NewsLos Angeles Times – CaliforniaOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County
On one Altadena block destroyed by Eaton fire, residents face choices of return or departure
Photo: Los Angeles Times – California
Residents on a fire-ravaged Altadena block are navigating the arduous process of rebuilding or selling their properties following the Eaton fire. Jonni Miller and Anthony Ruffin are preparing to move back into their newly constructed home by Thanksgiving, while their long-time neighbors Lily Knight and Steve Hofvendahl have sold their land and are relocating to the Pacific Northwest.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times – CaliforniaWhy It Matters
Property outcomes on West Palm Street vary widely, with hundreds of new homes completed or under construction while over 2,000 properties remain uncertain and hundreds of lots are sold to outside investors.
Key Facts
- To date, 233 new homes have been completed in the fire-affected area.
- A total of 3,851 building permits have been issued following the Eaton fire.
- There are 2,396 residences currently under construction.
- The future status of approximately 2,000 properties remains unclear.
- Out of 515 lots sold so far, 44% have been purchased by developers, foreign interests, and private equity investors.
- Almost all homes on West Palm Street between Olive and Glen were destroyed in January 2025.
- Jonni Miller and Anthony Ruffin rebuilt on West Palm Street and expect to return by Thanksgiving.
- Lily Knight and Steve Hofvendahl sold their double lot to a nonprofit housing developer and are moving to the Pacific Northwest.
Who's Mentioned
PersonShigang Xiong“Property owner starting a rebuild on West Palm Street.”locationPacific Northwest“Region where Lily Knight and Steve Hofvendahl are relocating.”locationGlen“Intersecting boundary for the affected neighborhood block.”locationWest Palm Street“Street in Altadena where almost all homes were wiped out.”PersonSteve Hofvendahl“Partner of Lily Knight, relocating from Altadena.”PersonAimin Li“Property owner starting a rebuild on West Palm Street.”PersonAnthony Ruffin“Altadena resident and partner of Jonni Miller, returning to his family's long-ti”PersonVictoria Knapp“Eaton fire survivor and former chair of the town council.”PersonMonica Koskey“Altadena resident whose house is nearing completion.”PersonLily Knight“Former Altadena resident who sold her property to move to the Pacific Northwest.”locationAltadena“Community impacted by the Eaton fire.”locationOlive“Intersecting boundary for the affected neighborhood block.”PersonPeter Koskey“Altadena resident married near their unfinished home.”PersonJonni Miller“Altadena resident rebuilding her home on West Palm Street.”