> At a Glance
> – Ted Koerner moved into the first fully rebuilt home in the Eaton Fire zone in December 2025
> – 1,170 rebuilding permits issued; 1,425 plans approved out of 6,700+ structures lost
> – Al & Charlotte Bailey still live in an RV 12 months after losing their 41-year home
> – Why it matters: Recovery speed hinges on daily county contact, insurance, and outside help
One year after the Eaton Fire destroyed 6,700+ structures, only Ted Koerner has a certificate of occupancy. His neighbors, the Baileys, finally won approval to rebuild, while martial-arts teacher Shelene Hearring kept her studio only after a non-profit bought the land.
The First Finished Home
Koerner’s East Loma Alta Drive house earned its occupancy papers in December 2025. He fronted $700,000 from retirement savings and called county offices relentlessly.
Koerner recalled:
> “Help, please. You can only wait so many days when every second of every minute is just being lost.”
His advice:
- Pick up the phone every day
- Get up early
- Stay polite but persistent
Still Waiting Next Door
Al & Charlotte Bailey have lived in an RV on their property since the fire erased their 41-year home. They cheered when Koerner finished, seeing proof that rebuilding is possible.
Charlotte Bailey said:
> “It’s a slow process, and you have to have the faith that everybody has genuine interest at heart.”
A Studio Saved by a Non-Profit
Shelene Hearring’s Two Dragons Martial Arts on Lake Avenue was among the losses. She tried crowdfunding to buy the site before deadline.
Greenline Housing Foundation stepped in, purchasing the property for $475,000. The group plans to sell it back to her below cost once redevelopment finishes, according to Jasmin Shupper of the foundation.
Rebuilding Scorecard
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Structures/units destroyed | 6,700+ |
| Permits issued | 1,170 |
| Plans approved | 1,425 |
| Homes fully rebuilt | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Daily calls to the county can accelerate permits
- Insurance payouts may arrive after large personal outlays
- Community support-from neighbors to non-profits-fills gaps bureaucracy can’t
Koerner’s finished home stands as both milestone and reminder: recovery is possible, but the path varies widely for the thousands still navigating ash, paperwork, and waiting lists.
