What does true community recovery look like one year after disaster strikes—and how can we ensure that no one gets left behind? In this episode, our host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, sits down with Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery and Deputy Supervisor for Planning and Development with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. With a background in civil engineering and public infrastructure, Anish shares firsthand-insights on what recovery looks like one year after the devastating Los Angeles fires of 2025. Together, they explore equitable and inclusive approaches to rebuilding—especially for those often left behind, like renters, working class families, and multi-generational homeowners. The conversation delves into how systems can better serve communities in crisis, the vital role of coalition-building across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and the unique contribution of community colleges like PCC in preparing the workforce for recovery-related jobs. You'll learn: How inclusive recovery efforts must address the needs of renters, working-class families, and multigenerational households often left behind The evolution of rebuilding strategies: moving from disconnected systems to unified plans, with all utilities coordinated before home construction begins How Pasadena City College and other community colleges serve as agile partners for workforce training and immediate response following disasters Why building inspection, project management, and skilled trades are high-demand careers in the regional reconstruction efforts The crucial role of listening to diverse community voices and tailoring recovery solutions to meet distinct constituent needs About the Guest: Anish Saraiya serves as the Director of Altadena Recovery for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. In this role, he leads community-focused initiatives centered around public infrastructure and public policy, aimed at enhancing resilience, rebuilding and recovery of the unincorporated Altadena community. Prior to his current position, Saraiya served as Supervisor Barger's Planning and Public Works Deputy and Senior Advisor on land use planning, development, public infrastructure, environment and sustainability, and housing. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs that balance growth with environmental stewardship, addressing the needs of both urban and rural communities within the Fifth Supervisorial District. Before transitioning into public policy, Saraiya worked as a Civil Engineer for Los Angeles County Public Works. There, he specialized in transportation planning and traffic engineering, contributing to the development of infrastructure projects that improved mobility and safety across the County. Saraiya earned his degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, equipping him with a strong technical foundation that has informed his work in both engineering and public policy. Born in Dallas and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Saraiya has deep ties to the Los Angeles area. Outside of his professional endeavors, he is an avid sports fan and dedicates much of his time to coaching his children's sports teams, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Anish Saraiya & Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors: Website - https://bos.lacounty.gov/ LinkedIn - @anishsaraiya & @lacountybos Instagram - @lacountybos Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we'd love to hear from you!
