Construction crews broke ground Monday on the first home to rebuild in Altadena after the Eaton Fire.
“Really happy to be back here at my own land and to see the first day of the future,” Margot Steuber told KNX News’ Karen Adams. “To see myself and envision myself sitting here at my fireplace with my cat again, and get a new dog who will bark at the fences and stuff like that.”
Steuber, an 18-year Altadena resident originally from Germany, was one of the first homeowners to have her lot cleared by the Army Corps of Engineers after the wildfire almost five months ago. She said it was a long process to get to this milestone.
“This was very difficult,” she said. “I was extremely exhausted at times because the grieving process together with dealing with the insurance and getting the plans, going to the stores, talking to the insurance company again. and it was really a lot.”
The longtime Altadena resident had advice for other homeowners looking to rebuild.
“Fight for your rights with the insurance, you know, and then when you feel you have the financial background, then move forward,” she said. “Start dreaming up a new Altadena.”
Steuber’s rebuilt home is expected to be completed in January.
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