The Eaton fire on January 7, 2025, killed at least 31 people and destroyed nearly 17,000 structures across the region, according to multiple reports. In the La Vina community in Altadena, 52 of its 272 homes were entirely lost in the fire, multiple reports indicate. More than 70% of the destroyed homes in La Vina are now being rebuilt, according to multiple reports.
The La Vina homeowners association announced a special assessment fee of $23,614 on July 29, 2025, giving homeowners until September 1, 2025, to pay, multiple reports indicate. 4 million in damages not covered by the HOA's disaster insurance, according to multiple reports. 5 million for replanting shrubs and trees, and additional cleanup and service costs, multiple reports indicate.
Homeowners who missed the deadline faced late fees, 12% annual interest, and the threat of a lien on their property, according to multiple reports. The HOA filed a lawsuit seeking foreclosure on the empty lot of a resident whose home was destroyed, to enforce a lien and pursue outstanding debts, multiple reports indicate. The HOA's special assessment has triggered a bitter feud in the community, pitting neighbor against neighbor, according to multiple reports.
Ryan Harmon, a resident whose home was damaged by smoke, is leading local opposition to the HOA bill, multiple reports indicate. Ryan Harmon was branded a troublemaker for asking questions about the HOA bill, multiple reports indicate. Ryan Harmon ultimately paid the fee using a $29,000 insurance payout meant to clean smoke-damaged clothing, multiple reports indicate.
Some homeowners' insurance policies cover unexpected HOA assessments, multiple reports indicate. The HOA has not responded to media inquiries about the special assessment, according to multiple reports. Residents Rande and Jess Sotomayor stated that the bill was needed and complied with the Davis-Stirling Act, and that the fee was minimal compared to other HOAs.