News writer
After winning the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, Edwin Castro seemed to vanish from public view. But now, more than two years after purchasing the winning Powerball ticket at a gas station in Altadena, California, Castro is making headlines again, but not for flashy spending, but for quietly investing millions back into his hometown.
Buying back-burned ground
In recent months, Castro and his brother Jesse have been using their lottery windfall to purchase fire-damaged lots in Altadena, a community still recovering from devastating wildfires. Through their company, Black Lion Properties LLC, the Castro brothers have spent nearly $9 million acquiring at least a dozen scorched properties. Their goal? To help Altadena rebuild without losing its soul. The brothers recently stated:
They love and care about the Altadena community and saw an opportunity to invest in it. Many people who were affected by the fires in Altadena cannot or do not want to rebuild and aspire to move on and start over elsewhere. These purchases will help some of them while keeping ownership of the property local.
The biggest investor in the fire zone
Black Lion Properties has now become the largest land investor in the Los Angeles County fire zones. The firm is one of 145 buyers who have scooped up more than 220 fire-damaged lots across Altadena's Palisades and Eaton Canyon neighborhoods.
Hundreds more are listed or pending sale. While this represents only a small portion of the homes lost in the January fires, it's the start of a new chapter for the charred community, and Castro is at the forefront.
Restoring rather than replacing
Unlike larger developers with plans to transform the area, the Castro brothers appear focused on restoration. According to their statement, about half of the homes they rebuild will use existing architectural plans to preserve the original character of the neighborhood. The rest will be new single-family homes designed to blend in with the local aesthetic.
That mission aligns with what many Altadena residents are hoping for, which is thoughtful rebuilding without sacrificing the town's charm. While some residents are skeptical of outside investors, Black Lion's local roots and community-driven message are helping to soften concerns.
A tough decision for fire victims
Castro's efforts stand in stark contrast to many of the challenges fire-displaced homeowners are facing. Rebuilding is time-consuming, costly, and for many — especially seniors or those without full insurance coverage — simply not feasible.
Agents say many are choosing to sell rather than spend years navigating construction permits, rising insurance costs, and uncertain futures.
Some, like artist John Horny and his wife Susan, sold to Black Lion Properties within days of listing. Horny, who lost not only his home but decades of original artwork, said:
They came in over asking (price), no contingencies, no hang-ups, no hiccups, and so the sale went through very quickly. We were trying to get ourselves out of a position that was very horrible for us.
Giving back and staying local
While Castro remains largely out of the spotlight, his actions are speaking volumes. He could have spent his fortune anywhere. Instead, he chose to reinvest in the place he calls home. He is quietly helping to turn tragedy into opportunity, ensuring that Altadena rises from the ashes with its character intact. For a man who once made headlines for his sudden wealth, Edwin Castro may now be remembered for something even greater: rebuilding hope.
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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