After the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena Podcast

Shawna at Beautiful Altadena
  • 3.0 (10)
  • POLITICS

We are Beautiful Altadena, the online community group that launched in 2015 and the Substack by the same name. We started this podcast to ask: Who’s writing the rules of recovery? Who benefits? Who’s being left out? This podcast deep dives into the issues of recovery and rebuilding through the lens of policy. Each episode, we dissect the policies and bills impacting Altadena, Los Angeles County, and the rest of the country post disaster. We break down what they say, what they really mean, who they affect, and what – and who – they leave out. Every episode closes out with a local small business shout out and most include a media roundup of what's making the headlines and what's not. Your hosts: Shawna Dawson Beer / @BeautifulAltadena, Eaton Fire Total Loss Survivor Stephen Sachs / @AltaPolicyWonk, Eaton Fire Survivor, Current Altadena Resident We are not advertiser, sponsor or grant funded and have no agenda beyond ensuring our neighbors in Altadena, the Palisades and beyond are as in the know as possible so that we can all be our own best advocates for ourselves and our towns.

  1. MAR 3

    Season 2/Episode 11: Mercury in Gatorade

    We open this episode with a few technical difficulties — because apparently Mercury is in Gatorade — and then get right to it! With Steve back in Washington, DC, reporting on the drama, the intrigue, and full-on mishegas, we dive into another important conversation: The difference between EDA and CDBG-DR funding models, and why what happens in Altadena could shape disaster recovery policy nationwide for years to come.  We revisit a lingering question that refuses to go away. Why is there still no economic development plan for Altadena and why does the County seem uninterested in creating one? National Attention & Relevance. Has the national news cycle already moved on. We’re seeing major stories — even ones tied to national issues — getting passed over because there’s simply too much else happening. So what now? How do we keep Altadena’s story visible and relevant beyond our own echo chamber? Politics & Accountability. We take another look at the Governor’s race, including: • Gavin Newsom’s alignment with Karen Bass • Bass' own polling that positions Spencer Pratt as her leading challenger • And the question of who else is actually viable in this field Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s investigation is actively underway, with residents reporting outreach from the AG’s office requesting interviews about their experiences the night of the fire. A clear sign that this process is moving forward in a meaningful way.  A Community. Shawna shares a reminder to stay connected through Beautiful Altadena's Stories where daily coverage includes community news, events, citizen journalism, resources, classes, grants, financial updates, local business updates, some humor, and more. You can follow along on both our public Facebook page and Instagram. We post literally hundreds of items every week!  This week’s Small Business Shout Out goes to Sidecca, where you can find Shawna’s vintage 70s style Altadena shirt many have asked about. While their storefront has not yet reopened following flood damage after the fire, they continue to operate through pop-ups and online and are well worth supporting. More on their website and follow them on Instagram for the latest.

    1 hr

  2. FEB 27

    Season 2/Episode 10: Mister Sachs Goes to Washington

    No media roundup this episode. We jump straight into the issues. With Steve in Washington, DC, we start with updates from the ground there, including the ongoing EDA push and Barger’s Rebuild Authority motion, and what those efforts signal about how recovery decisions are being shaped at both the local and federal level. We also revisit the Governor’s race, Rick Caruso’s Steadfast LA, what’s currently unfolding in the Palisades, and how those dynamics may (or may not) translate to Altadena. On Federal Funding & Control. We ask the big question. How will federal funding actually be implemented in Altadena? Can the County realistically serve as the manager of those funds after everything that’s happened, especially now, with new scrutiny following the Attorney General’s investigation? Do we need County and State oversight of federal dollars, or is there another path forward that doesn’t rely on the same systems that have already raised serious concerns? Policy & Ongoing Issues. We get back into:   • More on Zone 0, and the practical reality of requiring a 5' defensible buffer around homes when many properties don’t even have 5' easements • The word on the street Altadena Water Wars may be making a return. Are they, aren't they? We’ll believe it when we see it A community reminder from Shawna that Beautiful Altadena Office Hours are happening weekly on Wednesdays from 11am–1pm at rotating local coffee shops. Bring your questions, your stories, your resources, and be with your people.  This episode’s Small Business Shout Out goes to Parker and Hardy Californians— a local native plant specialist supporting Altadena’s recovery through soil bioremediation, specialty seed mixes, and now a full suite of native garden landscaping plans designed to complement a range of home styles. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram @hardycalifornians.

    59 min

  3. FEB 27

    Season 2/Episode 9: Under Investigation, Plenty of Money, No Accountability

    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!

    55 min

  4. FEB 4

    Season 2/Episode 8: The Water Wars Wage On as the Rebuild Trudges Along

    It’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 Company drew record attendance at its January 22 meeting where residents pushed back on a proposed $3k fire charge just to remain solvent, with no clear financing or long-term infrastructure plan. • Rubio Cañon held its packed February 3 meeting requesting a rate hike and fire charge in perpetuity, a proposal that would cost customers more than Las Flores’. Tensions ran high with shareholders openly discussing board recalls.  • Lincoln Water Company meets February 5. They’ve gone on the defensive warning shareholders to get info only from them and restricting attendance echoing Rubio’s response after media showed up at Las Flores. All three mutuals were in Sacramento asking the state for funding despite claims their private status makes them ineligible for public dollars. Meanwhile, they’ve declined to pursue private capital. The question remains, why? Calls for consolidation continue and increasingly look like the only viable path forward, especially for Las Flores, which has the smallest service area, suffered the greatest losses, and was underinsured. Bottom line: shareholders have more power than they realize. Boards can be challenged. Votes can be forced. Media Roundup • Gavin Newsom’s national moment (The New Yorker, Vogue) and his new “centrist” positioning • A strong LAist report on post-fire rent laws that exist on paper but aren’t being used • A surprising moment of agreement with Rick Caruso   And an open invitation to all gubernatorial candidates. Come see us to see the real Altadena, not just what the establishment wants you to see A rebuild check-in. 599 buildings under construction, 6 completed, and just four county inspectors overseeing nearly 9k rebuilds. Inspectors reportedly handling 20–30 inspections per day. Corners being cut. Things falling through the cracks. Why is nothing being done more than a year out? Editor’s Note: Due to a tech glitch, a short portion of our density discussion is missing. Here’s context. On one stretch of Maiden Lane alone, pending water meter requests alone one lot proposed for 11 units, another for 8, and another for 4. Before accounting for ADUs which will be nearly universal. Where is the infrastructure plan to support this? Small Biz Shout-Out Goes to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Altadena Aerie, 455 E. Woodbury. A vital hub for community aid after the fire, home to the Beautiful Altadena mural by Austin Scott and one of the most authentic spaces left in town. Note: This episode was recorded on February 3, 2026

    1h 3m

  5. FEB 4

    Season 2 / Episode 7: Back to the Policy Future

    After 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 “F**k ICE” cookies every single day they make them. Read what Shawna wrote on the topic for Beautiful Altadena.  Next, we turn to Trump’s Executive Order threatening federal intervention in permitting and rebuilding in both Altadena and the Palisades. While much of the coverage zeroes in on permitting, we argue that this misses the real issue entirely. The real story is that we’ve had money available for nearly a year, and it’s not moving, not because of the federal government, but because there is no economic development plan. The tools to bring money into this community already exist. The question remains, why is no one using them? Oh, the irony that even the Feds note we’d have more money here already if only we were incorporated. Instead, we’re watching organizations line up to parrot the party line, fight for control, and recreate the same dynamics that have plagued homelessness policy in our state for decades. The poverty pimps have become the new disaster pimps. We move into highlights from a new policy session and break down: SB 878 from Senator Sasha Pérez once again taking on the insurance industry, co-signed by Ben Allen, who is also positioning himself for a run at Insurance Commissioner. Will this finally help consumers — or will it push more insurers out of California?AB 1642, introduced by John Harabedian with Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), calling for “Clearance Before Occupancy.” It’s an important concept, but is the focus on standing homes too narrow? Is this a missed opportunity — or a necessary first step to build broader policy?Finally, we discuss the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s LTRG Policy Advisory Committee's (PACs) expansive list of policy asks including more than $1.6 billion for a Community Land Trust, a revived version of SB 549 to create a rebuilding authority, and a total package that approaches $4 billion. If we couldn’t secure $70 million for post-remediation testing from the state, how are we supposed to land billions? We couldn't get $10 million for a CLT before, but now believe we can get $1.6 billion? And what happens if these asks can't deliver? The bottom line. You can’t do real advocacy while trying to curry favor from the very systems you need to demand accountability from. Small Business Shout-Out: Basic Nail Shoppe This episode’s small business shout-out goes to Basic Nail Shoppe, located at 3851 Foothill Blvd in Hastings Ranch, owned by Alex and Trish — Altadena residents who lost their home in the fire and are actively rebuilding. We loved them before the fire, and it's so great to be back here again. Follow on Instagram: @thebasicnailshoppe Note: This episode was recorded Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

    1h 7m

  6. JAN 26

    Season 2 / Episode 6: Everyone’s Suing Everyone & Survivors Turned Investigators

    We 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 question from survivors: what does this mean for us? We break down SCE's filing deadline, how responsibility gets shared (or deflected) in mass litigation, and the question everyone is asking — will this slow down settlements?Rick Caruso is out as a gubernatorial contender, something Steve covered in his Hot Potato Substack. This opens a bigger conversation. If California is “so great,” why is no one eager to govern it? Who are the real contenders likely to emerge? And what kind of leadership moment is this, really?We turn local. The Las Flores Water Company Shareholders Meeting, rescheduled to Thursday, January 22. Still no meaningful communication and so many unanswered questions. We discuss the growing concern: are they even competent to manage this moment? Should shareholders organize to force a vote?  Check out Shawna’s Beautiful Altadena Substack post that lays out exactly what has unfolded so far. Shawna is also quoted in this ABC7 story on the meeting.  Fellow fire survivor Sylvie Andrews’ investigation into the fire response and failed evacuation alerts. Her work uncovers troubling inconsistencies between official statements from leaders, official reports, and what residents actually experienced on the ground. Shawna shares her ongoing investigation into contaminated soil being moved around Altadena and buried beneath rebuilds, often with little or no oversight. An issue that refuses to go away and may define long-term health outcomes if left unchecked. And some unexpected changes to the Town Council’s Land Use Committee.  Small Business Shout-Out: Washington & Hill This week we’re uplifting several Altadena-adjacent and Altadena-owned businesses anchoring the Washington & Hill corridor including Lavender & Honey, Octavia’s Bookshelf and Woon Kitchen. These businesses continue to show up for the community and deserve our support. Follow them all on Instagram: Lavender & Honey @lh_espresso Octavia’s Bookshelf @octavias_bookshelfWoon Kitchen @woonkitchenNote: This episode was recorded Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The podcast takes the week of January 25 off and returns the week of February 1

    55 min

  7. JAN 25

    Season 2 / Episode 5: The Billion Dollar Questions

    This 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 State Law Protecting Utilities from Cost of Disasters They Cause. We tackle the growing focus on demanding So Cal Edison “pay up” and why chasing a $200,000 payout that will never materialize misses the larger, more urgent reality. The $22B Wildfire Fund while unsavory and emblematic of the deep problems with private, for-profit utilities is currently the only mechanism that will ensure fire survivors are made even remotely whole through legal settlements. The real problem isn’t the fund. It’s private utilities and state and county authorities failing to enforce maintenance standards, safety laws, and accountability before disaster strikes.Black Enterprise: Altadena’s Historic Little Red Hen Café Facing Landlord Woes After Devastating Fire. The uncertain future of one of Altadena’s most iconic institutions. Despite donations from Paris Hilton, the 15 Percent Pledge, and a GoFundMe, owner Annisa Shays shares that funding remains the biggest obstacle. We discuss the whiplash of being offered the chance to buy the land, quoted at $500,000 by landowner Perry Bennett, only for the offer to be abruptly withdrawn. CalMatters: How Altadena Businesses Are Trying to Recover from the Eaton Fire. Small businesses still don’t know when, how, or even if they can return. Another reality that threatens to hollow out the community long before homes are rebuilt.We also dive into Steve’s Friday Stack on homelessness, drawing uncomfortable parallels between that crisis and this one. Over $24 billion spent, fragmented oversight, mismanaged funds, and shockingly little to show for it. Without accountability, transparency, and coordination, even massive spending fails, whether the crisis is homelessness or wildfire recovery. Small Business Shout-Out: Daz-E Thrift This week we’re shouting out Daz-E Thrift, which is reopening this weekend — Saturday, January 24. Find them at 2525 N. Lake Avenue and follow their updates and reopening details on their website dazeshop.org Note: This episode was recorded Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The podcast takes the week of January 25 off and returns the week of February 1

    55 min

  8. JAN 16

    Season 2 / Episode 3: The One We Forgot to Title

    One 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 has said repeatedly that Altadena residents are being “smoked out” — priced out, delayed out, and exhausted out of returning home. Steve adds we are being “starved out,” as the financial granaries that kept families afloat are depleted while rebuilding remains stalled for too many.  This is our 27th episode and we cover: Where we each were during the first three months after the fireGovernor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of a new wildfire recovery fund and potential mortgage reliefWhat's up with FEMA’s limited lead soil testing program, with results not expected until AprilThe expanding environmental crisis across Altadena revealing itself The complete absence of county oversight, post-remediation testing, or enforceable standardsAnd the “cowboy” cleanup economy, where contaminated soil and debris are being hauled from site to site across our community with little to no monitoringWith responsibility now clearly established, this episode marks our continued shift away from blame and toward solutions — the ones we’ve been advocating for since day one and the new ones we're going to need as Altadena enters its second year after the fire — and how we can continue to be our own best advocates. Steve also shares how the emotional weight of this year has finally caught up to him, prompting a rare pause from his usually relentless daily writing on AltaPolicyWonk. This isn’t a light listen but it’s an important one. The section on how toxic soil is being moved around Altadena unchecked is worth the time all on its own. Small Business Shout-Out: Sidecca We close every episode by uplifting a local business, and this week it’s Sidecca, the beloved clothing and gift shop at Mariposa Junction (Mariposa & Lake). They had just celebrated their reopening when they were hit again by water damage after the recent rains. If you love Altadena style, thoughtful gifts, and community rooted businesses, Sidecca is another one to support. Follow them on Instagram @sidecca. Donate via their GoFundMe if you can. And don’t miss the beautiful new mural currently going up at their storefront

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

We are Beautiful Altadena, the online community group that launched in 2015 and the Substack by the same name. We started this podcast to ask: Who’s writing the rules of recovery? Who benefits? Who’s being left out? This podcast deep dives into the issues of recovery and rebuilding through the lens of policy. Each episode, we dissect the policies and bills impacting Altadena, Los Angeles County, and the rest of the country post disaster. We break down what they say, what they really mean, who they affect, and what – and who – they leave out. Every episode closes out with a local small business shout out and most include a media roundup of what's making the headlines and what's not. Your hosts: Shawna Dawson Beer / @BeautifulAltadena, Eaton Fire Total Loss Survivor Stephen Sachs / @AltaPolicyWonk, Eaton Fire Survivor, Current Altadena Resident We are not advertiser, sponsor or grant funded and have no agenda beyond ensuring our neighbors in Altadena, the Palisades and beyond are as in the know as possible so that we can all be our own best advocates for ourselves and our towns.

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