First Signs of Recovery Rise from Eaton Fire Ashes as Pasadena Homeowners Begin to Rebuild
Seven months after the Eaton Fire reduced their Montana Street home to rubble, a Pasadena couple cut a ceremonial ribbon Tuesday over the cleared lot where their new life will rise—marking what officials describe as one of the first reconstruction projects to begin in the fire-devastated community. The moment carried weight beyond one family’s recovery. As neighbors gathered to watch the simple ceremony on the debris-free lot, they witnessed the first tangible sign that their scorched neighborhood might heal. “We know the community is going through this together,” said Alex Rahban, whose construction firm is handling the rebuild. “The most important thing is to keep morale high and keep pushing forward—together.” The August 5 gathering drew an unusual crowd for what would typically be a routine construction milestone. Paul Little, President of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, brought board members to mark what he called “the first step of recovery from the Eaton Fire.” “It is very exciting to be here to mark the beginning of rebuilding in Pasadena,” Little said, acknowledging the symbolic importance of breaking ground on reconstruction efforts. Little participated in the ribbon cutting alongside Chamber Board members Katelyn Barchowsky, Jessica Alvarenga, and Bill Ukropina. City Councilmember Tyron Hampton sent representative Cushon Bell, and neighbors lined the street—all understanding that this single lot represented something larger: proof that rebuilding was possible. The homeowners hope to begin construction on their replacement home before year’s end. Their project is being managed by Rahban Development, a firm founded in 2023 that has shifted focus to fire recovery projects across Southern California. Founded in 2023, the firm brings significant expertise to fire recovery projects across Southern California. Alex Rahban previously managed over 500,000 square feet of construction at Swinerton, California’s top commercial contractor according to Engineering News-Record, where his projects included
