Shows
After the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2/Episode 8: The Water Wars Wage On as the Rebuild Trudges AlongIt’s another long one. We planned to kick things off with our usual media roundup, but first the Altadena Water Wars. The drama! The intrigue!We open with the rapid rise and even faster disappearance of the anonymously penned Altadena Water Wars Substack by “JJ Gittes.” It vanished almost as quickly as it appeared but we kept receipts. Shawna pulled the full archive and reposted every word under a dedicated Altadena Water Wars tab.We dig into the escalating chaos surrounding Altadena’s three mutual water companies:• Las Flores Water Comp...
2026-02-041h 02After the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 7: Back to the Policy FutureAfter taking a week off, we’re back, and yes, this episode runs long again. Sorry, folks. Too much happening to keep it brief!We open with another media roundup, connecting national events to what’s unfolding here in Los Angeles and in Altadena. We talk about the national strike, journalists being arrested, bystanders being shot, and perhaps the most Altadena detail of all, Altadena Cookie Co is selling out of their “Fuck ICE” cookies every single day they make them. Read what Shawna wrote on the topic for Beautiful Altadena. Next...
2026-02-041h 06After the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 6: Everyone’s Suing Everyone & Survivors Turned InvestigatorsWe open this episode with another media round-up, because the news cycle has been busy! There are big stories everywhere, and nearly all of them raise the same unsettling question: who's actually in charge here. Stories and topics discussed include:The Guardian coverage on Climate Gentrification and the frustration that much of what we’re now facing could have been mitigated had AB 797 not been vetoed last year. Southern California Edison is suing… everyone. A headline that hit nearly every outlet, prompting the same quest...
2026-01-2655 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 5: The Billion Dollar QuestionsThis episode opens with a media round-up, because there is no shortage of big stories shaping the narrative around Altadena’s recovery. We unpack recent reporting and what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and what’s being oversimplified.Stories discussed include:LA Times: Leaked Memo Reveals California Debated Cutting Wildfire Soil Testing Before Disaster Chiefs Exit. A look at how environmental testing decisions were being debated behind the scenes and what that means for communities now dealing with toxic fallout and incomplete remediation.LA Times: Wildfire Victims Decry Stat...
2026-01-2655 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 3: The One We Forgot to TitleOne year after the Eaton Fire, the dust still hasn’t settled — literally or figuratively.In this more emotionally raw episode of After the Ashes, co-hosts Shawna Dawson Beer and Stephen Sachs look back at the first 90 days after the fire. What was happening on the ground, what we understood then, how many solutions were proposed, and how many of today’s cascading failures were locked in during those earliest weeks.We also name something that isn’t being talked about nearly enough: Year Two is a financial siege on fire survivors. Shawna...
2026-01-1647 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 4: You Can’t Always Get What You Want… But If You Try Real HardWe open this episode with some unexpected news. After the Ashes was named a Spotify 2025 Most Binged Show, a 2025 Marathon Show (listeners stuck with us 75% longer than the average podcast), and a 2025 Instant Hit, with a debut season more popular than 80% of other new podcasts. Whoever you are listening out there — thank you. Truly. We're doing this for you. From there, we dig into what may be a pivotal moment in the fight for accountability and recovery in Altadena. And yes, this is also the...
2026-01-1638 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 1: Weeee’re BaaaackNew year, new season. We had planned to be on hiatus this week. But as the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire arrived, so did a flood of media coverage, public events, and major developments that made it clear we needed to get back into the studio. We recorded two back-to-back episodes, that both run a little long — just under an hour — so thank you, as always, for staying with us.We open with a wide-ranging media roundup, as Altadena and the Eaton Fire were covered across nearly every major outlet imaginable. We focus on a few key...
2026-01-1052 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastSeason 2 / Episode 2: Missed Chances & Bad Bets. Could It Have Been Different?This is our second episode of the new year, and the second of two back-to-back recordings made during the one-year anniversary week of the Eaton Fire. We begin shifting back into deeper policy conversations, asking one of the most important questions of all: did it have to go this way and does it still have to?Steve takes us through a deeper dive into the financing options for the $20 billion rebuild of Altadena and other fire-impacted communities. Options that existed then and still exist now. We revisit the “Marshall Plan” Governor Newsom called for i...
2026-01-1057 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 23: Eight Crazy NightsEpisode 23 of After the Ashes arrives in the season of light and at a moment when much of what we’ve been saying here for months is finally breaking into the broader news cycle. As Hanukkah begins this week, we reflect on what it means to light the candles this time of year. We move through a wide-angle media roundup—from national coverage echoing long-standing warnings, to Emecka of Rhythms of the Village on the cover of Inc. Magazine, to year-end conversations shaping how Altadena’s story is being told beyond the neighborhood. We also discuss what remains absent from m...
2025-12-1736 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 24: Read the Room – Philanthropy and More Cracks in Recovery and AccountabilityOn our last episode before we head into a holiday hiatus and the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire, Episode 24 takes another look at the question many in the community keep asking: where is the money going. We revisit the role of philanthropy in the fire recovery digging into the oft nebulous world of fiscal sponsorship. We talk about what happens when transparency is thin, accountability is diffuse, and organizations begin to show strain. Shrinking budgets, stalled programs, and in some cases, folding altogether. Steadfast LA enters the chat with a Steadfast Altadena chapter. What...
2025-12-1734 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 22: On Golf Courses and Lobbyists, Another CRD, and the Real Estate Roller CoasterHousing chaos, policy puzzles, missing money, the one nonprofit you truly have to hear to believe, and will there be a 2026 Beautiful Altadena calendar—Episode 22 has it all.We kick off the episode with the real estate roller coaster gripping our post-fire communities: homes in Altadena clocking in at $1,000 per square foot and the Palisades market sinking 40%. Whether rising or plummeting, the numbers tell a story of a housing market still trying to find its post-fire equilibrium. We break down this year’s extensive LA Times coverage—a series of articles that i...
2025-12-1036 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 21: Rebuilds, Roadblocks and the Coming Water FightRecorded December 9, Episode 21 takes listeners through a pivotal week in our community’s recovery and resilience. We begin the episode with a milestone worth celebrating: the first homes rebuilt in both Altadena and the Palisades, but there's always more to the story. Then we turn to local spirit with a recap of the 105th Christmas Tree Lane lighting—a tradition that refuses to dim no matter how dark the year. Our media roundup pulls no punches, even if much of the press seems intent on that status quo. We look at Governor Newsom’s failed push in Was...
2025-12-1056 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 17: The Stories They’re Writing—And the Ones We’re LivingAs the one-year anniversary approaches, the journalists are circling—and so are the headlines. In this episode of After the Ashes, we sift through the news storm hitting Altadena: FEMA’s Acting Administrator steps out (and what that really signals for future disasters), SCE skipping out on a Black community town hall while KBLA and local reporters press for answers, Disney’s sudden Charles White Park announcement that wasn't welcomed by all, and the lingering question from another newsroom—why wasn’t Altadena’s gas shut off when the Palisades was? As Shawna sa...
2025-12-0356 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 18: Journalists Are Writing the First Draft of HistoryAnother long episode recorded as we approach the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire, this episode examines the questions that still hang in the air. The questions that will shape not only how we remember the fire, but how we rebuild from it. We reflect on the narratives emerging from the reporting over the past year and the political realities behind them. Which electeds will step forward as true champions — and which will let Altadena be overlooked again? What assumptions were made in the early days of the fire, from promises to implement reforms to hopes for be...
2025-12-0355 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 19: Altadena in the Big Picture – Local Failure, National ConversationsWe're back from a Thanksgiving break with a long one. In Episode 19 we step back from the rubble and zoom out to the national landscape — because what’s happening in Altadena is playing out on a national stage. We dig into local government failure from the national perspective, why communities like ours are repeatedly left to rebuild ourselves, and how the latest political maneuvers, including the first draft of Supervisor Barger’s new CRD (Climate Resiliency District) brought to you by SRP's SB782 continue to rewrite reality. No La Cañada? No Pasadena? More omissions, more distort...
2025-12-031h 01After the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 20: TIME Magazine, In Government We (Mis)Trust, and the Call for UnityWe kick of this episode with a media roundup and the biggest headline yet: Altadena on the cover of TIME Magazine. The digital story is live now, and the print issue hits stands on December 8. (Yes, both Steve and Shawna are quoted). Our town’s story, its failures and its resilience, is now a national story. Altadena was also the feature of a Spectrum News Thanksgiving Special, where Tyler of Betsy shared an unflinching, deeply personal account of losing his marriage, home, and business and the depression that followed, and how his team pul...
2025-12-0351 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 16: The Long Rebuild – Nearing One Year and Facing What Comes NextAs we move closer to the one-year mark in January, After the Ashes takes stock of where Altadena’s recovery really stands — and what the next twelve months might bring.We look at the rebuild by the numbers: 520 unique parcel permits issued and 334 active new builds now under inspection. Progress, yes — but uneven, and often inaccessible to those still navigating insurance, red tape, financial challenges and displacement.From there, we turn to DC post Steve's recent trip. With the government shutdown and Democrats caving, the healthcare battle, and what all of this m...
2025-11-1255 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 15: From the Ballot to the Burn Zone – Post-Remediation Realities and Post-Election ReflectionsWelcome back to After the Ashes, a Beautiful Altadena podcast where we dig into what’s really happening in our foothill community — from rebuilding after disaster to rebuilding trust. In Episode 15, we unpack a full slate of local headlines and hard questions:Election season brought us decisions on Prop 50 and new faces for the Altadena Town Council — but what do these results actually mean?EFRU’s latest findings on post-remediation contamination have many homeowners — especially renters, seniors, and those without funds — facing troubling realities. We break down the press conference, media coverage, and what it all means mo...
2025-11-1253 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 14: The Sound of Neglect – No Policy, No PeaceIn this episode we’re talking about the silence that speaks volumes — the sound of neglect. As we head into the Altadena Town Council elections (November 1st, 4th, and 8th), we break down what the ATC actually is, who’s running, and why this year’s vote may actually matter. If you’ve ever wondered whether local elections really affect recovery and accountability, this episode’s for you.We also check in on the Altadena for Accountability campaign and the coalition’s ongoing push to get Attorney General Rob Bonta to do his j...
2025-10-3032 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 13: A Bit Dog Always Squeals – SB 254, SCE’s ‘Final Offer,’ and LA County’s $2M SecretOn this episode the bit dog always squeals — and this time it’s coming straight from Sacramento. Governor Newsom’s last-minute legislation, SB 254, quietly lets Southern California Edison further off the hook, shifting more of the recovery burden back onto fire victims. And while some of our elected representatives claim they “didn’t know” this would happen… They knew.Today SCE dropped its final Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program Protocol. With fifty-plus red-line changes, the offer somehow managed to get worse than the original draft. We always expected pennies on the dollar, but this latest...
2025-10-3038 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 12: Lines of Power – A Redistricting PrimerAfter the firestorm of Episode 11, we’re slowing it down, but not letting up.In this shorter episode we zoom out and take a look at Prop 50, what’s really at stake, and why redistricting — that seemingly dry, procedural word — is a power move. We’ll give you a quick, no-fluff primer on congressional districting in California, walk through a little history, and unpack why things aren’t always what they seem on the ballot, especially when there's this much money involved. Small Business shout out goes to one of our taco (and burrito) spot...
2025-10-1523 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 11: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – What Just Happened in Sacramento?In this special double episode of After the Ashes (think: '80s after-school special meets legislative meltdown), we dive into a weekend full of political gut punches. Despite community protest, SB782 passed and the County machine wins, so now what? AB797, the much-hoped-for counterpoint, got unexpectedly vetoed. And Newsom killed SB629, the Zone 0 bill, too. Spoiler alert, Altadena was 0 for 2 on this one and now it's time to get to work holding the County accountable. We also unpack the Wall Street Journal story on billionaire lottery winner Edwin Castro and how the article pretty much confirms no o...
2025-10-1500 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 10: Philanthropy & Power — Who’s Rebuilding Altadena, and Why?In this episode, we explore the deep and often unseen role that philanthropy plays in shaping disaster recovery, including Altadena's. Building on our co-host Stephen Sachs’ AltaPolicyWonk Substack series — Philanthropy I, II, and III — we unpack the current nonprofit climate and how we got here.We cover:The influence of institutions like Annenberg and where some of that FireAid money wentHow the California Community Foundation (CCF) is funding local efforts like the Department of Angels and AltagetherWhere recovery dollars are flowing — and where they aren’t — and what happens when they run dry We also talk candidly...
2025-10-1039 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 9: Insured & Burned – Who Pays, Who Profits, and What You Should KnowIn this episode, we dig into the tough realities of insurance in a post-fire California. With the state’s CFP (California FAIR Plan) already insolvent before the fires, private insurers pulling out, and premiums skyrocketing, we’re all likely headed toward layered coverage — think homeowner's + earthquake + flood-style plans — even for basic fire protection. It's a shifting landscape, and homeowners need to be informed now, not later.We also break down subrogation — what it means when your insurer gets paid back from any SCE-related settlement — and take a hard look at Southern Cal...
2025-10-1037 minAfter the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena PodcastEpisode 6: Truth, Power & Subpoenas — Altadena Demands AccountabilityIn this episode, we break down the McChrystal Report, the powerful press conference held by Altadena for Accountability, and our urgent call for an independent investigation with subpoena power from the California Attorney General Rob Bonta. It’s time for real answers, real accountability, and real action.This is what people power looks like. When we come together, we are the representation we've been waiting for. We have to keep showing up, speaking out, and holding power to account — because no one is going to fight for Altadena for us. We also shine a light on ou...
2025-10-0824 min