Altadena, California: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Unincorporated community in California, United States}}
{{Short description|Unincorporated community in California, United States}}
{{redirect|Altadena|the brand of milk|Alta Dena}}
{{redirect|Altadena|the brand of milk|Alta Dena}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
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| nickname          =  
| motto              =  
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| image_map          = LA County Incorporated Areas Altadena highlighted.svg
| mapframe = yes
| mapsize            = 250x200px
| mapsize            =  
| map_caption        = Location of Altadena in [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]], [[California]]
| map_caption        =  
| pushpin_map        = USA
| pushpin_map        = USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
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==History==
==History==
=== Etymology ===
=== Etymology ===
The name Altadena was coined by Byron O. Clark, who established Altadena Nursery in 1875. The name combines the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] alta, meaning 'upper,' with dena, a term he likely adapted from [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]], though its precise origin remains unclear. The area is adjacent to, but at a higher elevation than, Pasadena.<ref name="naming">Manning, Mike. The word Altadena was first used by Byron Clark, who coined it for his nursery located south of present-day Woodbury on the west side of town. When he moved his nursery to Linda Vista, he agreed to let the Woodburys take the name for their new subdivision. "[http://www.altadenatowncouncil.org/altadenahistory/ald_history.html ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA: an abbreviated history for the internet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050424084500/http://altadenatowncouncil.org/altadenahistory/ald_history.html|date=April 24, 2005}}". [http://www.altadenatowncouncil.org/ Altadena Town Council]. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Bright|first=William|author-link=William O. Bright|date=1998|title=1500 California Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning|location=[[Berkeley, California]]|publisher=[[University of California Press]]}}</ref>
The name Altadena was coined by Byron O. Clark, who established Altadena Nursery in 1875. The name combines the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] ''alta'', meaning "upper", with ''dena'', a term he adapted from [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]].<ref name="altadenahistory">{{cite web |url=https://altadenatowncouncil.org/history/ |title=History - Altadena, California |first=Mike |last=Manning |work=Altadena Town Council |date=2017 |accessdate=2025-12-01 |quote=To attach a name to the community, they contacted Byron O. Clark who had established a nursery in the foothills in 1875 and had since moved away. He called his nursery “Altadena Nursery”, a name he coined from the Spanish “alta” meaning “upper” and “dena” from Pasadena 4. Since Clark had moved away, Woodbury asked if he could use the name Altadena for his subdivision. Clark agreed. }}</ref> The area is adjacent to, but at a higher elevation than, Pasadena.<ref name="naming">{{cite web |last=Manning |first=Mike |quote=The word Altadena was first used by Byron Clark, who coined it for his nursery located south of present-day Woodbury on the west side of town. When he moved his nursery to Linda Vista, he agreed to let the Woodburys take the name for their new subdivision. |url=http://www.altadenatowncouncil.org/altadenahistory/ald_history.html |title=ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA: an abbreviated history for the internet |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050424084500/http://altadenatowncouncil.org/altadenahistory/ald_history.html |archivedate=2005-04-24 |work=Altadena Town Council |accessdate=2007-03-18 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Bright|first=William|author-link=William O. Bright|date=1998|title=1500 California Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning|location=[[Berkeley, California]]|publisher=[[University of California Press]]}}</ref>


=== Early history ===
=== Early history ===
In the mid-1860s, Benjamin S. Eaton first developed water sources from the [[Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County)|Arroyo Seco]] and [[Eaton Canyon]] to irrigate his vineyard near the edge of Eaton Canyon. This made possible the development of Altadena, Pasadena, and South Pasadena. He did the construction for [[Benjamin Davis Wilson|B. D. Wilson]] and [[John Strother Griffin|Dr. John Griffin]], who jointly owned the Mexican land grant of [[Rancho San Pascual]], about {{convert|14000|acre|ha}}, that would be the future sites of these three communities. They hoped to develop and sell this land in a real estate plan called the San Pasqual Plantation. Their efforts failed by 1870, despite Eaton's irrigation ditch that drew water from the site of present-day [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory|Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)]] in the [[Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County)|Arroyo Seco]], because the land was relatively inaccessible and few believed crops could thrive that close to the mountains.
In the mid-1860s, Benjamin S. Eaton first developed water sources from the [[Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County)|Arroyo Seco]] and [[Eaton Canyon]] to irrigate his vineyard near the edge of Eaton Canyon. This made possible the development of Altadena, Pasadena, and South Pasadena. He did the construction for [[Benjamin Davis Wilson|B. D. Wilson]] and [[John Strother Griffin|Dr. John Griffin]], who jointly owned the Mexican land grant of [[Rancho San Pascual]], about {{convert|14000|acre|ha}}, that would be the future sites of these three communities. They hoped to develop and sell this land in a real estate plan called the San Pasqual Plantation. Their efforts failed by 1870, despite Eaton's irrigation ditch that drew water from the site of present-day [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory|Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)]] in the [[Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County)|Arroyo Seco]], because the land was relatively inaccessible and few believed crops could thrive that close to the mountains.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


Eaton tried to sell the land for the partners, and in late 1873 he helped broker a deal with Daniel Berry, who represented a group of investors from Indiana, to buy {{convert|4000|acre|ha}} of the rancho. This included the land of present-day Altadena, but they developed a {{convert|2500|acre|ha}} section further south as Pasadena.
Eaton tried to sell the land for the partners, and in late 1873, he helped broker a deal with Daniel Berry, who represented a group of investors from Indiana, to buy {{convert|4000|acre|ha}} of the rancho. This included the land of present-day Altadena, but they developed a {{convert|2500|acre|ha|adj=on}} section further south as Pasadena.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


Byron O. Clark established a nursery in the foothills in 1875, which he named "Altadena Nursery", a name he coined from the Spanish ''alta'' meaning "upper" and ''dena'' from Pasadena.
Byron O. Clark established a nursery in the foothills in 1875, which he named "Altadena Nursery", a name he coined from the Spanish ''alta'' meaning "upper" and ''dena'' from Pasadena.<ref name="altadenahistory"/>


In 1880 or 1881, Capt. Frederick Woodbury, and his brother, John Woodbury of [[Marshalltown, Iowa]], purchased {{convert|937|acre|ha}} known as the Woodbury Ranch. The land remained primarily agricultural, though several Eastern millionaires built mansions along Mariposa Street, and a small community developed through the 1890s and into the next century.
In 1880 or 1881, Capt. Frederick Woodbury, and his brother, John Woodbury of [[Marshalltown, Iowa]], purchased {{convert|937|acre|ha}} known as the Woodbury Ranch. The land remained primarily agricultural, although several Eastern millionaires built mansions along Mariposa Street, and a small community developed through the 1890s and into the next century.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


=== Development ===
=== Development ===
[[File:woodburys.jpg|thumb|right|[[Woodbury–Story House]] (1882), the home of Capt. John Woodbury, is extant and occupied.]]
[[File:woodburys.jpg|thumb|[[Woodbury–Story House]] (1882), the home of Capt. John Woodbury, is extant and occupied.]]
John Woodbury established the Pasadena Improvement Company in 1887, with a plot plan of residential development referred to as the Woodbury Subdivision. They contacted Byron O. Clark, who had moved away, and asked if he could use the name "Altadena" for his subdivision; Clark agreed.
John Woodbury established the Pasadena Improvement Company in 1887, with a plot plan of residential development referred to as the Woodbury Subdivision. They contacted Byron O. Clark, who had moved away, and asked if he could use the name "Altadena" for his subdivision; Clark agreed.<ref name="altadenahistory"/>


The newly sprouted community of Altadena immediately began to attract millionaires from the East. In 1887 [[Andrew McNally]], the printing magnate from Chicago, and his friend, [[George Gill Green]], had built mansions on what was to become Millionaire's Row: Mariposa Street near [[Christmas Tree Lane|Santa Rosa Avenue]]. Newspaper moguls William Armiger Scripps and William Kellogg built homes side by side just east of [[Fair Oaks Avenue (Pasadena, California)|Fair Oaks Avenue]]. A bit farther east, [[Zane Grey Estate|Zane Grey]] bought a home from Arthur Herbert Woodward, and added a second-floor study. The famous Benziger Publishing Company built a mansion on the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue (Christmas Tree Lane) and Mariposa. Mariposa was taken from the Spanish name for a butterfly. The grandson of Andrew McNally, [[Wallace Neff]], became a famous Southern California architect. He started his career in Altadena with the design and construction of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church (parish est.&nbsp;1918), which was dedicated in October 1926.
The newly sprouted community of Altadena immediately began to attract millionaires from the East. In 1887 [[Andrew McNally]], the printing magnate from Chicago, and his friend, [[George Gill Green]], had built mansions on what was to become Millionaire's Row: Mariposa Street near [[Christmas Tree Lane|Santa Rosa Avenue]]. Newspaper moguls William Armiger Scripps and William Kellogg built homes side by side just east of [[Fair Oaks Avenue (Pasadena, California)|Fair Oaks Avenue]]. A bit farther east, [[Zane Grey Estate|Zane Grey]] bought a home from Arthur Herbert Woodward, and added a second-floor study. The famous Benziger Publishing Company built a mansion on the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue (Christmas Tree Lane) and Mariposa. Mariposa was taken from the Spanish name for a butterfly. The grandson of Andrew McNally, [[Wallace Neff]], became a famous Southern California architect. He started his career in Altadena with the design and construction of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church (parish est.&nbsp;1918), which was dedicated in October 1926.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


From 1924 to 1926, 160 homes were built in Altadena by [[fugitive]] conman Elisha Paul Janes, with distinctive steep roofs and multiple gables; despite his lack of qualifications, they proved popular, and this neighbourhood was designated as a heritage area in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=Janes Village |url=https://www.janesvillage.org/index.html |access-date=September 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaiser |first1=Laura |title=Many Popular Houses in L.A. Were Part of a Scam by a Con Artist Who Disappeared |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/los-angeles-home-scam |website=Atlas Obscura |access-date=September 7, 2024 |date=November 9, 2023}}</ref>  
From 1924 to 1926, 160 homes were built in Altadena by [[fugitive]] conman Elisha Paul Janes, with distinctive steep roofs and multiple gables; despite his lack of qualifications, they proved popular, and this neighbourhood was designated as a heritage area in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=Janes Village |url=https://www.janesvillage.org/index.html |access-date=September 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaiser |first1=Laura |title=Many Popular Houses in L.A. Were Part of a Scam by a Con Artist Who Disappeared |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/los-angeles-home-scam |website=Atlas Obscura |access-date=September 7, 2024 |date=November 9, 2023}}</ref>  
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=== Later history ===
=== Later history ===
[[Redlining]] policies prevented [[African Americans]] from acquiring land or purchasing property in much of California.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/segregation-in-the-city-of-angels-a-1939-map-of-housing-inequality-in-la|title=Segregation in the City of Angels: A 1939 Map of Housing Inequality in L.A.|date=November 14, 2017|work=KCET|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> One of the areas exempt from these policies was Altadena Meadows, which thrived and became one of first middle-class African American neighborhoods in the area.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2017/11/12/altadenas-own-take-on-civil-war-monuments-honors-abolitionist-owen-brown-in-revamped-park/|title=Altadena's own take on Civil War monuments honors abolitionist Owen Brown in revamped park|date=November 13, 2017|work=Pasadena Star News|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shattered in the Fire: A Historic Black Haven |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/us/la-fires-altadena-historic-black-community.html |work=The New York Times |last=Knoll |first=Corina |date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=January 15, 2025 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
[[Redlining]] policies prevented [[African Americans]] from acquiring land or purchasing property in much of California.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/segregation-in-the-city-of-angels-a-1939-map-of-housing-inequality-in-la|title=Segregation in the City of Angels: A 1939 Map of Housing Inequality in L.A.|date=November 14, 2017|work=KCET|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> One of the areas exempt from these policies was Altadena Meadows, which thrived and became one of the first middle-class African American neighborhoods in the area.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2017/11/12/altadenas-own-take-on-civil-war-monuments-honors-abolitionist-owen-brown-in-revamped-park/|title=Altadena's own take on Civil War monuments honors abolitionist Owen Brown in revamped park|date=November 13, 2017|work=Pasadena Star News|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shattered in the Fire: A Historic Black Haven |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/us/la-fires-altadena-historic-black-community.html |work=The New York Times |last=Knoll |first=Corina |date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=January 15, 2025 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>


[[File:Lake Avenue Altadena.jpg|thumb|Lake Avenue in Altadena, 2011]]While Altadena long refused wholesale [[Municipal annexation|annexation]] by neighboring [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]], the larger community nibbled at its edges in several small annexations of neighborhoods through the 1940s. Attempted annexation was stopped in 1956 by community campaigns, though it has been resurrected several times since by Pasadena without success. Had the annexation succeeded, Pasadena would be the [[List of United States cities by population|108th largest city]] in the United States.
[[File:Lake Avenue Altadena.jpg|thumb|Lake Avenue in Altadena (2011).]]
While Altadena long refused wholesale [[Municipal annexation|annexation]] by neighboring [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]], the larger community nibbled at its edges in several small annexations of neighborhoods through the 1940s. Attempted annexation was stopped in 1956 by community campaigns, though it has been resurrected several times since by Pasadena without success. Had the annexation succeeded, Pasadena would be the [[List of United States cities by population|108th largest city]] in the United States.


With early-1960s redevelopment in Pasadena, the routing of extensions of the 134 and 210 freeways, and lawsuits over the desegregation of [[Pasadena Unified School District]], there was white flight and convulsive racial change in Altadena. In 1960, its black population was under four percent; over the next 15 years, half the White population left, and was replaced by people of color, many of whom settled on the west side of town after being displaced by Pasadena's redevelopment and freeway projects.
With early-1960s redevelopment in Pasadena, the routing of extensions of the 134 and 210 freeways, and lawsuits over the desegregation of [[Pasadena Unified School District]], there was white flight and convulsive racial change in Altadena. In 1960, its black population was under four percent; over the next 15 years, half the White population left, and was replaced by people of color, many of whom settled on the west side of town after being displaced by Pasadena's redevelopment and freeway projects.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


In 1993, the [[Kinneloa Fire]], begun accidentally on the slopes above [[Eaton Canyon]], burned dozens of homes in Altadena and neighboring [[Kinneloa Mesa, California|Kinneloa Mesa]] as part of a rash of late October wildfires driven by [[Santa Ana winds]] in Southern California. One man died of complications from smoke inhalation and dozens were injured.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2001 |title=20 Largest California Wildland Fires (By Structures Lost) |url=http://www.fire.ca.gov/FireEmergencyResponse/HistoricalStatistics/20largefiresstructures.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011031164438/http://www.fire.ca.gov/FireEmergencyResponse/HistoricalStatistics/20largefiresstructures.asp |archive-date=October 31, 2001 |access-date=October 10, 2022 |website=California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last1=Malnic |first1=Eric |last2=Farrell |first2=David |date=October 28, 1993 |title=13 Fires Ring Southland: 450 Homes Burn; Laguna, Altadena Hard Hit |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-28-mn-50441-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207055901/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-28-mn-50441-story.html |archive-date=December 7, 2022}}</ref>
In 1993, the [[Kinneloa Fire]], begun accidentally on the slopes above [[Eaton Canyon]], burned dozens of homes in Altadena and neighboring [[Kinneloa Mesa, California|Kinneloa Mesa]] as part of a rash of late October wildfires driven by [[Santa Ana winds]] in Southern California. One man died of complications from smoke inhalation and dozens were injured.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2001 |title=20 Largest California Wildland Fires (By Structures Lost) |url=http://www.fire.ca.gov/FireEmergencyResponse/HistoricalStatistics/20largefiresstructures.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011031164438/http://www.fire.ca.gov/FireEmergencyResponse/HistoricalStatistics/20largefiresstructures.asp |archive-date=October 31, 2001 |access-date=October 10, 2022 |website=California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last1=Malnic |first1=Eric |last2=Farrell |first2=David |date=October 28, 1993 |title=13 Fires Ring Southland: 450 Homes Burn; Laguna, Altadena Hard Hit |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-28-mn-50441-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207055901/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-28-mn-50441-story.html |archive-date=December 7, 2022}}</ref>
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In 2022, Altadena gained local coverage in Los Angeles as the place of the first land return to the [[Tongva]] since the arrival of Europeans in the [[Los Angeles Basin]] area, after a resident donated her 1-acre property to the [[Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purtill |first=Corinne |date=October 11, 2022 |title=An acre of land in Altadena has been formally transferred to L.A.'s first people |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2022-10-11/essential-california-land-transfer-tongva-essential-california |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2022 |title=Why A Property Worth Millions Was Returned To The Tongva Tribe |url=https://laist.com/news/la-history/why-a-property-worth-millions-was-returned-to-tongva-tribe |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref> It was described as marking the first time in nearly 200 years that the Tongva have had land in [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2022 |title=After nearly 200 years, the Tongva community has land in Los Angeles County |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-10/after-nearly-200-years-the-tongva-community-has-land-in-los-angeles-county |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US|first1=Jonah|last1=Valdez}}</ref>
In 2022, Altadena gained local coverage in Los Angeles as the place of the first land return to the [[Tongva]] since the arrival of Europeans in the [[Los Angeles Basin]] area, after a resident donated her 1-acre property to the [[Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purtill |first=Corinne |date=October 11, 2022 |title=An acre of land in Altadena has been formally transferred to L.A.'s first people |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2022-10-11/essential-california-land-transfer-tongva-essential-california |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2022 |title=Why A Property Worth Millions Was Returned To The Tongva Tribe |url=https://laist.com/news/la-history/why-a-property-worth-millions-was-returned-to-tongva-tribe |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref> It was described as marking the first time in nearly 200 years that the Tongva have had land in [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2022 |title=After nearly 200 years, the Tongva community has land in Los Angeles County |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-10/after-nearly-200-years-the-tongva-community-has-land-in-los-angeles-county |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US|first1=Jonah|last1=Valdez}}</ref>


In 2022, a single lottery ticket was sold to Edwin Castro, which would win a world record US$2.04 billion [[Powerball]] jackpot.<ref>{{Cite news |first1=Aya |last1=Elamroussi |first2=Dakin |last2=Andone |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Winning ticket for $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot sold in California, state lottery officials say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/08/us/powerball-lottery-record-delayed-drawing-tuesday-trnd/index.html |access-date=November 8, 2022 |work=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
In 2022, a single lottery ticket was sold to Edwin Castro, which would win a world record US$2.04 billion [[Powerball]] jackpot, announced on November 7, 2022. After a few months of paperwork, on February 14, 2023, Castro publicly accepted the lump sum prize of US$997.6&nbsp;million.<ref name="powerballamount">{{Cite news |first1=Aya |last1=Elamroussi |first2=Dakin |last2=Andone |date=2022-11-08 |title=Winning ticket for $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot sold in California, state lottery officials say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/08/us/powerball-lottery-record-delayed-drawing-tuesday-trnd/index.html |access-date=2022-11-08 |work=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref name="powerballclaim">{{cite web |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2023/11/07/powerball-winner-2022-edwin-castro-billion-california-mansions-vintage-porsche/71470252007/ |title=Powerball winner Edwin Castro spent money on 3 California homes, vintage cars in 9 months |work=Florida Today |first1=Jennifer |last1=Sangalang |orig-date=2023-11-07 |date=2023-11-09 |accessdate=2025-12-01 |quote=Overnight billionaire Edwin Castro claimed his $2.04 billion Powerball prize on Valentine's Day 2023. He took the lump sum of $997.6 million, just shy of $1 billion. }}</ref>


=== Eaton Fire ===
=== Eaton Fire (2025) ===
{{main|Eaton Fire}}
{{main|Eaton Fire}}
[[File:Oh Happy Day Vegan Cafe after Eaton Fire (vertical).jpg|left|thumb|185x185px|Destruction of business district on Lake Avenue]]
[[File:Oh Happy Day Vegan Cafe after Eaton Fire (vertical).jpg|thumb|185x185px|Destruction of business district on Lake Avenue.]]
On January 7, 2025, the [[Eaton Fire]] started in Altadena around 6:30 PM local time during a powerful [[Santa Ana Winds]]. It quickly spread to 14,000 acres by January 10, with 17 confirmed fatalities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eaton Fire Incident Page |url=https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire/updates/c9547534-417d-42c9-806c-a867a5c76a13 |website=Cal Fire Incidents |publisher=CALFIRE |access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref> Over 9,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, including the [[Andrew McNally House]], [[Altadena Community Church]], [[St. Markʼs Episcopal Church (Altadena, California)|St. Mark's Episcopal Church]], [[The Bunny Museum]], [[Scripps Hall (California)|Scripps Hall]] and much of the downtown area. The entirety of Altadena was put under an evacuation order.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=2 people die in Eaton Fire as evacuation orders expand beyond Altadena |url=https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/eaton-fire-altadena |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref> Nearly half of the Black households in Altadena were damaged or destroyed by the fire.<ref name="guard-16feb2025">{{cite news |last1=Beckett |first1=Lois |title=The LA fires burned down a thriving Black community. Residents are afraid of being 'erased' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/california-fires-black-community-recovery |access-date=February 16, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=February 16, 2025}}</ref> In the aftermath of the fires, many homeowners struggled with high rebuilding costs and some were forced to sell, while luxury developers and wealthy individuals scrambled to buy lots in cash at competitive prices.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Jae |date=23 March 2025 |title=After the Eaton Fire, Altadena residents fight to keep out luxury developers |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/eaton-fire-altadena-residents-fight-keep-luxury-developers-rcna196272 |website=NBC News |access-date=25 March 2025}}
On January 7, 2025, the [[Eaton Fire]] started in Altadena around 6:30 PM local time ([[Pacific Time|PT]]) during a powerful [[Santa Ana Winds]]. It quickly spread to {{convert|14000|acre}} by January 10, with 19 confirmed fatalities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eaton Fire Incident Page |url=https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire/updates/c9547534-417d-42c9-806c-a867a5c76a13 |website=Cal Fire Incidents |publisher=CALFIRE |access-date=2025-01-28 }}</ref>
</ref> Community groups such as [[Altadena Not for Sale]] quickly formed to advocate for the under- and non-insured so they don't fall prey to predatory land speculators.


{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=|frame-height=300|from=January 2025 United States wildfires.map|frame-latitude=34.195|frame-longitude=-118.137|zoom=13|text=Affected area of Altadena by [[Eaton Fire]] ([[c:Data:January 2025 United States wildfires.map|map data]])}}
Over 9,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, including the [[Andrew McNally House]], [[Altadena Community Church]], [[St. Markʼs Episcopal Church (Altadena, California)|St. Mark's Episcopal Church]], [[The Bunny Museum]], and [[Scripps Hall (California)|Scripps Hall]], as well as much of the downtown area. The entirety of Altadena was put under an evacuation order.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=2 people die in Eaton Fire as evacuation orders expand beyond Altadena |url=https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/eaton-fire-altadena |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref>
 
In the aftermath of the fires, many homeowners struggled with high rebuilding costs and some were forced to sell, while luxury developers and wealthy individuals scrambled to buy lots in cash at competitive prices.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Jae |date=23 March 2025 |title=After the Eaton Fire, Altadena residents fight to keep out luxury developers |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/eaton-fire-altadena-residents-fight-keep-luxury-developers-rcna196272 |website=NBC News |access-date=2025-03-25 }}</ref> Community groups such as [[Altadena Not for Sale]] quickly formed to advocate for the under- and non-insured to protect against land speculators.<ref>{{cite web| title = Remains found in Eaton fire's path — death toll climbs to 19 |url = https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2025/07/22/remains-found-in-eaton-fires-path-death-toll-climbs-to-19/ |publisher = Pasadena Star-News |date = July 22, 2025 |access-date=2025-07-23 }}</ref>
 
Following the January 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, Powerball jackpot winner Edwin Castro began purchasing several fire-damaged lots in his hometown.<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |last=Reporter |first=Nicole Friedman |title=Altadena Powerball Winner Steps In to Help Rebuild After Los Angeles Fires |url=https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/altadena-powerball-winner-los-angeles-fires-5acd346e |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=October 2025 |access-date=2025-10-14 }}</ref>
 
Through his company, Castro announced plans to use a portion of his winnings to construct single-family homes for local residents while preserving the community’s architectural character and preventing speculative real-estate development.<ref name="People">{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Natalie |title=Powerball Winner Edwin Castro Says He Wants to Use Winnings to Help Rebuild from Los Angeles Fires |url=https://people.com/powerball-winner-edwin-castro-says-he-wants-to-use-winnings-to-help-rebuild-from-los-angeles-fires-11829090 |work=People |date=October 2025 |access-date=2025-10-14 }}</ref>
 
Castro's involvement in the rebuilding process has been met with both praise and concern from residents, who cite hopes for community recovery alongside worries about affordability and land consolidation.<ref name="WSJ" />


==Geography==
==Geography==
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|unit rain days = 0.01 inch
|unit rain days = 0.01 inch
|source 1 = WRCC<ref>{{cite web
|source 1 = WRCC<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://climateatlas.org/php/viewstation.php?station=USC00040144 |title=ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - Climate Summary|access-date=March 21, 2022|publisher=WRCC}}</ref>
|url=https://climateatlas.org/php/viewstation.php?station=USC00040144 |title=Altadena, California – Climate Summary|access-date=March 21, 2022|publisher=WRCC}}</ref>
|source 2 = WRCC<ref>{{cite web
|source 2 = WRCC<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca0144 |title=ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - Climate Summary|access-date=October 3, 2017|publisher=WRCC}}</ref>
|url=https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca0144 |title=Altadena, California – Climate Summary|access-date=October 3, 2017|publisher=WRCC}}</ref>
|date=October 2017
|date=October 2017
}}
}}
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|2020= 42846
|2020= 42846
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br>1860–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County  |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br>1860–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County  |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823050629/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/>
2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/>
}}
}}


Altadena first appeared as an unincorporated community in the [[1960 U.S. Census]];<ref name=1960CensusCA/> and as a [[census-designated place]] in the [[1980 U.S. Census]].<ref name=1980CensusCA/>
Altadena first appeared as an unincorporated community in the [[1960 U.S. census]];<ref name=1960CensusCA/> and as a [[census-designated place]] in the [[1980 United States census]].<ref name=1980CensusCA/>


===2020===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Altadena CDP, California – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
|+'''Altadena CDP, California – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
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|}
|}


The [[2020 United States census]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/altadenacdpcalifornia|title=2020 Census Interactive Population Search: CA&nbsp;— Altadena CDP|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403025902/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0601290|archive-date=April 3, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> reported that Altadena had a population of 42,846. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|racial makeup]] of Altadena in the year 2020 was (53.2%) White (41.2% Non-Hispanic White),<ref name=quickfacts /> (19.7%) African American, (0.6%) Native American, (5.2%) Asian, (0.1%) Pacific Islander, and (6.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 29.5% of the population.
===2020===
The [[2020 United States census]] reported that Altadena had a population of 42,846. The population density was {{convert|5,060.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Altadena was 46.2% [[White Americans|White]], 17.2% [[African Americans|African American]], 0.9% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 7.1% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.1% [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]], 12.8% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 15.7% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race were 28.4% of the population.<ref name=DP1>{{cite web |title=Altadena CDP, California; DP1: Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics - 2020 Census of Population and Housing |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?g=1600000US0601290 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=June 8, 2025}}</ref>
 
The census reported that 98.3% of the population lived in households, 1.2% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0.5% were institutionalized.<ref name=DP1/>
 
There were 15,429 households, out of which 29.7% included children under the age of 18, 50.9% were married-couple households, 5.8% were [[cohabitation|cohabiting]] couple households, 28.3% had a female householder with no partner present, and 15.0% had a male householder with no partner present. 22.2% of households were one person, and 10.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.73.<ref name=DP1/> There were 11,055 [[family (U.S. Census)|families]] (71.7% of all households).<ref>{{cite web |title=Altadena CDP, California; P16: Household Type - 2020 Census of Population and Housing |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDHC2020.P16?g=1600000US0601290 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=June 8, 2025}}</ref>
 
The age distribution was 18.6% under the age of 18, 7.1% aged 18 to 24, 23.7% aged 25 to 44, 30.1% aged 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65{{nbsp}}years of age or older. The median age was 45.5{{nbsp}}years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males.<ref name=DP1/>
 
There were 16,063 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,897.4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}, of which 15,429 (96.1%) were occupied. Of these, 71.7% were owner-occupied, and 28.3% were occupied by renters.<ref name=DP1/>
 
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $129,123, and the [[per capita income]] was $65,192. About 5.3% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line.<ref>{{cite web |title=Altadena CDP, California; DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics - 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates Comparison Profiles |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2023.DP03?g=1600000US0601290 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=June 8, 2025}}</ref>


===2010===
===2010===
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According to the 2010 United States Census, Altadena had a median household income of $82,895, with 10.7% of the population living below the federal poverty line.<ref name=quickfacts>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts: Altadena CDP, California |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0601290.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701234448/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0601290.html |archive-date=July 1, 2012 }}</ref>
According to the 2010 United States Census, Altadena had a median household income of $82,895, with 10.7% of the population living below the federal poverty line.<ref name=quickfacts>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts: Altadena CDP, California |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0601290.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701234448/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0601290.html |archive-date=July 1, 2012 }}</ref>
===2000===
As of the [[2000 United States census]],<ref name="GR2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 42,610 people, 14,780 households, and 10,671 families residing in the CDP. The population density was {{Convert|4,898.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 15,250 housing units at an average density of {{Convert|1,753.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|racial makeup]] of the CDP in the year 2000 was 47.30% White or European American, 31.42% Black or African American, 0.58% Native American, 4.24% Asian or Asian American, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 10.19% from other races, and 6.14% from two or more races. 20.39% of the population were [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]] or Latino of any race.
There were 14,780 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.29.
In the CDP, 26.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.4% was from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $60,549, and the median income for a family was $66,800 (these figures had risen to $77,020 and $86,778 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $49,098 versus $38,054 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the CDP was $27,604. About 7.4% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the [[Poverty threshold|poverty line]], including 14.1% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.


==Government==
==Government==
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==Arts and culture==
==Arts and culture==
[[File:Christmas Tree Lane.jpg|thumb|[[Christmas Tree Lane]] (2006).]]
Altadena is known for its community of artists and arts professionals, with artistic heritage dating back to the early 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-15 |title=How Altadena became the L.A. dream for Gen X and millennial artists, writers, musicians |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-01-15/altadena-eaton-fire-artists-writers-musicians |access-date=2025-02-13 |work=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |last=Gelt |first=Jessica }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stromberg |first=Matt |date=2025-01-15 |title=The Unfathomable Loss of Artistic Heritage in Altadena |url=https://hyperallergic.com/983707/the-unfathomable-loss-of-artistic-heritage-in-altadena/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Hyperallergic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zernicki-Glover |first=Simon |title=Art in Altadena |url=https://thepawprint.polytechnic.org/2577/life/art-in-altadena/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |work=The Paw Print |date=2025-01-31 }}</ref>


[[File:Christmas Tree Lane.jpg|thumb|right|[[Christmas Tree Lane]]]]
[[Christmas Tree Lane]] is a {{convert|0.7|mi|km ft m|adj=on}} stretch of Santa Rosa Avenue from Woodbury Road to Altadena Drive.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Weekend-Christmas-Tree-Lanes-97th-Year-462595033.html|title=Weekend: Christmas Tree Lane's 97th Year|work=NBC Southern California|access-date=2018-08-14 |language=en |last=Painter |first=Alysia Gray }}</ref> It has been a holiday attraction since 1920, and it is the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas lighting venue in the world. Each December, members of the Christmas Tree Lane Association<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christmastreelane.net |title=Welcome to Christmas Tree Lane! |work=Christmas Tree Lane Association |date=2025 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930093510/https://christmastreelane.net/ |archivedate=2025-09-30 }}</ref> festoon the 110 still standing giant [[Cedrus deodara|deodars]] that line the street with thousands of Christmas lights. Christmas Tree Lane was placed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1990,<ref name=":0" /> and is a [[California Historical Landmark]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://angelusnews.com/voices/heather-king/set-aside-a-night-for-altadena-s-christmas-tree-lane |title=Set aside a night for Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane |work=Angelus News |access-date=2018-08-14 |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815025731/https://angelusnews.com/voices/heather-king/set-aside-a-night-for-altadena-s-christmas-tree-lane|archive-date=2018-08-15|url-status=dead |first=Heather |last=King |date=2017-12-13 }}</ref>
Altadena is known for its community of artists and arts professionals, with artistic heritage dating back to the early 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |last3= |last4= |date=2025-01-15 |title=How Altadena became the L.A. dream for Gen X and millennial artists, writers, musicians |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-01-15/altadena-eaton-fire-artists-writers-musicians |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stromberg |first=Matt |date=2025-01-15 |title=The Unfathomable Loss of Artistic Heritage in Altadena |url=https://hyperallergic.com/983707/the-unfathomable-loss-of-artistic-heritage-in-altadena/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Hyperallergic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zernicki-Glover |first=Simon |title=Art in Altadena |url=https://thepawprint.polytechnic.org/2577/life/art-in-altadena/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=The Paw Print}}</ref>
 
[[Christmas Tree Lane]] is a {{convert|0.7|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch of Santa Rosa Avenue from Woodbury Road to Altadena Drive.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Weekend-Christmas-Tree-Lanes-97th-Year-462595033.html|title=Weekend: Christmas Tree Lane's 97th Year|work=NBC Southern California|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en}}</ref> It has been a holiday attraction since 1920, and it is the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas lighting venue in the world. Each December, members of the Christmas Tree Lane Association<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christmastreelane.net/ |title=Home |website=christmastreelane.net}}</ref> festoon the 110 still standing giant [[Cedrus deodara|deodars]] that line the street with thousands of Christmas lights. Christmas Tree Lane was placed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1990,<ref name=":0" /> and is a [[California Historical Landmark]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://angelusnews.com/voices/heather-king/set-aside-a-night-for-altadena-s-christmas-tree-lane|title=Set aside a night for Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane|work=Tilma|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815025731/https://angelusnews.com/voices/heather-king/set-aside-a-night-for-altadena-s-christmas-tree-lane|archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Among Altadena's Christmas lighting attractions was the Balian Mansion, which drew people worldwide for tours of its Christmas lighting display. The Balian Mansion display was lit during the holiday season from 1955 to 2016, and is arguably the pioneer of home holiday lighting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-10 |title=Saying Farewell To Altadena's 'House Of The 10,000 Lights' Christmas Display |url=https://laist.com/news/entertainment/balian-house-christmas-lights-altadena-pasadena-estate-sale |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref>
Among Altadena's Christmas lighting attractions was the Balian Mansion, which drew people worldwide for tours of its Christmas lighting display. The Balian Mansion display was lit during the holiday season from 1955 to 2016, and is arguably the pioneer of home holiday lighting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-10 |title=Saying Farewell To Altadena's 'House Of The 10,000 Lights' Christmas Display |url=https://laist.com/news/entertainment/balian-house-christmas-lights-altadena-pasadena-estate-sale |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=LAist |language=en |first=Mike |last=Roe }}</ref>


The historic [[Mount Lowe Railway]] was a scenic railway that once carried passengers to any of four resort hotels high in the San Gabriel Mountains above Altadena and Pasadena. The most direct trail to the sites, the [[Sam Merrill Trail]], starts in Altadena at the top of [[Lake Avenue (Pasadena)|Lake Avenue]], and leads to Mount Echo, about {{convert|3|mi|km}}. Chaney Trail, just west of the intersection at Fair Oaks Avenue and Loma Alta Street, is a forestry service road leading to the old right of way. The Mount Lowe Railway site was placed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1993. Altadena has a number of hiking trails, including the trail to the Dawn Mine, which can be reached via Chaney Trail to Sunset Ridge Trail.
The historic [[Mount Lowe Railway]] was a scenic railway that once carried passengers to any of four resort hotels high in the San Gabriel Mountains above Altadena and Pasadena. The most direct trail to the sites, the [[Sam Merrill Trail]], starts in Altadena at the top of [[Lake Avenue (Pasadena)|Lake Avenue]], and leads to Mount Echo, about {{convert|3|mi|km|0}}. Chaney Trail, just west of the intersection at Fair Oaks Avenue and Loma Alta Street, is a forestry service road leading to the old right of way. The Mount Lowe Railway site was placed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1993. Altadena has a number of hiking trails, including the trail to the Dawn Mine, which can be reached via Chaney Trail to Sunset Ridge Trail.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


The Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Avenue is now a free [[botanical garden]], operated by the [[United States Forest Service]]. It is guarded by its historic gates, which are easily bypassed to allow visitors and hikers to ascend its long and winding paved driveway to the site of what was once one of Altadena's premier mansions. This site is also found alongside the Sam Merrill Trail, which accesses Las Flores Canyon on the way to [[Echo Mountain]].
[[File:Dawn Mine Water Hole Millard Falls Trail.jpg|thumb|The entrance to what is likely a water hole dug for the Dawn Mine. It is located on the canyon wall somewhere along the Millard Falls Trail.{{fact|date=December 2025}}]]
The Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Avenue is now a free [[botanical garden]], operated by the [[United States Forest Service]]. It is guarded by its historic gates, which are easily bypassed to allow visitors and hikers to ascend its long and winding paved driveway to the site of what was once one of Altadena's premier mansions. This site is also found alongside the Sam Merrill Trail, which accesses Las Flores Canyon on the way to [[Echo Mountain]].{{fact|date=December 2025}}


[[Gen. Charles S. Farnsworth County Park]], located on Lake Avenue, is a large county park that offers picnic grounds, play areas, and a clubhouse and amphitheater. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The [[Rotary International]] chapter holds annual summer concerts in the amphitheater.
[[Gen. Charles S. Farnsworth County Park]], located on Lake Avenue, is a large county park that offers picnic grounds, play areas, and a clubhouse and amphitheater. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The [[Rotary International]] chapter holds annual summer concerts in the amphitheater.{{fact|date=December 2025}}


Crudely Hewn Tombstone is the final resting place of abolitionist and [[John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry|Harpers Ferry attack]] survivor [[Owen Brown (abolitionist, born 1824)|Owen Brown]]. The Tombstone, which is the only known memorial for Owen Brown, reads: "Owen Brown, son of John Brown, the Liberator, died Jan. 9, 1889, aged 64 years.” and is located on Round Top Hill near Brown Mountain in an isolated part of the [[Angeles National Forest]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jan-30-me-59350-story.html|title=John Brown's Son Escaped to Southland|last=Rasmussen|first=Cecilia|date=January 30, 2000|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>
Crudely Hewn Tombstone is the final resting place of abolitionist and [[John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry|Harpers Ferry attack]] survivor [[Owen Brown (abolitionist, born 1824)|Owen Brown]]. The Tombstone, which is the only known memorial for Owen Brown, reads: "Owen Brown, son of John Brown, the Liberator, died Jan. 9, 1889, aged 64 years." It is located on Round Top Hill near Brown Mountain in an isolated part of the [[Angeles National Forest]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jan-30-me-59350-story.html|title=John Brown's Son Escaped to Southland|last=Rasmussen|first=Cecilia|date=2000-01-30 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2018-08-14 |language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>


The [[The Bunny Museum|Bunny Museum]] held more than 35,000 rabbit-related items across 16 galleries in a {{Convert|7,000|ft2|m2|adj=on}} space before it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire in 2025. [[Zorthian Ranch]] is a {{convert|48|acre||adj=mid| artist colony}} that was also heavily damaged in the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farfan |first=Isa |date=2025-02-10 |title=The Bunny Museum in LA Looks to Rebuild After Fires |url=https://hyperallergic.com/988353/the-bunny-museum-in-la-looks-to-rebuild-after-fires/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Hyperallergic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |last3= |date=2025-01-10 |title=The Bunny Museum, destroyed by Eaton fire, vows to return |url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-01-09/bunny-museum-altadena-eaton-fire-rebuild |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
The [[The Bunny Museum|Bunny Museum]] held more than 35,000 rabbit-related items across 16 galleries in a {{Convert|7,000|ft2|m2|adj=on}} space before it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire in 2025. [[Zorthian Ranch]] is a {{convert|48|acre|adj=on}} artist colony that was also heavily damaged in the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farfan |first=Isa |date=2025-02-10 |title=The Bunny Museum in LA Looks to Rebuild After Fires |url=https://hyperallergic.com/988353/the-bunny-museum-in-la-looks-to-rebuild-after-fires/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |work=Hyperallergic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-09 |title=The Bunny Museum, destroyed by Eaton fire, vows to return |url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-01-09/bunny-museum-altadena-eaton-fire-rebuild |access-date=2025-02-13 |work=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |first=Maxwell |last=Williams }}</ref>


==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
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== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
* [[Claude Akins]], actor<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1994/01/28/claude-akins-genial-rugged-actor-dies/d06150b7-1ca4-4c02-a578-c87479d8e51c|title=CLAUDE AKINS, GENIAL, RUGGED ACTOR, DIES|date=January 28, 1994|access-date=24 Feb 2025|website=Washingtonpost.com}}</ref>
* [[Claude Akins]], actor<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1994/01/28/claude-akins-genial-rugged-actor-dies/d06150b7-1ca4-4c02-a578-c87479d8e51c|title=Claude Akins, Genial, Rugged Actor, Dies|date=January 28, 1994|access-date=24 Feb 2025|website=Washingtonpost.com}}</ref>
* [[Maria Bamford]], stand-up comedian
* [[Maria Bamford]], stand-up comedian
* [[Ramses Barden]], NFL player
* [[Ramses Barden]], NFL player
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* [[Andre Coleman]], reporter and author
* [[Andre Coleman]], reporter and author
* [[Wah Chang]], designer, sculptor, and artist
* [[Wah Chang]], designer, sculptor, and artist
* [[Simone Cromer]], internet personality<ref>{{cite news |last1=Franklin |first1=McKinley |title=Creator of Timothée Chalamet Fan Account Club Chalamet Says She Lost Home in L.A. Fires |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/local-news/club-chalamet-fan-account-creator-loses-home-la-fires-1236105657/ |access-date=October 12, 2025 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=January 9, 2025}}</ref>
* [[Fannie Charles Dillon]], composer
* [[Fannie Charles Dillon]], composer
* [[Kenturah Davis]], artist<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 January 2025|title=Wildfires Leave Diverse Historic Altadena Ashes Rubble|url=
* [[Kenturah Davis]], artist<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 January 2025|title=Wildfires Leave Diverse Historic Altadena Ashes Rubble|url=
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* [[Edgar McGregor]], climate activist and amateur meteorologist<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Branson-Potts |first=Hailey |date=2025-01-14 |title=This young Altadena weather guy had a growing following. In the Eaton fire, he saved lives |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-14/la-me-eaton-fire-altadena-young-forecaster-saved-lives |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>  
* [[Edgar McGregor]], climate activist and amateur meteorologist<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Branson-Potts |first=Hailey |date=2025-01-14 |title=This young Altadena weather guy had a growing following. In the Eaton fire, he saved lives |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-14/la-me-eaton-fire-altadena-young-forecaster-saved-lives |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>  
* [[Andrew McNally]], businessman and publisher, died in Altadena<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/andrewmcnally18300mcna/andrewmcnally18300mcna_djvu.txt |title=Andrew McNally, 1836-1904. Memorials, messages of condolence, and press notices. |website=archive.org |date=1904 |accessdate=July 4, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Andrew McNally]], businessman and publisher, died in Altadena<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/andrewmcnally18300mcna/andrewmcnally18300mcna_djvu.txt |title=Andrew McNally, 1836-1904. Memorials, messages of condolence, and press notices. |website=archive.org |date=1904 |accessdate=July 4, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Jim Merritt]], Major League Baseball pitcher
* [[Jim Merritt (baseball)|Jim Merritt]], Major League Baseball pitcher
* [[Sona Movsesian]], executive assistant, author, and media personality<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=aeeGf7eKzQG_3lBu&v=cr0nPtbmmG4&feature=youtu.be |title=Conan Refuses To Put Ketchup On His Hot Dog {{!}} Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend |date=2024-08-16 |last=Team Coco |access-date=2024-09-01 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
* [[Sona Movsesian]], executive assistant, author, and media personality<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=aeeGf7eKzQG_3lBu&v=cr0nPtbmmG4&feature=youtu.be |title=Conan Refuses To Put Ketchup On His Hot Dog {{!}} Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend |date=2024-08-16 |access-date=2024-09-01 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
{{Portal|Greater Los Angeles}}
{{Portal|Greater Los Angeles}}
* [[Roger Nelson (baseball)|Roger Nelson]], Major League Baseball pitcher
* [[Roger Nelson (baseball)|Roger Nelson]], Major League Baseball pitcher
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* [[Ethelynde Smith]], concert singer and botanical painter
* [[Ethelynde Smith]], concert singer and botanical painter
* [[Adam Steltzner]], spacecraft engineer
* [[Adam Steltzner]], spacecraft engineer
* [[Darryl Stephens]], actor and author<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerami |first=Vic |date=2017-11-22 |title=10Q {{!}} DARRYL STEPHENS |url=https://thebluntpost.com/10-questions-with-vic-featuring-darryl-stephens/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=THE BLUNT POST |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Darryl Stephens]], actor and author<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerami |first=Vic |date=2017-11-22 |title=10Q {{!}} Darryl Stephens |url=https://thebluntpost.com/10-questions-with-vic-featuring-darryl-stephens/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=The Blunt Post |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Jeffrey C. Stewart]], Pulitzer Prize winner and professor<ref name="Altadenaheritagejeffreystewart">{{cite web |title=Jeffrey Stewart |url=https://altadenaheritage.org/crucible-of-art-altadena-as-a-special-space-in-black-history/|website=Altadena Heritage |access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Jeffrey C. Stewart]], Pulitzer Prize winner and professor<ref name="Altadenaheritagejeffreystewart">{{cite web |title=Jeffrey Stewart |url=https://altadenaheritage.org/crucible-of-art-altadena-as-a-special-space-in-black-history/|website=Altadena Heritage |access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Sharon Stouder]], swimmer, three gold medals in [[1964 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Sharon Stouder]], swimmer, three gold medals in [[1964 Summer Olympics]]
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* [[Mark Dean Veca]], artist
* [[Mark Dean Veca]], artist
* [[James Westerfield]], actor
* [[James Westerfield]], actor
* [[Lou Wilson]], actor, writer, and comedian <ref>{{cite web |title=ABC Press |url=https://www.detpress.com/abc/bios/lou-wilson/ |website=detpress |access-date=October 27, 2025}}</ref>
* [[Charles White (artist)|Charles White]], printmaker and draftsman
* [[Charles White (artist)|Charles White]], printmaker and draftsman
* [[Harold Zirin]], solar astronomer, founder of the [[Big Bear Solar Observatory]]
* [[Harold Zirin]], solar astronomer, founder of the [[Big Bear Solar Observatory]]
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==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Ives, Sarah Noble, ''Altadena''. Pasadena, California: The Star-News Publishing Co., 1938. Out of print.
* {{cite book|author-last1=Ives|author-first1=Sarah Noble|title=Altadena|location=Pasadena, California|publisher=The Star-News Publishing Co.|year=1938}} Out of print.
* Peterson, Robert H. ''Altadena's Golden Years''. Alhambra, California: Sinclair Printing and Litho, Inc., 1976.
* {{cite book|author-last1=Peterson|author-first1=Robert H. |title=Altadena's Golden Years|location=Alhambra, California|publisher=Sinclair Printing and Litho, Inc.|year=1976}}
* Zack, Michele. ''Altadena: Between Wilderness and City''. Altadena, California: Altadena Historical Society, 2004. {{ISBN|0-9747257-0-6}}
* {{cite book|author-last1=Zack|author-first1=Michele|title=Altadena: Between Wilderness and City|location=Altadena, California|publisher=Altadena Historical Society|year=2004|isbn=0-9747257-0-6}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Altadena, California}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.altadenatowncouncil.org Altadena Town Council]
* [http://www.altadenatowncouncil.org Altadena Town Council]
* [http://www.altadenachamber.org/ Altadena Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.altadenachamber.org/ Altadena Chamber of Commerce]

Latest revision as of 03:18, 11 December 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Settlement short description".Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Expression error: Unexpected < operator.

Altadena (Template:IPAc-enTemplate:ErrorTemplate:Category handlerScript error: No such module "Respell".) is an unincorporated area,[1][2] and census-designated place in the San Gabriel Valley and the Verdugos[3] regions of Los Angeles County, California. Directly north of Pasadena, it is located approximately Script error: No such module "convert". from Downtown Los Angeles. Its population was 42,846 at the 2020 census, up slightly from a 2010 figure of 42,777. In early 2025, the community was severely impacted by the Eaton Fire.

History

Etymology

The name Altadena was coined by Byron O. Clark, who established Altadena Nursery in 1875. The name combines the Spanish alta, meaning "upper", with dena, a term he adapted from Pasadena.[4] The area is adjacent to, but at a higher elevation than, Pasadena.[5][6]

Early history

In the mid-1860s, Benjamin S. Eaton first developed water sources from the Arroyo Seco and Eaton Canyon to irrigate his vineyard near the edge of Eaton Canyon. This made possible the development of Altadena, Pasadena, and South Pasadena. He did the construction for B. D. Wilson and Dr. John Griffin, who jointly owned the Mexican land grant of Rancho San Pascual, about Script error: No such module "convert"., that would be the future sites of these three communities. They hoped to develop and sell this land in a real estate plan called the San Pasqual Plantation. Their efforts failed by 1870, despite Eaton's irrigation ditch that drew water from the site of present-day Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the Arroyo Seco, because the land was relatively inaccessible and few believed crops could thrive that close to the mountains.Template:Fact

Eaton tried to sell the land for the partners, and in late 1873, he helped broker a deal with Daniel Berry, who represented a group of investors from Indiana, to buy Script error: No such module "convert". of the rancho. This included the land of present-day Altadena, but they developed a Script error: No such module "convert". section further south as Pasadena.Template:Fact

Byron O. Clark established a nursery in the foothills in 1875, which he named "Altadena Nursery", a name he coined from the Spanish alta meaning "upper" and dena from Pasadena.[4]

In 1880 or 1881, Capt. Frederick Woodbury, and his brother, John Woodbury of Marshalltown, Iowa, purchased Script error: No such module "convert". known as the Woodbury Ranch. The land remained primarily agricultural, although several Eastern millionaires built mansions along Mariposa Street, and a small community developed through the 1890s and into the next century.Template:Fact

Development

File:Woodburys.jpg
Woodbury–Story House (1882), the home of Capt. John Woodbury, is extant and occupied.

John Woodbury established the Pasadena Improvement Company in 1887, with a plot plan of residential development referred to as the Woodbury Subdivision. They contacted Byron O. Clark, who had moved away, and asked if he could use the name "Altadena" for his subdivision; Clark agreed.[4]

The newly sprouted community of Altadena immediately began to attract millionaires from the East. In 1887 Andrew McNally, the printing magnate from Chicago, and his friend, George Gill Green, had built mansions on what was to become Millionaire's Row: Mariposa Street near Santa Rosa Avenue. Newspaper moguls William Armiger Scripps and William Kellogg built homes side by side just east of Fair Oaks Avenue. A bit farther east, Zane Grey bought a home from Arthur Herbert Woodward, and added a second-floor study. The famous Benziger Publishing Company built a mansion on the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue (Christmas Tree Lane) and Mariposa. Mariposa was taken from the Spanish name for a butterfly. The grandson of Andrew McNally, Wallace Neff, became a famous Southern California architect. He started his career in Altadena with the design and construction of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church (parish est. 1918), which was dedicated in October 1926.Template:Fact

From 1924 to 1926, 160 homes were built in Altadena by fugitive conman Elisha Paul Janes, with distinctive steep roofs and multiple gables; despite his lack of qualifications, they proved popular, and this neighbourhood was designated as a heritage area in 2002.[7][8] Many notable buildings followed in the 1930s, including Eliot Junior High School (1931) and Davies Community Center in Farnsworth Park (1934).[9]

Later history

Redlining policies prevented African Americans from acquiring land or purchasing property in much of California.[10][11] One of the areas exempt from these policies was Altadena Meadows, which thrived and became one of the first middle-class African American neighborhoods in the area.[11][12]

File:Lake Avenue Altadena.jpg
Lake Avenue in Altadena (2011).

While Altadena long refused wholesale annexation by neighboring Pasadena, the larger community nibbled at its edges in several small annexations of neighborhoods through the 1940s. Attempted annexation was stopped in 1956 by community campaigns, though it has been resurrected several times since by Pasadena without success. Had the annexation succeeded, Pasadena would be the 108th largest city in the United States.

With early-1960s redevelopment in Pasadena, the routing of extensions of the 134 and 210 freeways, and lawsuits over the desegregation of Pasadena Unified School District, there was white flight and convulsive racial change in Altadena. In 1960, its black population was under four percent; over the next 15 years, half the White population left, and was replaced by people of color, many of whom settled on the west side of town after being displaced by Pasadena's redevelopment and freeway projects.Template:Fact

In 1993, the Kinneloa Fire, begun accidentally on the slopes above Eaton Canyon, burned dozens of homes in Altadena and neighboring Kinneloa Mesa as part of a rash of late October wildfires driven by Santa Ana winds in Southern California. One man died of complications from smoke inhalation and dozens were injured.[13][14]

In 2022, Altadena gained local coverage in Los Angeles as the place of the first land return to the Tongva since the arrival of Europeans in the Los Angeles Basin area, after a resident donated her 1-acre property to the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy.[15][16] It was described as marking the first time in nearly 200 years that the Tongva have had land in Los Angeles County.[17]

In 2022, a single lottery ticket was sold to Edwin Castro, which would win a world record US$2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, announced on November 7, 2022. After a few months of paperwork, on February 14, 2023, Castro publicly accepted the lump sum prize of US$997.6 million.[18][19]

Eaton Fire (2025)

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File:Oh Happy Day Vegan Cafe after Eaton Fire (vertical).jpg
Destruction of business district on Lake Avenue.

On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire started in Altadena around 6:30 PM local time (PT) during a powerful Santa Ana Winds. It quickly spread to Script error: No such module "convert". by January 10, with 19 confirmed fatalities.[20]

Over 9,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, including the Andrew McNally House, Altadena Community Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, The Bunny Museum, and Scripps Hall, as well as much of the downtown area. The entirety of Altadena was put under an evacuation order.[21]

In the aftermath of the fires, many homeowners struggled with high rebuilding costs and some were forced to sell, while luxury developers and wealthy individuals scrambled to buy lots in cash at competitive prices.[22] Community groups such as Altadena Not for Sale quickly formed to advocate for the under- and non-insured to protect against land speculators.[23]

Following the January 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, Powerball jackpot winner Edwin Castro began purchasing several fire-damaged lots in his hometown.[24]

Through his company, Castro announced plans to use a portion of his winnings to construct single-family homes for local residents while preserving the community’s architectural character and preventing speculative real-estate development.[25]

Castro's involvement in the rebuilding process has been met with both praise and concern from residents, who cite hopes for community recovery alongside worries about affordability and land consolidation.[24]

Geography

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Altadena as a census-designated place (CDP). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of Script error: No such module "convert"., over 99% of it land.

Climate

Altadena experiences hot and dry summers that are followed by warm and windy falls and mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Altadena has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated Csa on climate maps. Script error: No such module "weather box".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

The wettest calendar year was 1983, with Script error: No such module "convert"., and the driest was 1947, with Script error: No such module "convert".. The most rainfall in one month was Script error: No such module "convert"., in February 1980. The most rainfall in 24 hours was Script error: No such module "convert"., on March 2, 1938. Altadena averages Script error: No such module "convert". of rain a year, over Script error: No such module "convert". more than nearby Los Angeles due to the orographic effect created by the San Gabriel Mountains. Because of the slope on which the city is built, sewer lines in the city's northern section have been known to overflow significantly.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Demographics

<templatestyles src="US Census population/styles.css"/>

Historical population
CensusPop.Template:Sronly%±
196040,568—
197042,415Script error: No such module "String".%
198040,983Script error: No such module "String".%
199042,658Script error: No such module "String".%
200042,610Script error: No such module "String".%
201042,777Script error: No such module "String".%
202042,846Script error: No such module "String".%
U.S. Decennial Census[26]
1860–1870[27][28] 1880-1890[29]
1900[30] 1910[31] 1920[32]
1930[33] 1940[34] 1950[35]
1960[36] 1970[37] 1980[38]
1990[39] 2000[40] 2010[41]
2020[42]

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Altadena first appeared as an unincorporated community in the 1960 U.S. census;[36] and as a census-designated place in the 1980 United States census.[38]

Altadena CDP, California – Racial and ethnic composition
<templatestyles src="Nobold/styles.css"/>Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[43] Pop 2010[44] Pop 2020[42] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 16,848 17,231 17,900 39.54% 40.28% 41.78%
Black or African American alone (NH) 13,112 9,816 7,136 30.77% 22.95% 16.65%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 117 85 46 0.27% 0.20% 0.11%
Asian alone (NH) 1,761 2,231 2,919 4.13% 5.22% 6.81%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) 49 65 47 0.11% 0.15% 0.11%
Other race alone (NH) 151 187 293 0.35% 0.44% 0.68%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 1,882 1,660 2,334 4.42% 3.88% 5.45%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 8,690 11,502 12,171 20.39% 26.89% 28.41%
Total 42,610 42,777 42,846 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

2020

The 2020 United States census reported that Altadena had a population of 42,846. The population density was Script error: No such module "convert".. The racial makeup of Altadena was 46.2% White, 17.2% African American, 0.9% Native American, 7.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 12.8% from other races, and 15.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.4% of the population.[45]

The census reported that 98.3% of the population lived in households, 1.2% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0.5% were institutionalized.[45]

There were 15,429 households, out of which 29.7% included children under the age of 18, 50.9% were married-couple households, 5.8% were cohabiting couple households, 28.3% had a female householder with no partner present, and 15.0% had a male householder with no partner present. 22.2% of households were one person, and 10.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.73.[45] There were 11,055 families (71.7% of all households).[46]

The age distribution was 18.6% under the age of 18, 7.1% aged 18 to 24, 23.7% aged 25 to 44, 30.1% aged 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65Script error: No such module "String".years of age or older. The median age was 45.5Script error: No such module "String".years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males.[45]

There were 16,063 housing units at an average density of Script error: No such module "convert"., of which 15,429 (96.1%) were occupied. Of these, 71.7% were owner-occupied, and 28.3% were occupied by renters.[45]

In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $129,123, and the per capita income was $65,192. About 5.3% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line.[47]

2010

The 2010 United States census[48] reported that Altadena had a population of 42,777. The population density was Script error: No such module "convert".. The racial makeup of Altadena in the year 2010 was 22,569 (52.8%) White (40.3% Non-Hispanic White),[49] 10,136 (23.7%) African American, 300 (0.7%) Native American, 2,307 (5.4%) Asian, 71 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 4,852 (11.3%) from other races, and 2,542 (5.9%) from two or more races. There were 11,502 Hispanic or Latino residents, of any race (26.9%).

The Census reported that 42,276 people (98.8% of the population) lived in households, 234 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 267 (0.6%) were institutionalized.

There were 15,212 households, out of which 5,170 (34.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 7,684 (50.5%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,210 (14.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 814 (5.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 661 (4.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 271 (1.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,489 households (22.9%) were made up of individuals, and 1,318 (8.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78. There were 10,708 families (70.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.26.

The age distribution of the city's population was as follows: 9,507 people (22.2%) were under the age of 18, 3,286 (7.7%) aged 18 to 24, 10,622 (24.8%) aged 25 to 44, 13,298 (31.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,064 (14.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

There were 15,947 housing units at an average density of Script error: No such module "convert"., of which 10,889 (71.6%) were owner-occupied, and 4,323 (28.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.9%. 30,319 people (70.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 11,957 people (28.0%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Altadena had a median household income of $82,895, with 10.7% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[49]

Government

Altadena has a town council that acts as an ombudsman for the Altadena neighborhoods, and provides a forum for town meetings. Altadena is formally managed by the Los Angeles County Supervisors, and is located in LA County Supervisorial District 5, under Supervisor Kathryn Barger.[50]

Arts and culture

File:Christmas Tree Lane.jpg
Christmas Tree Lane (2006).

Altadena is known for its community of artists and arts professionals, with artistic heritage dating back to the early 20th century.[51][52][53]

Christmas Tree Lane is a Script error: No such module "convert". stretch of Santa Rosa Avenue from Woodbury Road to Altadena Drive.[54] It has been a holiday attraction since 1920, and it is the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas lighting venue in the world. Each December, members of the Christmas Tree Lane Association[55] festoon the 110 still standing giant deodars that line the street with thousands of Christmas lights. Christmas Tree Lane was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990,[54] and is a California Historical Landmark.[56]

Among Altadena's Christmas lighting attractions was the Balian Mansion, which drew people worldwide for tours of its Christmas lighting display. The Balian Mansion display was lit during the holiday season from 1955 to 2016, and is arguably the pioneer of home holiday lighting.[57]

The historic Mount Lowe Railway was a scenic railway that once carried passengers to any of four resort hotels high in the San Gabriel Mountains above Altadena and Pasadena. The most direct trail to the sites, the Sam Merrill Trail, starts in Altadena at the top of Lake Avenue, and leads to Mount Echo, about Script error: No such module "convert".. Chaney Trail, just west of the intersection at Fair Oaks Avenue and Loma Alta Street, is a forestry service road leading to the old right of way. The Mount Lowe Railway site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Altadena has a number of hiking trails, including the trail to the Dawn Mine, which can be reached via Chaney Trail to Sunset Ridge Trail.Template:Fact

File:Dawn Mine Water Hole Millard Falls Trail.jpg
The entrance to what is likely a water hole dug for the Dawn Mine. It is located on the canyon wall somewhere along the Millard Falls Trail.Template:Fact

The Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Avenue is now a free botanical garden, operated by the United States Forest Service. It is guarded by its historic gates, which are easily bypassed to allow visitors and hikers to ascend its long and winding paved driveway to the site of what was once one of Altadena's premier mansions. This site is also found alongside the Sam Merrill Trail, which accesses Las Flores Canyon on the way to Echo Mountain.Template:Fact

Gen. Charles S. Farnsworth County Park, located on Lake Avenue, is a large county park that offers picnic grounds, play areas, and a clubhouse and amphitheater. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The Rotary International chapter holds annual summer concerts in the amphitheater.Template:Fact

Crudely Hewn Tombstone is the final resting place of abolitionist and Harpers Ferry attack survivor Owen Brown. The Tombstone, which is the only known memorial for Owen Brown, reads: "Owen Brown, son of John Brown, the Liberator, died Jan. 9, 1889, aged 64 years." It is located on Round Top Hill near Brown Mountain in an isolated part of the Angeles National Forest.[58]

The Bunny Museum held more than 35,000 rabbit-related items across 16 galleries in a Script error: No such module "convert". space before it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire in 2025. Zorthian Ranch is a Script error: No such module "convert". artist colony that was also heavily damaged in the fire.[59][60]

Infrastructure

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Altadena Station in Altadena.[61]

The California Highway Patrol operates the Altadena Area Office on Windsor Dr. in Altadena.

Altadena is a shared jurisdiction where L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. handles crime-related calls and CHP handles traffic-related calls.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Monrovia Health Center in Monrovia, serving Altadena.[62]

Notable people

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References

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  1. ↑ Los Angeles County publication: "Unincorporated Areas within the County of Los Angeles", Altadena listed by Los Angeles County government office, as an unincorporated city Template:Webarchive, "Los Angeles County publication: 'Unincorporated Areas within the County of Los Angeles'", verified September 27, 2010
  2. ↑ Los Angeles County Office of Unincorporated Area Services, Altadena listed by Los Angeles County government office, as an unincorporated area Template:Webarchive, "Los Angeles County Office of Unincorporated Area Services", verified September 27, 2010
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  61. ↑ "Altadena Station Template:Webarchive." Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Retrieved on January 21, 2010.
  62. ↑ "Monrovia Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 27, 2010.
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Further reading

  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Out of print.
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External links

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