Altadena Property Owner Accepts SCE's Eaton Fire Settlement

Landlord says utility's compensation program payment will help him rebuild destroyed properties.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:40pm

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An Altadena property owner and landlord, Michael Astalis, said he has accepted Southern California Edison's Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program payment to begin rebuilding his properties destroyed by last year's Eaton Fire. Astalis lost five multi-home properties, totaling 16 structures, including his own home, on January 7, 2025. While some survivors have criticized the settlement program, Astalis said he considers Edison's offer "fair, equitable, and in my opinion, Edison did an excellent job in trying to meet the community's needs and compensate for its losses in record time."

Why it matters

The Eaton Fire caused significant damage in the Altadena community, with many residents losing their homes and property. The settlement program launched by SCE aims to provide compensation to help these residents rebuild, though some have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the offers and the requirement to forfeit the right to sue the utility.

The details

Astalis lost five multi-home properties, totaling 16 structures, including his own home, in the Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025. While some survivors, such as Kara Vallow and her partner Mark, have decided not to settle with SCE, citing the compensation as inadequate, Astalis said he considers Edison's offer "fair, equitable, and in my opinion, Edison did an excellent job in trying to meet the community's needs and compensate for its losses in record time." The cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation, but evidence suggests SCE's equipment may have sparked the blaze.

  • The Eaton Fire occurred on January 7, 2025.
  • SCE launched the compensation program in late October 2025.
  • The first payment was issued on December 15, 2025.

The players

Michael Astalis

An Altadena property owner and landlord who lost five multi-home properties, totaling 16 structures, including his own home, in the Eaton Fire.

Ben Crump

An attorney who kicked off the Friday news conference, stating that he hopes those who lost their homes to the wildfire get fair compensation, according to what they are comfortable with.

Kara Vallow

A survivor who, along with her partner Mark, decided not to settle with SoCal Edison, stating that the compensation offered is "far from adequate."

Southern California Edison (SCE)

The utility company that launched the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program to provide payments to residents affected by the Eaton Fire.

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What they’re saying

“I accept the settlement offer by Edison, and I consider it fair, equitable, and in my opinion, Edison did an excellent job in trying to meet the community's needs and compensate for its losses in record time.”

— Michael Astalis, Property owner

“We are here with the single objective of helping our clients get the best situation they possibly can to start to rebuild their homes, rebuild their lives, and rebuild their community.”

— Ben Crump, Attorney

“Money that SCE is giving out of their compensation is far from adequate.”

— Kara Vallow, Survivor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kara Vallow and her partner Mark to proceed with a lawsuit against SCE, despite the utility's compensation program.

The takeaway

The Eaton Fire settlement program launched by SCE aims to provide timely compensation to affected residents, though some have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the offers and the requirement to forfeit the right to sue the utility. This highlights the complex balance between providing relief and preserving legal options for those who suffered significant losses.