Altadena: After The Fire

Longtime Altadena resident and Hollywood vet  Andre Barnwell  reflects on the community’s character—three distinct neighborhoods, strong Black homeownership, indie business vibe—and the night the  Eaton Fire  upended assumptions with  90-mph Santa Ana winds . Out of the devastation, he’s developing a  youth-centered scripted series set in Altad...

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 ongoing struggle. While the flames are gone,...

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 policy arenas: wild...

🎧 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,...

🎧 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...

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: T...

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&mda...

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...

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 L...

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   The devastation is unimaginable – Tawal...

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&...