The aftermath of the destructive Eaton Fire in Altadena has prompted the Getty Foundation in Los Angeles to pledge $420,000 towards documenting the loss of culturally significant sites in the area. This initiative aims to preserve Altadena’s “intangible heritage,” which includes the rich history of transformational writers and artists who have called the region home.
Altadena has been a hub for influential figures such as science fiction author Octavia Butler and actor Sidney Poitier, the first Black person to win an Oscar for Best Actor. The devastating fires disproportionately affected Black homeowners in Altadena, with 81% of the community being homeowners, double the national average. However, in the aftermath of the fires, developers are aggressively purchasing charred lots, sparking fears of displacement and the erasure of the region’s unique character.
The Los Angeles Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s cultural and architectural heritage, will lead the documentation project funded by the Getty Foundation. Over the course of 18 months, the LA Conservancy will conduct a “cultural asset mapping” process to identify and document at-risk heritage assets in Altadena. This information will inform policy decisions regarding fire relief and redevelopment efforts in the area.
The Getty Foundation’s Director, Joan Weinstein, emphasized the importance of community engagement and the preservation of intangible heritage in the cultural asset mapping process. By collecting oral histories, documenting buildings and sites, and working with local organizations, the project aims to retain Altadena’s diverse and tight-knit community amidst the rebuilding efforts.
One notable site that the initiative seeks to document is Zorthian Ranch, a 45-acre property that served as a gathering place for artists and writers. The Eaton Fire destroyed most of the buildings on the ranch, prompting real estate agents to approach the property owner in the aftermath of the disaster. Efforts are underway to raise funds to preserve the ranch and prevent developers from acquiring the land, preserving the memories of the lost artwork and cultural significance of the site.
As Altadena navigates the challenges of rebuilding and preserving its unique cultural fabric, the Getty Foundation’s initiative aims to ensure that the community’s history and heritage are not forgotten. By working closely with residents and local organizations, the project seeks to strike a balance between progress and preservation in the post-fire recovery efforts.
