild.
Well, WHO could have forseen this happening.
Not having enough money is hardly the easy way out. Retired elderly for 40+ years in their cherished homes hardest hit.
What about those who didn’t vote democrat?
Then I guess they need to move?
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