Altadena’s First Rebuilt Home After Eaton Fire Marks a New Beginning

Altadena’s First Rebuilt Home After Eaton Fire (Photo – W.K.)

A significant recovery milestone was reached today for the Altadena community as the first rebuilt residence following the devastating Eaton Fire received its certificate of occupancy.

By Rena Kurlander

The County of Los Angeles officially issued the certificate to Ted Koerner, an Eaton Fire survivor, marking the completion of his new home on East Loma Alta Drive.

The ceremony, which took place in front of the newly constructed property, was attended by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, and Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Director Amy J. Bodek. Koerner, who has remained resilient through the rebuilding process, was joined by his faithful 13-year-old dog, Daisy May, who has been by his side throughout the challenging journey.

The home, a one-story, 2,160-square-foot single-family residence, is a beacon of hope and recovery for the community. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an attached garage, and a patio trellis. In addition to its welcoming design, the house is built with fire resilience in mind: it is fireproof, with no vents leading to the attic, and features cement roof tiles, measures that enhance its durability against future fires. The completion of the house signifies a crucial step forward for Altadena residents who have been working to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the destructive wildfire.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who has been a driving force in the recovery efforts, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “This is a significant moment not only for Ted Koerner but for all of Altadena. This rebuilt home represents our collective commitment to helping residents return home and restore their lives after such a devastating event,” Barger said.

Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, highlighted the county’s efforts to support wildfire survivors in rebuilding their homes. “The completion of this first residence is a testament to the resilience of the Altadena community and the dedication of our county officials and partners to make recovery a reality,” Pestrella said.

Amy J. Bodek, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, added, “Rebuilding takes time, but today’s achievement shows that with collaborative effort, communities can recover and come back stronger than before.”

For Ted Koerner, receiving the certificate of occupancy for his new home is both a personal victory and a symbol of hope for the future. “It’s been a long road, but today marks the start of a new chapter for me and my dog, Daisy Mae,” Koerner said. “I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I’m looking forward to making many new memories in this home.”

As Altadena continues its recovery, the completion of Koerner’s home is a reminder of the strength, perseverance, and sense of community that drives the rebuilding process. With more homes in the pipeline, this milestone represents a promising future for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire.

(L-R) Ted Koerner, Kathryn Barger, Amy J. Bodek, and Mark Pestrella (Photo – W.K.)

Owner of the house, Ted Koerner, speaks to the media (Photo – W.K.)