Altadena’s Legacy & Future

Altadena’s development began in the 1860s when landowners and pioneers recognized its potential for settlement.

Benjamin S. Eaton, a key figure in the region, helped establish an irrigation system, making large-scale agriculture and residential development possible.

The area quickly attracted wealthy investors and settlers, leading to the development of "Millionaire’s Row"—a collection of grand estates along Mariposa Street.

Altadena’s geographic location at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains made it an attractive place for sustainable urban planning and environmental conservation efforts.

Altadena stood out as a place where Black families were able to own homes, even as racial segregation limited opportunities elsewhere.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the community fought against redlining and discriminatory lending policies, ensuring that homeownership remained attainable for all.

By the 1980s, Altadena had one of the highest Black homeownership rates in California, offering economic stability and generational wealth-building.

In 1956, Altadena rejected annexation into Pasadena, maintaining independent local governance and a strong community identity.

Over the years, the community has adapted to economic, social, and environmental changes, preserving its legacy of self-sufficiency, activism, and cultural diversity.

In January 2025, the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, destroying over 2,700 homes and leaving thousands of families displaced.

81% of the affected households were Black and Latino homeowners, putting them at risk of permanent displacement and gentrification.

With an estimated $15–$20 billion needed for reconstruction, the disaster underscored the urgent need for sustainable, community-driven rebuilding.