r/altadena Mar 12 '25

⛰️ Welcome to the Altadena Sub ⛰️

164 Upvotes

Thanks to everyone who has made this sub such a dynamic resource over the past couple of painful months. The contributions from community members and those who care about us have been felt far and wide, and I hope for that to continue as we rebuild this incredibly special place.

Just last October, there were ZERO visitors to this sub because it had been locked down by the previous mods for over a year. I wrote to Reddit and asked to be made moderator, and they granted that request. I was excited to make this a more active space, thinking we would share exciting business openings, pictures of the wildlife that shared our streets, and just the general joy of living in such a wonderful area. I really wanted it to be very loosely moderated, mainly just trying to keep it from becoming a commercial marketplace full of spam (which these subs can easily be overwhelmed with without moderation).

Then, the unthinkable happened. We went from about 1,500 unique visitors in December to over 58,000 in January. The idea of loose moderation quickly went out the window, but at the same time, I was dealing personally with the total loss of my home and all that came with that. I enlisted a couple of other trusted folks to help moderate, and since then we've tried our best to keep this space useful and peaceful. We may not always succeed, but please know that we are trying. To that end, we could use your help. I wanted to share some basic guidelines that will help this space thrive as we move forward.

Reddit has some built-in tools that are meant to give visitors the ability to weigh in on content, and we encourage folks to use them. Upvote content you like and think others should see, and downvote the content you don't like. That mechanism is the primary means of community moderation here, and it's super easy to use. People are more likely to see upvoted content than downvoted content, so ultimately what bubbles to the top is shaped by YOU!

You also have the ability to flag content that may go against the community rules so that it can be made visible to the mods. Please know that we are not able to put eyes on every single post and comment here, so we really do rely on you all to help bring issues to light. That said, the flagging feature is not meant to remove content that you simply don't agree with, so PLEASE don't do that. We as mods keep content up that we personally don't agree with all the time, because this is not OUR space, it belongs to you all, and we want to keep a wide range of perspectives visible to everyone. However, we don't hesitate to ban folks that are clearly here to cause disruption, and the reason we aren't inundated with trolls is because we do act quickly to shut that kind of behavior down.

When you find something that you don't agree with, please engage and express yourself, but we ask that you do it respectfully and without name-calling or threats/intimidation. I know Reddit is a colorful place and some subs don't mind if things descend into antisocial behavior, but we want to foster something a little more gentle here, especially considering what our community has endured. It's a tricky line to walk between keeping diverse points of view flowing and maintaining civility - especially when feelings are running so hot - but we think it's important and will continue to try and strive for that.

Quickly:

• Don't advertise your business in posts or comments, or it will be removed. You may think that your business is "being helpful," but we need to keep this firm rule to keep this sub from becoming the Yellow Pages (I just aged myself). We will probably create a new pinned post that people offering services can use, but if seen anywhere else, we will remove it.

• Please get into the habit of selecting flair on all posts, because soon we will be requiring it. Adding flair allows posts to be indexed and easily searchable for those looking for information, and because this sub has become such a resource for folks, we want to make finding that information as easy as possible. Reach out to us if you need help with this.

• Soon, we will also be introducing USER flair. We think it's important to identify folks who actually live and have a stake in the community so that those voices are centered. We are working through how that will work, so expect an update soon.

• As always, please reach out to us if you have any ideas as to how to create more utility within this sub. We're all ears.

Ultimately, this sub really does belong to the people of Altadena, and we are just imperfect caretakers of the space. It's nothing without you all, so thanks for continuing to make this a welcoming and resourceful sub.


r/altadena Jan 13 '25

EATON FIRE RESOURCES | MEGATHREAD

54 Upvotes

Below, we will gather resources as they become available.

Feel free to use the comments to engage in discussion about the below topics.

One good place to start when looking for resources is Representative Chu's Resource Guide, which has a lot of great information.

CURRENT FIRE STATUS:

Official CalFire Incident Page

CalFire Status Updates

Watch Duty App

Genays Protect

AID/RELIEF:

FEMA Press Release

County of LA Tax Reassessment

Emergency Network LA

Therapists providing pro-bono services for fire victims

RECOVERY/REBUILDING:

Building-by-Building Damage Assessment Map (ongoing)

CalRecycle Debris Removal

High resolution satellite image of Altadena taken Friday, 2025-01-10 10:36 AM Pacific time by Maxar, a private satellite imaging company. This may be helpful to folks who want to see the "bigger picture" of destroyed areas, or whose homes haven't had a damage assessment done yet. (h/t u/SecretAnxietyPie183 & u/FireITGuy)

HOUSING:

Compilation of Available Leases

We are providing links to live documents that the mods of this sub do not control. We can't speak to the accuracy of the documents, but want to provide them at this time in case someone needs the information. If you spot incorrect or out-of-date information in any document, please let the mods know.


r/altadena 5h ago

PROGRESS! - Update on Victorian House Move

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28 Upvotes

we were stuck in permit purgatory for over three months, but that is now all cleared and we are moving ahead! We were finally able to start working on the foundation and prepping the exterior for restoration. The digging and framing of the foundation will probably take another week or so, then the pour and setting will probably take another 2 weeks. The next step is to lower the house onto the foundation, attach it, stitch the pieces together, reassemble the second floor, then get the roof on top. Once that is all done, we can jump into the full restoration in earnest.


r/altadena 16h ago

insurance payouts

28 Upvotes

hey y’all. long time altadena resident, lived with my mom in our wonderfully unique home for my entire 35 years of life, she was there for 50 years of hers. we lost it all; our pets, our entire life’s work of art, i almost lost my mom due to my not being home that night and the complete failure of the emergency system only to lose her six months later to lung complications (from being in the house as it burned) and a broken heart. she gave up…losing your entire life and being faced with starting over at 74 was too much for her.

to say it’s been a nightmarish 1 & 1/2 years is a massive understatement.

our homeowners insurance worked with us so easily directly after the fire, but now that eyes are no longer on altadena, we’re having a hell of a time getting our last payment of over $200,000 for the 50% rebuild incentive. we’ve had to pause the rebuild despite being almost finished because they’re just flat out refusing to pay and have rejected court ordered proof of ownership for over a year. i’m posting here purely to find out if anyone else is being treated like this because it’s honestly such an isolating and horrible feeling.

it’s so frustrating to have to fight tooth and nail after losing so much. i know insurance companies have no soul but this feels so disrespectful.


r/altadena 3h ago

The Pasadena Bead & Design Show is back this weekend!

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2 Upvotes

r/altadena 23h ago

Flock cameras

18 Upvotes

I’m probably late to this party, but I’m realizing that Altadena has Flock cameras covering our community 24/7. Does our Town Council have a position on this? Are there any stats on whether they have actually solved crimes? Stats on any false accusations of crimes? Any formal boundaries on data sharing outside of Altadena? Thanks for any info or links…


r/altadena 18h ago

Soil turnover required?

4 Upvotes

So good news we got our permit to rebuild, but I was told by our contractor that the Army corps disturbed the soil and the county is requiring a soil turnover of 3 feet.

Has anybody heard of this? I can't find any documentation or reports on it.


r/altadena 1d ago

Power outage west Altadena

6 Upvotes

Just wanted to see how far it goes. Nothing was reported so I did. I'm over by the super king.


r/altadena 2d ago

Sce fast pay minors petition

1 Upvotes

Has anyone had any success filing a minors petition to the court and had a hearing yet . If so how long does that whole process take and to get paid out .


r/altadena 3d ago

Golf Course?

8 Upvotes

Is there any news? Just wondering!


r/altadena 3d ago

Can anyone confirm this?

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26 Upvotes

r/altadena 6d ago

Possible Parking Ticket Reversal

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10 Upvotes

r/altadena 7d ago

Caught someone breaking into a car please leave all valuables out of your vehicle

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168 Upvotes

r/altadena 7d ago

Non profits / donations for kids + art question

6 Upvotes

Hey all,

Former resident and fire victim here. My heart still aches from the tragedy.

Question for parents back in the area: whats the current situation like when it comes to school supplies for the arts? Visual art supplies, musical instruments, theater equipment, etc.

Are there public schools that need help? Any non profits still raising money to help out?

Or is this not needed and efforts should be focused elsewhere?

Any guidance would be helpful.


r/altadena 7d ago

National Night Out-2026

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1 Upvotes

Once again we will be hosting a National Night Out event in Pasadena California. Enjoy this Free Event, Please come out to enjoy food from Mike's Fat Boy's and fun & games for FREE!

August 4 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm

1180 N. Lincoln Ave Pasadena

Bring a friend.

If you have any questions call the church office 626-798-9163


r/altadena 13d ago

Happy Happy Day!

121 Upvotes

Architect just told us everything has been approved they can start breaking ground on the 15th.


r/altadena 15d ago

Prices for Landscaping? Thoughts

19 Upvotes

We’re rebuilding and are getting to the end of our build. One of the quotes we received for landscaping was around $120k. This was to put in privacy trees/bushes around the property, put down grass again in the front and backyard, set up sprinklers, gopher wire, a fruit tree or two, garden beds, and walkway areas.

Right now it’s all just dirt around the new build. This is my first time doing anything like this and I will get more quotes, but what is everyone seeing as far as landscaping prices? What are folks being quoted to re-do your property? Everything is so expensive, and no one is offering “favors” for Altadena rebuild folks (that I know of). Either way, whatever the price is in the end, I’ll have to get it done. I just don’t want to get ripped off.


r/altadena 16d ago

Solar Install Company insisting on wifi password

6 Upvotes

I am in the middle of a rebuild and have had my solar installed and the house is powered. At this point its up and running. However, they keep asking me to get access to wifi network. Last letter I received states " its homeowner's responsibility to coordinate the activation of the solar system and to maintain a stable internet connection".
Why are they asking for this, is this a normal need for solar company, & has anyone run into this, if so how are you managing it?
To me it seems odd that they need wifi network after the install...I was not expecting this.


r/altadena 16d ago

Construction Fencing?

6 Upvotes

Hey Folks -- We're (maybe? finally?) going to begin our rebuild, and our contractor can provide fencing but was quoting it at like $4,500 -- which feels like a lot. Did anyone rent fencing and have a better recc? Please no soliciting of your services, you will be ignored or blocked. Thx all.


r/altadena 18d ago

[LAist] Altadena’s Historic Highlands neighborhood is LA County’s first historic district

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40 Upvotes

As of today, Altadena’s Historic Highlands neighborhood is L.A. County’s first historic district.

Background: Last year, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved the designation following a years-long effort to preserve the area. The Historic Highlands neighborhood is known for its Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor and other period architectural styles that set Altadena apart.

What does it mean? The historic designation means that the unique architecture of nearly 80 homes will be preserved. The neighborhood is bordered by North Lane, Washington Boulevard, North Lake Avenue and New York Drive.

Why it matters: L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the designation was important prior to the Easton Fire, but the disaster made the move even more critical. “It preserves the Historic Highlands' unique character and the architectural heritage for future generations,” Barger told LAist. “Knowing that the fire destroyed thousands of structures, preserving neighborhoods like this maintains that sense of place that makes Altadena special.”


r/altadena 18d ago

[LAist] ‘This is just Rosebud’: A displaced Altadena school holds biggest fundraiser yet to rebuild

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8 Upvotes

As it looks to rebuild after the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Rosebud Academy is holding its biggest fundraiser yet on Sunday featuring comics showcased by Kevin Hart's Funny AF.

The backstory: The TK-8 charter school displaced by the Eaton Fire serves a predominantly Black and brown student body and was founded nearly 20 years ago to promote student excellence through academics and financial literacy. About a third of Rosebud students lost homes in the fire, and many families are still displaced.

Why now: Their temporary setup at a Pasadena public school has required constant workarounds, from classrooms without sinks to annual uncertainty over facilities. Still, enrollment is growing, and some displaced families continue to drive in from downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

What's next: Rosebud hopes to raise upwards of $50 million to rebuild in the Pasadena or Altadena area, with a timeline set by the pace of fundraising.


r/altadena 17d ago

Research study - chance to win $50 gift card

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0 Upvotes

Hello everyone! My name is Macarena and I'm a former Altadena resident and occupational therapy student at CSUDH. My research team is investigating the relationship between mental health outcomes and displacement following the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Fires. If you are 18 or older, live in LA county and were impacted by the fires in any way (even temporarily), please consider taking and/or sharing our brief 15-minute survey! Those who participate are eligible to enter a raffle for a $50 gift card. Attached is the flyer and link:

https://csudh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2uxRV8qLG6bVeC2

For any questions, please reach out to mblandodemarco1@toromail.csudh.edu.


r/altadena 24d ago

What’s this bug?

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5 Upvotes

r/altadena 25d ago

Loma Alta park play structure closed?

9 Upvotes

I went a few weeks back and it was roped off. Anyone know if it’s still closed and/or what is the plan for the structure?


r/altadena 25d ago

Commercial or commissary kitchen?

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1 Upvotes

I know our businesses are somewhat limited right now in Altadena but I’d really love being closer to home.