By Edward Henderson | California Black Media
CBS has tapped “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris for a new series inspired by the story of victims of the Eaton fire in Altadena and Pasadena, which claimed 19 lives, burned nearly 14,000 acres, and destroyed thousands of properties.
According to Dateline, the series centers on two brothers trying to sell their late grandmother’s house to private developers. When they learn her caretaker owns part of the property and refuses to sell, they’re pushed to live under one roof and reckon with questions of family, legacy, and community.
Actor Mike Epps has joined the cast as one of the brothers, with the multi-camera series set to take a comedic tone. The timing of the series’ release sparked backlash online, with critics questioning whether a comedy was an appropriate way to honor Altadena fire victims. Barris addressed the criticism on Instagram, responding to comments that asked if comedy was the right approach.
“What way could you think of supporting it, then? By doing what I know how to do and trying to bring a light to a place that many have already forgotten. I understand your fear but know that I only plan to do the best I can to make sure the world sees you,” he said.
Barris’ premise for the show echoes real-life concerns around private developers gentrifying the area once it is rebuilt and the role insurance hikes can play in forcing the area’s Black fire victims to leave the area permanently.
California legislators share this concern. On Aug. 25, fire victims, along with state representatives led by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), held a press conference at a local Altadena library calling for Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to crack down on alleged misconduct by insurers and halt any rate increase for State Farm General.
“They are facing unavoidable hardships caused by insurance delays, denials and underpayments,” said Harabedian. “These are problems that can be mitigated and solved if the right reforms are implemented immediately. Commissioner Lara, families need your swift leadership to ensure insurance companies fulfill their legal responsibilities.”
Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger specifically called out State Farm General, California’s largest home insurance provider, which is seeking a homeowner’s rate increase of 11% along with an emergency rate increase of 17% that Commissioner Lara approved in May.
“We demand that investigations into companies like State Farm be completed swiftly within the next 60 days, and rate hikes frozen until survivors are made whole,” Barger said.
Lara has not yet made public comment on the matter. However, State Farm spokesperson Bob Devereux disputed the claim that the insurer was mistreating customers in a release saying “an overwhelming majority is satisfied with our service. Our goal at State Farm is to work with customers to resolve any of their concerns.”
State Farm estimates claim payments will exceed $7 billion from the Jan. 7 fires. The insurer reports that it has received more than 13,000 claims and paid over $4.5 billion.
“Behind every delayed insurance claim is a family forced to wait in limbo,” Victoria Knapp, chair of the Altadena Town Council, said in a statement. “We’re asking the Department of Insurance to stand with Altadena and not with insurers to deliver justice for those who’ve already lost so much.”
Harabedian also highlighted Assembly Bill (AB) 238, legislation he wrote to allow disaster-impacted homeowners to pause mortgage payments for up to a year.
“Our responsibility is clear: to protect survivors, give them the time and resources to rebuild their homes and their lives, and ensure they can do so with security and peace of mind.”
