Altadena: After The Fire

Nearly 100 days after the deadly Eaton Canyon fire, former Assemblymember Chris Holden joins host James Farr to discuss the path to recovery, the push for accountability from Southern California Edison, and the legislation meant to protect communities from future disasters. Later, Catherine Peoples of HPP Cares shares critical steps for rebuilding on fire-damaged land, from securing insurance payo...

 Episode Summary:

Six months after the devastating Eaton Canyon wildfire that scorched parts of Altadena, journalist James Farr joins Tavis Smiley to reflect on what’s changed—and what hasn’t. Farr, who was evacuated with his family but spared from losing his home, shares his personal and journalistic insights on the community's ongoi...

Guest:
Chris Holden, Former Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee; Former Mayor of Pasadena; Advocate with LA Fire Justice

Episode Summary:
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Holden to explore how decades of public service—from local government to the state legislature—shaped his leadership in one of California’s most critical polic...

🎧 Description:

In this powerful part two episode of Altadena: After The Fire, we take you inside a live town hall held 100 days after the devastating Eaton Fire. Hosted by KBLA Talk 1580, this gathering in Pasadena brought together survivors, community leaders, attorneys, builders, and mental health professionals for a frank and emotional conversation about what has happened, what hasn’t, and what needs to happen next.Modera...

🎧 Description:

In this powerful episode of Altadena: After The Fire, we take you inside a live town hall held 100 days after the devastating Eaton Fire. Hosted by KBLA Talk 1580, this gathering in Pasadena brought together survivors, community leaders, attorneys, builders, and mental health professionals for a frank and emotional conversation about what has happened, what hasn’t, and what needs to happen next.Moderated by Do...

In this episode, host Colby "Colb" Tyner welcomes back journalist and radio host James Farr for an in-depth update from the front lines of Altadena’s recovery. James, host of Conversation Live: Altadena Rising on KBLA, discusses the community’s resilience, the ongoing displacement of thousands of residents, and the slow, complex road to rebuilding.They cover:

• The...

In this deeply moving episode, Altadena: After The Fire correspondent Tawala Sharp sits down with Zaire Calvin—former high school football coach, founder of Extreme Athletics, and a rising leader in the community’s recovery. Zaire lost both his home and his sister in the devastating Eaton Fire, yet he has emerged as a driving force in Altadena’s efforts to rebuild—not just structures, but spirit.Za...

This emotional two-part episode takes listeners directly into the chaos and aftermath of the catastrophic fires ravaging Los Angeles County. First, KJLH’s Tammy Mack updates listeners during the day of the fires, sharing real-time evacuation alerts, health warnings, and safety tips. Then, Brandon Lamar, President of the Pasadena NAACP, dives deep into how the wildfire devastated the historic Black community in Altadena and Pa...

In this powerful episode, we explore the lasting impacts of the recent fire and its ripple effects on families, businesses, and entire communities. We begin with Charisse Bremond, CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, who shares how her organization is actively working to help families in Altadena and Pasadena recover and build long-term stability.Next, we turn to KBLA Los Angeles’ Dominique DiPrima an...

In this debut episode, host Colby Colb speaks with radio and podcast producer Tawala Sharp, a lifelong Altadena resident. Tawala’s home was one of only five on his block to survive the devastating fire, yet it remains uninhabitable. He shares his firsthand experience of the destruction and the challenges of recovery. 

📌 Key Takeaways 

In January 2025, the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, California, a community rich in Black history and culture. The blaze destroyed over 9,400 structures, with more than 7,000 homes, schools, and businesses lost in Altadena alone. This catastrophe has profoundly impacted a neighborhood that has long stood as a symbol of Black progress and resilience."Altadena: After The Fire" is an Urban One podcast dedicated to chro...