a file photo of State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez joined by the Eaton Fire Collaborative Leadership Council (Photo – Monica Lopez)
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1090, the Keep Altadena Land in Altadena Hands Act, into law. Authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), the legislation establishes protections for Altadena as the community rebuilds after the Eaton Fire.
By News Desk
SB 1090 creates a three-year moratorium on the application of SB 1123 in Altadena. SB 1123 allows residential densities of up to 10 housing units on certain properties. Although the law was intended to expand housing opportunities statewide, Altadena residents raised concerns that real estate speculators were using it to acquire fire-damaged properties and pursue high-density development that could overwhelm the community’s infrastructure.
The legislation passed the California Legislature with an urgency clause and will take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
SB 1090 creates parity between Altadena and Pacific Palisades, which already has similar protections because it is located in a very high fire hazard severity zone. That designation does not apply to large portions of the Eaton Fire burn scar in Altadena.
“I’m grateful to the governor for hearing Altadena’s residents and signing SB 1090,” Pérez said. “This legislation has truly been a community-driven effort that I have been honored to carry for Eaton Fire survivors.”
Pérez said the moratorium would give Eaton Fire survivors time to rebuild without undue influence from real estate speculators while preserving residents’ ability to build accessory dwelling units or subdivide lots in ways that maintain Altadena’s 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,” Barger said.
She said the law would provide Eaton Fire survivors with greater certainty and a fair opportunity to rebuild while helping prevent displacement.
Altadena Town Council Chair Nic Arnzen played a central role in raising concerns about speculative development and advocating for the legislation. Arnzen called the law “a bright spot in an ongoing dark time” for the community and said it would protect residents from outside developers seeking to profit from the aftermath of the fire.
“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,” Arnzen said.
Arnzen credited Pérez, Barger, Assemblymember John Harabedian and their staffs, as well as local residents who spoke out in support of the legislation.
“This is what happens when a town stands up and refuses to be taken advantage of,” Arnzen said.
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