We're back! We kick this episode off with an important update from the Altadena for Accountability coalition. After months of strategic organizing, the California Attorney General’s Office announced on February 12 that it has opened a historic and unprecedented civil rights investigation into the failed evacuation and response in Altadena west of Lake — examining not just race, but also age and disability and whether there was a disparate response. As others begin to take credit and the inevitable carpetbaggers arrive, it’s important to remember this was a strategic year-long, Black woman–led campaign that made this investigation possible.
In the Media Roundup, we dig into the latest headlines and the ongoing fight for attention:
• With Pacific Palisades in spotlight, Altadena fights for attention and post-fire justice
• The Mayor’s cover-up narrative
• Fired Fire Chief Kristin Crowley suing the City of Los Angeles
And we discuss media objectivity vs. clickbait and how quickly the national news cycle has moved on, even as the crisis here continues
Policy, Power & Ongoing Chaos
Steve weighs in on the EDA and the broader financial landscape, noting that LAUSD’s budget exceeds that of the City of Los Angeles, yet both are effectively “out of money.” Our take on the throughline is plenty of money, no controls — and everyone asking for more.
We also touch on:
• The Governor’s race and shifting political dynamics
• More State Farm issues and insurers continuing to dodge responsibility
• Ongoing Zone 0 confusion and policy noise
• SCE removing some of Altadena’s remaining trees during undergrounding efforts, with what appears to be little to no County oversight
• Kathryn Barger’s Rebuild Authority motion
• And in the Water Wars, Las Flores passes a fire recovery surcharge without notice or shareholder vote following January’s contentious meeting
Shawna comments on the importance of community and creating relationships despite our differences and how, for many, this fire has been super glue holding people together in unexpected ways and shares the launch of Beautiful Altadena Office Hours, now happening weekly on Wednesdays from 11am–1pm at rotating local coffee shops including Unincorporated Coffee, Highlight Coffee and Altadena owned Lavender & Honey.
This episode’s Small Business Shout-Out goes to Bevel Coffee, celebrating the grand opening of their new brick-and-mortar on Allen. Also happening on Saturday 2/28:
• Altadena Library Groundbreaking
• Hands in the Soil, Through the Fire Procession at Loma Alta Park
Editor’s Note
Starting with this episode, we’ve shifted our recording setup and are now remote and on the road instead of in-studio. It was a heavy month of travel, sickness, and life, which is why episodes have gone up later than usual. The podcast is not going anywhere and we fully intend to get back to a more timely cadence!
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.