Legislation to protect Eaton Fire survivors from real estate speculators signed into law
SACRAMENTO – SB 1090, The Keep Altadena Land in Altadena Hands Act, authored by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) has been signed into law by Governor Newsom. SB 1090 will protect Altadena from real estate speculators seeking to take advantage of an existing housing density law to develop the area in ways that could undermine the town’s recovery efforts as it rebuilds following the Eaton Fire. SB 1090 creates parity for Altadena with the Palisades, who already have this protection due to their area being in a very high-fire severity zone, a designation that does not apply to large portions of the burn scar in Altadena.
SB 1090 passed the Legislature with an urgency clause and will take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 1090 establishes a 3-year moratorium on SB 1123, specifically in Altadena. SB 1123 allows for increased residential density of up to ten housing units on certain residential properties. The law had been written to expand housing opportunities statewide, however, Altadena residents expressed concern that, in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, the law was being used by real estate speculators to acquire fire-damaged properties to pursue higher-density development at a scale that would overwhelm the community’s infrastructure.
“I’m grateful to the Governor for hearing Altadena’s residents and signing SB 1090. This legislation has truly been a community-driven effort that I have been honored to carry for Eaton Fire survivors,” said Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena). “By creating a 3-year moratorium on SB 1123, Eaton Fire survivors will have the time they need to rebuild without the undue influence of real estate speculators, while preserving their own ability to build ADUs or split lots in a manner that preserves Altadena’s unique character.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena, sponsored SB 1090.
“Governor Newsom’s signature on SB 1090 is an important step forward for the families of Altadena who have spent nearly two years navigating an uncertain landscape while facing the threat of speculative pressures,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This law gives Eaton Fire survivors greater certainty and a fair opportunity to rebuild their community and ensure that Altadena residents are not displaced in the aftermath of this tragedy. I appreciate Senator Pérez for her leadership and our Governor for recognizing that wildfire recovery must remain centered on the people whose lives were upended.”
Altadena Town Council Chair Nic Arnzen played a central role in elevating and advocating for this urgent legislation.
“This town has been through such tragedy and experienced multiple attacks beyond the fire. The signing of SB 1090 is a bright spot in an ongoing dark time for us. We celebrate these protections from outside developers who are clearly more focused on their wallets than our town’s recovery. There are still vulnerable residents who will suffer from other developments but let this be a warning to those developers-- our town is watching you and we plan to keep fighting. This is far from over and your plans to swoop in and make a buck off those who are most vulnerable and hurting will be exposed. If you are able to find a way around this legislation, you need to know this town will be sure to hold you accountable and be public about your greed and lack of compassion. This battle is far from over,” said Nic Arnzen, Altadena Town Council Chair. “Last Spring, I personally put out a call for help on this issue. Our amazing Senator Sasha Renée Pérez answered that call; her team worked so diligently on this. Assisting her were LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and her staff, and Assemblymember John Harabedian and his staff. Our town and I will be forever grateful to all of them. I’m also incredibly proud of our local heroes, everyday people moving their way through this difficult time who stood up and spoke out together about this legislation. This is what happens when a town stands up and refuses to be taken advantage of.”
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Senator Sasha Renée Pérez is Chair of the Senate Education Committee and represents the 25th Senate District that includes the communities of Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and San Antonio Heights.
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