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NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County

On one Altadena block destroyed by Eaton fire, a return, an exit and lessons in resilience

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Residents of an Altadena block destroyed by the Eaton fire navigate different paths toward recovery, with some completing new homes while others choose to sell and relocate. Jonni Miller and Anthony Ruffin are preparing to move back into a newly constructed, fire-resistant home on West Palm Street by Thanksgiving, whereas their long-time neighbors Lily Knight and Steve Hofvendahl have sold their property to move to the Pacific Northwest. Local recovery efforts continue as thousands of building permits are issued and properties change hands.

Disaster RecoveryHousingCommunityReal Estate
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times

Why It Matters

The neighborhood faces an evolving demographic and economic landscape following the disaster, with hundreds of new homes completed while over 500 lots have been sold to outside investors, developers, and nonprofit housing interests.

Key Facts

  • To date, 233 new homes have been completed in the aftermath of the Eaton fire.
  • A total of 3,851 building permits have been issued following the disaster.
  • 2,396 residences are currently under construction.
  • Out of roughly 2,000 properties whose futures remain unclear, 515 lots have been sold.
  • 44% of the sold lots have been purchased by developers, foreign interests, and private equity investors.
  • Jonni Miller and Anthony Ruffin's property on West Palm Street features a new contemporary design with fire-resistant building materials, windows, and eaves.
  • Anthony Ruffin's family originally purchased the original house on the property in 1972.
  • Lily Knight and Steve Hofvendahl sold their double-lot property—which included over 100 fruit trees—to a nonprofit housing developer.
  • Almost all the homes on West Palm Street between Olive and Glen were destroyed in January 2025.

Who's Mentioned

PersonSteve Lopez“Author of the news article.”PersonShigang Xiong“Property owner starting a rebuild.”locationPacific Northwest“Region where Lily Knight and Steve Hofvendahl are moving.”locationWest Palm Street“Street in Altadena where homes were wiped out.”PersonSteve Hofvendahl“Resident who lived on West Palm Street alongside Lily Knight.”PersonAimin Li“Property owner starting a rebuild.”PersonAnthony Ruffin“Resident rebuilding his childhood home on West Palm Street.”PersonVictoria Knapp“Eaton fire survivor and former town council chair.”otherEaton fire“Wildfire that destroyed homes on West Palm Street.”PersonMonica Koskey“Resident whose house is nearing completion.”PersonLily Knight“Former resident who sold her property and is moving to the Pacific Northwest.”locationAltadena“Location of the neighborhood affected by the Eaton fire.”PersonPeter Koskey“Resident whose house is nearing completion.”PersonJonni Miller“Resident rebuilding her home on West Palm Street.”