Activating our Radical Imagination to Rebuild Altadena
Views of the City of Altadena and the San Gabriel Mountains before the fires
Every New Year’s Eve, I used to sleep over at my Great-Aunt Rosa Mae and Great-Uncle Burl’s house in Altadena — the very same home where my Great Grandfather lived until he was 100 years old. It was a tradition that brought together cousins, uncles, church members, and friends from the community. Their home was always full of life, overflowing with laughter and the warmth of family. The next morning, we’d wake up early, bundle up, and walk down to the Rose Parade together, joining thousands of others in celebration.
That house, once a cornerstone of our family’s memories, now sits covered in ash. While it is still standing, it’s unsafe to live in due to the chemicals and debris left behind by the fires. Unfortunately, many of the congregants from my Uncle Burl’s church, North Pasadena Church of Christ, were not as lucky. Entire homes were lost, along with decades of history, community, and belonging.
The Eaton Fire not only devastated structures but threatened something much deeper — the cultural and historical legacy of Black Altadena. Recovery efforts can’t just be about rebuilding homes; they must ensure that Black families, who have shaped this community for generations, are not erased in the process.
Reframing the Moment: Rebuilding with Radical Imagination
The devastation caused by the fire demands more than a return to the status quo. The same top-down systems of decision-making by government and industry that brought us to this moment — that allowed for Black communities to be disproportionately affected by this disaster in the first place — will not solve the challenges we now face. Too often, these systems have been driven by assumptions rather than by what communities actually want and need.This moment calls us to think bigger, to engage in radical imagination, and to prioritize equity, inclusion, and sustainability in every decision.
What does this mean in practice? It means centering the voices of those most impacted — Black residents and small business owners. It means ensuring that rebuilding efforts don’t erase history but instead preserve and amplify the cultural fabric of Altadena. It means reimagining economic justice by investing in small businesses as pillars of the community and embedding resiliency into every aspect of recovery. And, at Fractal Strategies, it means leveraging data to ensure the vision of the Altadena communities who have made Altadena what it is today are reflected in the rebuild.
Fractal Strategies: Harnessing Data for a Better Future
We believe that data is a powerful tool for change. As a data and strategy firm, Fractal Strategies is committed to using our expertise to help reimagine recovery in a way that goes beyond restoration. We envision a future where Altadena is not only rebuilt but thrives as a model of equity, resilience, and sustainability.
To achieve this, we are conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the evolving needs of businesses and residents impacted by the fire. This effort is grounded in both data and the lived experiences of the community. By engaging in deep listening to those most affected, we aim to identify gaps, inspire innovative solutions that address the root causes of inequities, and ensure that recovery efforts address both immediate and long-term challenges.
Our work doesn’t stop there. We are also managing a rapid recovery grants program, providing $500–$1,000 grants to small businesses to help them stay afloat during this critical time. These grants are part of a broader effort to support the economic backbone of Altadena and ensure that local businesses can continue to serve as valuable community assets.
Rebuilding with Community and Collaboration
Recovery is not a solo effort — it requires collective action and shared imagination. That’s why we’re calling on our partners, allies, and the broader community to join us in this work.
What does practicing radical imagination look like? It can look like funding initiatives like our needs assessment and rapid recovery grants. It looks like centering equity and inclusion in your own work, ensuring that your decisions contribute to a more just and sustainable future. It looks like amplifying the voices of those most impacted and advocating for systemic changes in disaster preparedness, equitable insurance coverage, and climate resilience.
And we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We can draw on innovative community development models that prioritize economic development, preserving the local legacy of communities, and develop models that reflect shared values. Some of these community development tools include community-owned commercial and residential real estate, such as the community investment trust or co-op models, and community land trusts. We can also explore sustainability investments and rebates to strengthen infrastructure and homes around energy and water efficiency.
We have the tools, skills, and community to meet this moment; Our task becomes coming together to apply these strategies and ourselves in ways that persistently center equity and inclusion to build back better.
Honoring Altadena’s Legacy, Building a Better Future
Altadena is more than just a place — it’s a symbol of Black resilience, creativity, and community. As we rebuild, we must honor this legacy by ensuring that recovery efforts reflect the values that have defined Altadena for generations.
This is our chance to create the communities we deserve. To build not just homes but a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. At Fractal Strategies, we are committed to making this vision a reality. We must remember that our vision for rebuilding does not have to rely on the status quo, or current realities of rent gouging and price fixing. This is a true opportunity for Altadena to rise up and for the rest of Los Angeles to stand in solidarity.
We invite you to join us in this journey of radical imagination. Together, we can strengthen Altadena’s legacy for generations to come.
Call to Action:
Donate to local recovery funds. Advocate for systemic changes. Imagine a future where equity and resilience are essential.
“The Eaton Fire has shown us the fragility of our systems — but it has also revealed the strength of our community. Together, we can rebuild Altadena as a beacon of hope, justice, and sustainability. Let’s honor its history by shaping a future worthy of its legacy.”
