Protecting & Uniting Altadena

What Lahaina did:

The devastating wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, in August 2023 caused extensive damage to the town, with entire neighborhoods, historical buildings, and cultural sites destroyed. In the aftermath, concerns about real estate developers potentially taking advantage of the disaster to buy up land at discounted prices quickly emerged. Some of these concerns revolved around the possibility of gentrification or the displacement of long-time residents in favor of luxury resorts or other developments catering to wealthy outsiders.

1. Real Estate Developers’ Interest and Actions

In the aftermath of the fire, there were indeed reports suggesting that some real estate developers were eyeing the land in Lahaina. Historically, Lahaina and the surrounding area have been highly sought after due to their proximity to the ocean, the natural beauty of the area, and its cultural significance. The fires left many properties in ruins, and this kind of destruction often triggers opportunities for developers to acquire property at lower prices, either for reconstruction or redevelopment purposes.

However, it’s important to note that while some developers may have looked at these opportunities, the full-scale impact of the fire created significant legal and regulatory hurdles, including issues around zoning, rebuilding permits, and the uncertainty of rebuilding costs. The immediate aftermath saw intense scrutiny and caution from many developers, as they were unsure about the long-term viability of investments in such a heavily impacted area.

2. Predatory Practices

The concern about predatory practices—where developers might push for the rapid acquisition of land at low prices, potentially displacing locals—was very real. These concerns were exacerbated by the perception that such development could alter the character of Lahaina, transforming it from a historic, culturally significant town into a more commercialized and tourist-oriented area. There were reports of unsolicited offers from investors attempting to buy properties from affected homeowners at very low prices. These offers were often made to homeowners who were desperate to rebuild or relocate after losing everything in the fire.

However, many residents and local groups pushed back against these practices, citing the importance of preserving Lahaina’s historical and cultural identity, as well as ensuring that the community had the right to rebuild and recover.

3. Community Response and Prevention of Predatory Practices

The Lahaina community, along with activist groups, local politicians, and organizations such as the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and Aloha Aina, took several steps to resist the pressure from developers:

Advocacy for Local Ownership and Control: One of the main strategies was pushing for local control over rebuilding efforts. The community sought to ensure that Lahaina’s residents, particularly Native Hawaiians, would have the first right to rebuild or repurchase their properties, rather than outsiders or developers from the mainland or overseas.
Government Action: Hawaii’s state and local government played a key role in helping prevent predatory development. In the immediate aftermath, lawmakers and the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, took steps to place a temporary moratorium on land sales in Lahaina. They also moved to establish a process for determining the rightful owners of the affected land, as many homes had been destroyed without clear records of ownership or inheritance, particularly in Native Hawaiian families.
Legal Protections for Property Owners: Hawaii’s government also moved to put up legal and financial barriers to predatory land grabs, such as preventing land sales from going through without proper oversight and establishing clearer paths for homeowners to access recovery funds and rebuild. Some homeowners were granted temporary protections from eviction or forced sales.
Cultural and Community Identity Campaigns: Many grassroots organizations led efforts to raise awareness about the threat of gentrification and the erasure of Lahaina’s unique cultural identity. Native Hawaiian groups, in particular, emphasized the importance of keeping Lahaina a place where local traditions and history were honored, and not just a tourist destination. This included calls to halt large-scale luxury development that would price out local residents.
Community-Led Reconstruction Efforts: There were also grassroots movements to facilitate rebuilding in ways that reflected the needs of the community rather than outside interests. This included efforts to raise funds specifically for Lahaina residents to rebuild homes, as well as push for zoning laws that would prevent large-scale development from changing the nature of the town.

4. Ongoing Challenges

Despite these efforts, the situation remains complicated. As of 2024, while many steps have been taken to ensure that Lahaina’s land stays in the hands of its residents, the rebuilding process is slow and fraught with challenges. The cost of rebuilding is high, and the economic pressures on the community remain significant. Furthermore, the long-term effects of the fire on Maui’s economy—particularly its tourism sector—may make it even more tempting for developers to push for changes in Lahaina’s land use.

In summary, while real estate developers showed interest in acquiring land after the Lahaina fire, the community worked hard to prevent predatory practices. They achieved this through advocacy, legal protections, and organizing efforts aimed at ensuring that the residents of Lahaina, especially Native Hawaiians, had control over the rebuilding process. However, the situation remains fluid, and continued vigilance will be necessary to prevent displacement and maintain the community’s cultural heritage.

What Altadena can do:

Organize Grassroots Movements to Raise Awareness and Build Community Power

One of the key ways Lahaina resisted being taken over by developers was through grassroots activism. The people of Lahaina united to advocate for their community’s preservation, especially its cultural and historical significance.

Form Community Coalitions: Altadena residents can form local coalitions or alliances with organizations that focus on housing justice, such as the California Alliance for Community Empowerment (CACE), Housing Now!, and the Housing Rights Center. These coalitions can help raise awareness of the threats posed by predatory developers and educate the public about their rights.
Build Solidarity Across Marginalized Groups: It’s crucial that marginalized groups—whether they are low-income renters, homeowners, immigrants, or people of color—form coalitions to ensure collective protection. For instance, organizing with local groups like the Los Angeles Tenants Union or Affordable Housing Advocates can amplify voices and push back against harmful practices.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch media campaigns (social media, town halls, public meetings) to educate the community on potential real estate threats and highlight the need for long-term community investment rather than speculative development. This can help generate public pressure on local officials to prioritize community-based recovery and rebuilding.

2. Demand Legal and Political Protections Against Gentrification and Displacement

Lahaina’s community response involved leveraging the political and legal systems to secure protections for homeowners and renters. Altadena could take similar steps to safeguard its residents from displacement.

Local Ordinances and Zoning Laws: Advocate for the city of Altadena (and Los Angeles County, if applicable) to implement stronger zoning laws that prioritize affordable housing, local businesses, and historic preservation. This can include limits on luxury housing or short-term vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb) that drive up prices and displace long-term residents.
Temporary Moratorium on Land Sales or Development: Just as Lahaina successfully advocated for a temporary freeze on land sales and development after the fire, Altadena could push for a moratorium on land sales or major developments in disaster-impacted areas. This would allow time for the community to rebuild, assess its needs, and negotiate a fair recovery process without outside developers coming in and buying up property.
Community Land Trusts: One highly effective tool used in communities facing gentrification is the creation of Community Land Trusts (CLTs). A CLT is a nonprofit organization that acquires land to preserve it for public or community use. The land is held in trust for future generations, preventing speculative developers from purchasing it for profit. Altadena could explore establishing a CLT to hold key properties, including affordable housing and community centers, and ensure these areas remain protected from developers seeking to profit from the tragedy.

3. Protect Renters and Low-Income Homeowners

Predatory real estate practices often target renters and low-income homeowners who are vulnerable after a disaster. In order to protect these groups, Altadena could take inspiration from Lahaina’s efforts and implement similar protections for vulnerable residents:

Tenant Protections: Advocate for stronger tenant protections at the local and state levels. This could include rent control, protection from eviction (especially after a disaster), and assistance in accessing recovery funds. Renters are often the most at risk of being displaced by gentrification, so creating strong local policies that stabilize rents and prevent eviction is essential.
Financial Support for Homeowners: Many homeowners in areas affected by disasters are not financially equipped to rebuild or recover. Altadena can push for programs that provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners, such as subsidized loans, grants for rebuilding, or tax relief programs. This can prevent developers from swooping in and buying properties from struggling homeowners at fire-sale prices.
Legal Aid for Marginalized Groups: Providing legal assistance for renters and homeowners, particularly marginalized groups such as immigrants, people of color, or seniors, can ensure they are not taken advantage of in the aftermath of the fire. Legal advocacy can include helping residents navigate insurance claims, securing property titles, and fighting against predatory offers from developers.

4. Engage with Government and Local Officials

Political engagement was a crucial part of Lahaina’s efforts to prevent developers from taking over. Altadena could take a similar approach by engaging with elected officials and pushing for policies that prioritize community well-being over profit-driven development.

Lobbying for Government Action: Residents should organize to push for state or county-level policies that prioritize the interests of the community, such as stricter controls on land sales and real estate speculation. They could petition local and state legislators to pass laws aimed at limiting the ability of outside investors to buy property in disaster-affected neighborhoods and giving local residents the first right to repurchase or rebuild.
Advocating for Housing and Economic Justice: Altadena residents could advocate for policies that align with broader movements for housing justice, such as California’s proposed “Homes for All” bills, which focus on increasing affordable housing and protecting tenants from displacement. Engaging with state-level housing reform efforts will ensure that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, but rebuilding an equitable community.

5. Support Alternative Development Models

In the face of potential gentrification, Altadena could consider alternative development models that prioritize community needs over profit:

Cooperative Housing Models: Cooperative housing, where residents have ownership or control over their housing, can protect against displacement and ensure that development serves the interests of the people who live there. Advocating for the development of more cooperative housing could be a way to protect community members from the forces of speculative real estate.
Sustainable, Community-Centered Development: Push for development projects that emphasize sustainability, affordability, and local culture. This could include mixed-use development that integrates affordable housing with community spaces and local businesses rather than luxury condos and high-end retail.
Cultural and Historic Preservation: Like Lahaina, Altadena could advocate for preserving the community’s historic and cultural landmarks, including local Black and Latino heritage, which is often at risk during gentrification. Supporting policies and nonprofits that focus on heritage preservation can help protect the community from developers seeking to replace local landmarks with commercial properties.

6. Create a Long-Term Vision for Community Recovery

Lahaina’s response to the fire was rooted in a vision for long-term community recovery that prioritized local residents over developers. Altadena could take a similar approach:

Community-Led Recovery Plans: After the disaster, the community should come together to develop a long-term recovery plan that addresses the needs of all residents, especially marginalized groups. This plan should include input from a wide range of stakeholders—residents, local businesses, community leaders, and housing advocates—to ensure that recovery efforts are equitable and inclusive.
Equity-Centered Disaster Recovery: Create mechanisms to ensure that marginalized groups, including low-income families, people of color, and seniors, have a voice in the recovery process and benefit from the rebuilding efforts. This could include community decision-making bodies, participatory budgeting, and transparent processes that prioritize local needs over developer interests.

Conclusion

By organizing, advocating for legal protections, and engaging in political action, Altadena can learn from Lahaina’s experience and prevent developers from swooping in after a disaster. By focusing on solidarity, empowerment, and long-term community planning, Altadena can ensure that its marginalized residents are not pushed out by predatory real estate practices and that the community can rebuild in a way that respects its history and its people.

How to create space for marginalized communities to lead:

Ensuring that the Black community and other marginalized groups are leading efforts in movements like this requires an intentional and thoughtful approach to community organizing, leadership development, and decision-making. Here are some ways the people of Altadena can ensure that these communities are at the forefront of efforts to protect their neighborhoods from predatory real estate practices:

1. Create Leadership Development Programs

Invest in Local Leaders: Support programs that foster leadership within the Black community and other marginalized groups. This could include training in organizing, policy advocacy, public speaking, and negotiating power with local authorities. Local organizations like Black-led nonprofits, community centers, or educational initiatives can provide the space and tools to help cultivate these leaders.
Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship initiatives where experienced activists or community organizers guide and support emerging leaders, particularly from marginalized backgrounds. By strengthening the capacity of community members to lead, the movement can be self-sustaining and representative of its most impacted groups.

2. Build Inclusive Coalitions with a Focus on Equity

Ensure Representation from the Start: Any coalition or organizing group formed to address the potential for gentrification or displacement should prioritize representation from marginalized groups at every level. That means having Black community leaders, Indigenous groups, immigrant communities, and others in decision-making positions.
Collaborative Partnerships: Work with organizations that have long-standing relationships within the Black community and other marginalized groups, such as the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Black Lives Matter chapters, or local social justice groups. These organizations already have deep trust and connections, which can help the movement be more effective and responsive.

3. Prioritize the Voices of the Most Affected

Listening Sessions and Forums: Hold community meetings, town halls, and listening sessions where Black residents and other marginalized groups can share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. These forums should be facilitated in a way that centers the voices of these groups, ensuring that their perspectives shape the direction of the movement from the outset.
Facilitate Power Sharing: It’s essential that community members who have been historically disenfranchised are not only heard but also given a significant role in decision-making processes. This can include holding leadership roles in organizing committees, having veto power over key decisions, or steering funding towards initiatives that directly benefit their communities.

4. Provide Space for Marginalized Communities to Lead

Support Black-Led Initiatives: Encourage the creation of spaces where Black community members, for example, can directly lead initiatives without outsiders or well-meaning allies overshadowing their voices. This can be done by providing financial and logistical support for Black-led groups to organize independently or by ensuring that any organizing structure has clear lines of authority for marginalized groups.
Grassroots Empowerment: Empower people within the community to lead and coordinate grassroots efforts. This might include forming neighborhood councils, organizing neighborhood watch groups or land stewardship initiatives, and ensuring these groups are composed of the people most affected by displacement and gentrification.

5. Focus on Equitable Solutions

Distribute Resources Equitably: Ensure that resources (whether financial, human, or organizational) are distributed in ways that explicitly prioritize Black and marginalized communities. This can mean earmarking funds for those most affected by displacement or providing logistical support for organizing activities within these communities.
Equity in Policy Advocacy: When advocating for policies, make sure the proposed solutions address the specific needs of marginalized groups. This may involve policies that go beyond general protection and instead include reparations, anti-displacement ordinances, and community-led development plans.

6. Center Community-Controlled Development Models

Community Land Trusts: Support the creation and expansion of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) that are specifically led and controlled by Black communities and other marginalized groups. CLTs can help prevent gentrification and displacement by ensuring land remains in community control, preserving affordable housing and access to public spaces.
Affordable Housing with Community Input: Any housing development plans should involve Black communities and other marginalized groups from the outset. Encourage the development of affordable housing that reflects the cultural and historical values of these groups, and resist market-driven development that caters solely to higher-income groups.

7. Document and Elevate Marginalized Histories and Contributions

Cultural and Historical Preservation: It is vital that the histories of Black and marginalized communities are not erased or ignored during the recovery and rebuilding process. Supporting the creation of cultural preservation programs, museums, or public art projects that highlight these communities’ histories and contributions will help ensure they are integral to the future of the area.
Narrative Control: Support the work of community journalists, historians, and storytellers from Black and marginalized communities who can document and communicate their experiences during this process. When the community controls its own narrative, it can ensure that its contributions and needs are recognized.

8. Foster Coalition-Based Accountability

Regular Accountability Checks: Set up mechanisms for holding the broader coalition accountable to the priorities and leadership of marginalized groups. This could include regular meetings, decision-making reviews, and checks to ensure that the movement is staying true to its commitment to racial justice and equity.
Transparent Processes: Maintain transparency in all aspects of the movement, from fundraising to decision-making, to ensure marginalized groups have access to information and are actively involved in shaping the direction of the recovery efforts.

Conclusion

The key to ensuring that the Black community and other marginalized groups lead the movement to protect Altadena from predatory real estate practices is by intentionally creating structures that prioritize their voices, needs, and leadership. This involves fostering inclusive leadership, providing space for marginalized communities to lead, and embedding equity into every aspect of organizing. By centering these communities in both the recovery process and the long-term vision for Altadena’s future, they can help ensure that the neighborhood remains a place where all residents have the opportunity to thrive and not be displaced.

Ideas for names/themes:

Choosing a strong, resonant name for the Altadena community organization is essential to inspire solidarity, communicate the group’s mission, and evoke a sense of local identity and resistance to predatory real estate practices. The name should reflect the group’s commitment to justice, protection of vulnerable communities, and collective action. Here are some ideas that could work well:

1. Altadena Resilience Collective

Why It Works: This name emphasizes community strength and unity in the face of adversity. It suggests that the group is focused on recovering from the fire while resisting outside forces trying to profit off their tragedy.

2. Altadena Roots and Rights

Why It Works: This name ties together the idea of deep local roots (historically and culturally) and the right of residents to control their own land and future. It signals a fight for both historical preservation and justice for marginalized groups.

3. Altadena United Against Displacement

Why It Works: Directly communicates the organization’s purpose: to stand united against displacement and gentrification. It emphasizes collective action and is clear about the group’s goals.

4. Keep Altadena Home

Why It Works: This simple yet powerful name conveys the desire to keep the community intact, protecting it from outside developers and preventing the loss of homes and cultural identity.

5. Altadena Against Gentrification

Why It Works: Straightforward and clear, this name signals the group’s mission to fight the forces of gentrification that threaten to push out long-term residents, especially marginalized communities.

6. Voices of Altadena

Why It Works: This name empowers community members and emphasizes the importance of giving a platform to the people of Altadena. It suggests inclusivity and a collective voice against predatory practices.

7. Altadena Land and Legacy

Why It Works: The term “legacy” speaks to the cultural and historical significance of Altadena, particularly for marginalized groups. This name underscores the importance of protecting the land from developers seeking to erase the community’s history.

8. Homegrown Altadena

Why It Works: This name highlights the community’s roots and emphasizes the importance of locally grown solutions. It conveys that Altadena is a place for its residents, not for outside investors.

9. Altadena People’s Defense Fund

Why It Works: This name suggests a practical approach, focusing on defending the rights and homes of the people in Altadena. It could imply an organization focused on legal support, advocacy, and action to protect homes and prevent displacement.

10. Altadena Forward: Housing Justice Now

Why It Works: This name speaks to a forward-thinking vision for Altadena, rooted in justice and housing equity. It is action-oriented and suggests a clear, urgent focus on addressing housing issues.

11. Altadena For All

Why It Works: Simple but inclusive, this name conveys the idea that Altadena should remain a place for everyone, with an emphasis on fairness, equity, and protection for marginalized communities.

12. Altadena Housing Justice Coalition

Why It Works: This name is direct and clearly states the purpose of the organization—fighting for housing justice. The term “coalition” implies collaboration across different community groups, making it more inclusive.

13. Preserve Altadena

Why It Works: Short and to the point, this name focuses on preservation—of both homes and community identity—making it clear that the community’s core values and structure should be protected.

14. Altadena Community Defense Network

Why It Works: This name conveys a sense of organized resistance and collective defense against the forces of displacement and predatory real estate. It emphasizes the importance of unity and security for the community.

15. The Altadena Solidarity Project

Why It Works: “Solidarity” emphasizes collective support and action. This name communicates that the organization is about standing together to protect the rights of the community, particularly marginalized groups.

16. Altadena’s Future in Our Hands

Why It Works: This name puts control of the future directly in the hands of the residents, emphasizing local leadership and community determination. It suggests a proactive approach to shaping Altadena’s future.

17. Justice for Altadena

Why It Works: Short, clear, and to the point. This name speaks to the central goal of fighting for justice—whether it’s housing justice, economic justice, or racial justice—while underscoring that this effort is for the good of the entire community.

18. Altadena Neighborhood Protection Network

Why It Works: A name that suggests a protective umbrella for all neighborhoods in Altadena, especially those at risk of displacement. The word “network” conveys a collaborative, collective effort to safeguard the community.

19. Reclaim Altadena

Why It Works: This name conveys the sense of taking back control of the neighborhood and the land from external forces. It implies reclaiming what belongs to the community, particularly from predatory developers.

20. Altadena Collective for Justice and Equity

Why It Works: This name communicates a clear commitment to justice and equity for all of Altadena’s residents, with an emphasis on collective action and fairness. It suggests a comprehensive approach to addressing housing, social, and racial inequities.

21. Altadena United for Home and Community

Why It Works: This name is broad enough to encompass all aspects of the community’s fight—preserving homes, protecting the community, and resisting gentrification. It emphasizes unity and action for long-term stability.

Considerations for Choosing a Name:

Inclusivity: Ensure the name reflects the values of unity and inclusion, particularly for marginalized communities.
Action-Oriented: The name should inspire action and convey a sense of urgency and purpose.
Cultural Sensitivity: Given Altadena’s diversity, it’s important that the name resonates with all of the community, especially those at risk of displacement.
Local Identity: The name should feel authentic to Altadena’s unique character, history, and people, emphasizing local control and pride.

Ultimately, the name should reflect the community’s collective vision and mission. It’s also a good idea to involve local residents in the naming process, ensuring that the final choice has broad support and meaning.