Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Zorro

(18,084 posts)
Mon Oct 13, 2025, 10:29 PM Oct 13

He Won the $2 Billion Powerball. Now He's Buying Up Lots Burned in the L.A. Fires.

Edwin Castro is one of the biggest investors snapping up destroyed properties—and he wants to lead in rebuilding his hometown of Altadena

ALTADENA, Calif.—On a recent overcast morning, a group of investors surveyed one of their newly purchased, wildfire-scorched land plots, when a silver-haired woman approached.

“Who are all of you?” asked the woman, the resident across the street. “This is Edwin,” said one of them, nodding toward a stocky, ponytailed man in the group.

The woman sighed in relief. She, like many longtime Altadenans, knew exactly who Edwin Castro is: the guy who bought a record $2 billion Powerball lottery ticket at a local gas station in 2022.

He’s also one of the biggest buyers of Altadena lots after the Eaton fire tore through his hometown in January, and he wants to lead the rebuilding effort there. The blaze in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills coincided with the nearby Palisades fire and several others, killing at least 31 people while destroying more than 16,000 structures.

https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/altadena-powerball-winner-los-angeles-fires-5acd346e?st=1yE62N&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
He Won the $2 Billion Powerball. Now He's Buying Up Lots Burned in the L.A. Fires. (Original Post) Zorro Oct 13 OP
A true patriot. Gives, not takes. nt Exp Oct 14 #1
That's how you use your lottery winnings. OAITW r.2.0 Oct 14 #2
LOVE this! calimary Oct 14 #3

calimary

(88,283 posts)
3. LOVE this!
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 01:41 AM
Oct 14

We have friends in Altadena. The fire came close but fortunately didn't reach them. Still mighty hair-raising, though.

God bless Edwin Castro! Helping people recover.

Latest Discussions»Editorials & Other Articles»He Won the $2 Billion Pow...