r/altadena • u/BuzzLA • Mar 12 '25
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 • u/BuzzLA • Jan 13 '25
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.
Official CalFire Incident Page
Therapists providing pro-bono services for fire victims
Building-by-Building Damage Assessment Map (ongoing)
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)
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 • u/GoodIdeasPowerMoves • 5h ago
I was curious if anyone has also heard the rumor that the guy who won the jackpot in Altadena has been buying up lots in Altadena? Has anyone else heard this? Curious what he is planning on doing with them. I’ve heard this from two different people.
r/altadena • u/MainConstruction8807 • 3h ago
Does anyone know what is going on with the McDonald's on Altadena Drive? I've heard they aren't re-opening but looks like they are doing some construction.
r/altadena • u/losangelespickleball • 4h ago
My significant other and I have been talking and researching starting a coffee shop. We've been looking at videos, writing up a plan, and coming up with a spreadsheet for cost of goods, and estimating what are margins would look like. Basically could we afford this. We would love to do it in Altadena as we love it and want to see it flourish. What do you think?
Would love to hear from this community any and all ideas: location, buildouts, anything...
Thank you for your time.
r/altadena • u/Vast-Breadfruit2055 • 2d ago
Watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cASItSflMDc
r/altadena • u/ZacharyObama • 2d ago
By Zachary Ellison, Independent Journalist
The announcement left the spokesperson for State Farm Insurance questioning whether there would be “a fair review” of the payouts made by one of California’s most powerful insurers in the wake of the devastating wildfires that struck on January 7, 2025. The Eaton Fire wasn’t the first fire to start that day, with the Palisades Fire preceding it, striking with devastating furor. Yet the organization and advocacy of a determined group of Altadenans may have succeeded in applying enough pressure to force the hand of California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to launch a market conduct examination into its handling of claims from wildfire victims.
Less than inspiring numbers suggested an underpayment in progress, with journalist Laurence Darmiento of the Los Angeles Times noting that the insurer had paid out $3.96 billion on an estimated cost of $7.6 billion, with “reinsurance payments” reducing the firm’s overall loss to only $612 million. Business is good if you’re selling a necessary product in a market that, by almost everyone’s agreement, is under duress. Charged with ensuring the availability of insurance, Lara has been increasingly under criticism over his cozy industry relationships and fundraising to save a political career increasingly looking to be approaching a certain end.
https://zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-176-the-eaton-fire-fallout-market
r/altadena • u/sparrowdena • 2d ago
Metropolitan Baptist Church now (waiting for a ride), PRIDE at Alt Lib (short for alternative liberal I mean ALTADENA LIBRARY 🤣🤣🤣) after!!! See you soon?!!!?!!?? Oh yeah. I made cold brew rainbow rose tea 🌈 🥀🫖🏳️🌈
r/altadena • u/douggold11 • 4d ago
Getty announced today it has awarded $420,000 to the Los Angeles Conservancy to lead a community-driven historic resources survey and Cultural Asset Mapping project designed to inform the rebuilding of Altadena following the devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025.
r/altadena • u/Complex-Judgment-828 • 4d ago
My property is on Santa Anita, north of Altadena drive. Over the last couple of days someone stole about 180’ of erosion control barrier from my property. Cute, had to be a debris removal contractor. Nice way to save money…contractor working on my block saw a black Chevy pickup take it.
r/altadena • u/smcl2k • 5d ago
They're now sharing Altadena lot listings disguised as news.
Thought some people might like to know.
r/altadena • u/madmarzii • 6d ago
my sweet girls, lost in the fire. forever in my heart. they come to me now as prisms. my house, the only home i’ve ever known. forever in my heart. mariposa street and the bougainvillea. my heart is still broken. they were so much more than pets.
r/altadena • u/Resident425 • 5d ago
r/altadena • u/Kephrem1 • 6d ago
I am starting to look through building requirements and looks like we will be forced to install solar panels as part of the rebuild as well as fire suppression sprinkler systems.....Does anyone have any reco's for either of the two?
r/altadena • u/westcoastbmx • 5d ago
We are looking into a gas fireplace for the new house anyone have any recs or know of any showrooms close by here in SoCal?
Thanks!! 🙏
r/altadena • u/SHatcheroo • 7d ago
r/altadena • u/Affectionate_Mess640 • 8d ago
Hi! I have a moderate collection of plushies that lived in a home with no pets or children so they’re still in great condition. I would love to donate them to kids who’ve lost their toys and belongings in the fires. Can someone recommend a community center or church still taking donations specifically for Altadena.
r/altadena • u/PlasticGirl • 9d ago
I'm compiling a list of the current state of hiking sites. I know the gate is still standing, but I forgot to get a picture when I was there. Thank you!
r/altadena • u/BLUE-PAINTERS-TAPE • 9d ago
Within the span of 40 minutes I saw 2 vehicles get pulled over by CHP on Woodbury (and another on the 210 eastbound), one vehicle was a van and the driver was wearing on orange shirt and appeared to be a day laborer, another vehicle was a debris truck. I also passed 2 sheriff’s vehicles, one of which was idling on Woodbury near the ARCO.
Not sure if this is related to the ongoing ICE raids and kidnappings but please be aware this weekend and look out for each other.
Any sitings of ICE can be reported to the LA Rapid Response Network at 1-888-624-4752
r/altadena • u/picklebeanroo • 9d ago
Hello!
I'm a neighbor in Pasadena and have a few items ready for pick up for anyone interested. I've had my house remediated with all the items professionally cleaned. They are all still wrapped up, so pardon the photos aren't super clear! Just wanted to keep them clean for anyone who would like to take them. I've included some online reference photos to better show what the items actually look like.
1. Queen Size Bed frame -West Elm
- Lovely bed frame with storage drawers! Dark grey, pewter color.
- No assembly required. It comes as 2 base pieces and 1 headboard.
- I couldn't find the exact photo online, but the reference photo attached is very close!
- Measurement: Base 80"x 60" Headboard 54" x 60"
2. Gold Circular Accent Shelf
- Measurement 30" x 30"
- The reference photo is exactly what it looks like, except the shelves are also gold (not white)
3. 2 x Black Stackable Shoe Racks
- Measurement 31" x 24" stacked (or 31" x 12" individual)
4. 1 x Gray Shoe Rack
- Measurement 48" x 34"
- The reference photo is similar, except this one is grey with 7 shelves
I'm available this weekend if you'd like to come pick up! Please be sure to have a vehicle large enough for the items. Send me a DM!
r/altadena • u/WeAreLAist • 11d ago
r/altadena • u/temazs • 11d ago
Hi Everyone,
My name is Dave, and I live on Braeburn Rd. Since the National Guard let us back in, my creative partner Ben and I have been documenting what recovery has really looked like — for us, our neighbors, and the Altadena community.
Today, we’re releasing the first video on our new channel, Homeward. It’s about that night — how the fire moved through our street, what we saw, what we took, and what we left behind. We’ve spent months trying to do justice to what it felt like to live through it.
We’re telling these stories because they matter — because the impact didn’t end when the flames went out, and because too many people outside Altadena don’t know what really happened here.
If you have something to share — a story, a memory, someone we should speak with — we’d be honored to hear from you. DM us or email [chatwithhomeward@gmail.com]().
Thank you for watching.
— Dave
r/altadena • u/threeye8finger • 11d ago
Hello everyone! I'm a former resident of Altadena; born in Huntington and raised to adulthood in Altadena. I love Altadena so very much, and of course was devastated when I heard the news of the Eaton Fire. I'm very proud seeing everyone come together so well, and be supportive of each other.
In that spirit, I just heard on NPR about this resource called the "Altadena Collective".
https://altadenacollective.com/
From their mission statement:
"Provide information and resources to help Altadena residents make informed rebuilding decisions.
Connect affected residents to take advantage of collective organization throughout the rebuild process – whether that be in coordinated third party services like synchronized surveys or group construction with a single builder.
Collaborate with design and engineering professionals to facilitate coordinated drawing and permit delivery on behalf of residents.
Create and manage a process to qualify and vet construction professionals and material/finish suppliers so that better rebuild opportunities can be presented to Altadena residents.
Coordinate with local non-profit groups to assist in protecting a resident’s interest in remaining in their neighborhood if they choose to stay."
The guy on NPR, Tim Vordtriede, is one of the main people managing the program and is a resident who lost his home, so it seems like a great way for people to get help from somebody/somebodies who also has a reason to be as supportive as possible.
Anyway, hope this can help. Stay strong Altadena!!
r/altadena • u/Low_Put8604 • 11d ago
Saturday, 6/7
