The mid-1980s marked a time when living in suburbia near nature—specifically in a Tudor Revival house in Pasadena—was seen as the epitome of the Los Angeles dream. The allure of a home cradled in mountains and filled with possibilities was strong. With young families starting out, the real estate agent advised that it was an opportunity too good to pass up, making the $130,000 asking price feel like a bargain in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
As a young journalist, I was acutely aware of the contradictions presented by living in Los Angeles—especially in a house nestled against the repercussions of natural disasters like earthquakes and fires. The desire for stability clashed with the inherent risks of residing near such beauty. Yet, for my wife, who was pregnant, the need for home and security outweighed the uncertainties of our surroundings, making our decision to purchase the house feel instinctively right.
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