Thursday, December 4, 2025

Altadena Family to Break Ground on Rebuild After Eaton Fire

A groundbreaking ceremony titled “Return to Raymond” will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 3271 North Raymond Avenue in Altadena, marking the start of reconstruction for a longtime resident whose home and Pilates studio were destroyed in the January Eaton Fire.

Rahban Development and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce announced the event in a press release, noting it will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is intended to spotlight both the Etter family’s recovery and broader community rebuilding efforts.

The property belonged to Kelly Etter, a certified Pilates instructor and longtime Altadena resident, who lost both her home and boutique studio in the wind-driven wildfire. “The Eaton wildfire took my home and Pilates studio and shook my sense of safety, but the groundbreaking is our collective phoenix moment—proof that resilience, community, and hope rise higher than any flame,” Etter said.

The event will feature food, live music, and a local artist creating custom illustrations of homes lost in the fire, honoring the stories and memories tied to each property. Planned speakers include Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Etter herself, and community partners involved in recovery efforts. The ceremony is open to the public, inviting neighbors and residents to gather in support of those impacted.

Etter’s property was more than a residence; it also housed her wellness business, Kelly Etter Pilates. Known for her “alfresco fitness” approach, she often taught classes on a deck surrounded by nature. Since the fire, Etter has continued teaching virtually and in temporary locations, describing the rebuilding process as emotionally taxing.

Rahban Development, a Beverly Hills–based family-owned design-build firm founded by Alex Rahban, is serving as general contractor for the rebuild. The company has emphasized community relations in Altadena’s recovery, with Client & Community Relations Director Mathew Rahban acting as a liaison for fire survivors.

The Eaton Fire ignited Jan. 7, 2025, fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds. It tore through the Altadena foothills, destroying dozens of homes, rental units—including a historic bungalow court—and businesses. The fire caused multiple fatalities and left survivors facing insurance hurdles and slow recovery timelines. Supervisor Barger has been involved in county-level initiatives to accelerate rebuilding, including pre-approved home designs to streamline permitting.

Organizers said the “Return to Raymond” ceremony is designed as a community-focused celebration rather than a simple construction kickoff. The combination of live music, food, and visual tributes is to underscore the theme of resilience and collective hope.

For more information, residents may contact Mathew Rahban, Client & Community Relations Director at Rahban Development, at mathew@rahbandev.com or 310-808-5864.