After the Ashes: A Beautiful Altadena Podcast

Shawna at Beautiful Altadena
  • 2.8 (11)
  • 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. 8H AGO

    We Told You So

    It’s a longer episode this week with one instead of two and Shawna is extra punchy on no sleep after a long week… buckle up! Another Media Roundup and we hate to say it, but we told you so. Everything we warned is now playing out in real time. Steve breaks down the latest in his SRP CRD “Frankenstein” is Alive, and how the policies we flagged have materialized with consequences. The State Farm investigation, fine, and license questions and ask the obvious: who actually benefits? (Hint: not fire survivors.) See Shawna’s breakdown on the Beautiful Altadena Substack, along with her recently published guide on how to dodge bad contractors.  A Tragic Death & the NPO Money Trail News out of the Palisades following the tragic death of Larry Vein, founder of Pali Strong, and the controversy over a $500K FireAid grant he reportedly hadn’t asked for and was trying to return. One of the most uncomfortable but necessary conversations remains where is the money is actually going? We examine the fiscal sponsorship model and how funds are skimmed at multiple levels. Steve breaks down “laundering appropriations” and “supply funds,” and how similar dynamics are playing out in disaster recovery. Year two is often the hardest for disaster survivors and we are in it. Check in with yourself and each other. Don't forget 988 is there for anyone who needs support. No one needs to suffer in silence.  County vs Community We dive into the growing disconnect between what the County’s top-down system wants and what the community is actually asking for — a gap that’s coming to a head. We’re seeing it everywhere:  • Pushback on car wash and storage projects • PUSD plans to demolish the historic Eliot campus, sparking petitions (and why petitions alone won’t cut it — calls and emails do) • Ongoing SB9 fallout, lot splits, McMansion creep, and projects like Punahou • Continued chaos around SCE undergrounding, with residents on Alzada organizing for answers There’s still no economic development plan and where is the West San Gabriel Valley Plan? Before the next wave of funding hits, it’s time for the Altadena Town Council and community leaders to come together for a Hail Mary, to take charge of directing this rebuild ourselves. If we don’t, the same systems that got us here will decide for us what comes next. Small Biz Shout-Out Steve's ode to the dive bar and why we need the Rancho. Netflix Is a Joke bringing live comedy to Eagles Hall this week raising funds and giving fire survivors a much needed laugh. Check out the Rebuilding the Block market nightly from 6–8pm and grab a slice from BLK CRUST Pizza who used to pop up at the Rancho.  This episode was recorded on Thursday, May 7.

    1h 23m

  2. APR 24

    Let Them Eat Cake

    We jump right into it with another Media Roundup, because there is still so much to discuss this week.  • Los Angeles Times: Anger over Southern California Edison’s undergrounding work in Altadena boiled over as residents called for a temp halt to the project • CalMatters: Californians continue paying some of the highest taxes in the nation, but for what? • “Gavin Newsom’s Empire of Fraud” City Journal report and broader questions about leadership and spending in California • LAist: California still hasn’t signed the Olympics bailout promise so where is Gavin? Has he quiet quit his job? • LA County’s proposed $48.8B budget and the context of LA City $14.85B and the State $348.9B • Edgar McGregor on County’s March 25 meeting on Eaton Canyon • Multiple outlets report on federal investigations involving dead and missing scientists tied to Caltech and JPL  And zoom out to the national picture: rising debt, extreme wealth concentration, billionaires becoming richer while ordinary people carry the burden, and the growing sense that we are watching history unfold in real time as class tensions rise. Legislation Watch There is a lot moving. We break down key bills.  • AB 1642: science-based clearance before occupancy standards for standing structures, schools, and commercial areas (passed first committee) • AB 1759: well-intended but flawed legislation that risks reinforcing bad policy • SB 1076: insurance coverage for homes meeting wildfire standards (killed in committee) • SB 1301: stronger protections against surprise non-renewals (headed to appropriations) • SB 877 / SB 878: more transparency, delay penalties, and consumer protections (advanced, long odds) • SB 982: climate damages bill allowing AG action against fossil fuel companies (failed) • Congressman Vince Fong’s fire tax relief extension act • LA County’s new Commercial Acquisition Fund • Barger backing $9.9M and 44 new OEM hires — still too little, but why now? Zone 0 & Land Use Convos We cover new Zone 0 updates and the bigger land use questions shaping Altadena’s future. Shout-out to neighbor and listener Rich Rieber for hosting fire hardening workshops for La Crescenta neighbors. Spotlight major Altadena Land Use Committee conversations and invite members to join us on the podcast. Plus, SCE’s new rebuild hub on N. Fair Oaks Projects discussed: • Proposed Car Wash – 2185 Lincoln Ave • Mobil Redevelopment + Car Wash – 15 W. Woodbury Rd • Affordable Housing – 2214 Windsor Ave • CORE Community Center – Lincoln Ave & Archwood Small Biz Shout-Out This weekend is Webster’s Centennial Celebration happening Saturday 4/25, 12–4pm featuring Rhythms of the Village, live music, artists, pet adoptions, kids’ activities, local food, and even 26-cent drinks.  This episode was recoded on April 23.

    1h 7m

  3. APR 24

    Where's the Money

    We open with another Media Roundup, because the headlines keep coming!  • La Movida del Agua! Altadena Water Wars is back and talking consolidation • Mayoral race: Raman making moves, Pratt surging?, and what the latest dynamics may mean • Governor’s race: Swalwell’s campaign ending stumble, Mahan blowing his moment, Trump endorsing Hilton, and a rapidly shifting field; Antonio and Katie making labor moves, and with Swalwell out, signs that Democrats are consolidating around Becerra but can he win?  • Politico’s takedown of the Altadena recovery efforts and broader questions about leadership • Politico and the Los Angeles Times both acknowledging progress is slow, while Barger continues pointing to a lack of money • The New York Post claiming “Thousands of Permits Approved After Trump EO” and our reaction: say what now? Where’s the Money? We spend time breaking down the alphabet soup of recovery funding and what these tools actually mean. CDBG, TIF, DRF, CRA.  What money exists, what money is being pursued, what money is being left on the table, and why so many leaders still seem committed to playing small ball. We also look at the increasingly strange political reality of Barger, Bass, and… Trump? as banks begin circling the rebuild conversation in a much bigger way. What’s Happening on the West Side Steve walks us through developments in the Palisades and beyond, including Lindsey Horvath’s Rebuild Authority push; the latest on CRD (our take: not happening); Jeremy Padawer’s Palisades crusade; and the billions in sales tax revenue the state stands to make from the rebuild Small Biz Shout-Outs This week’s shout-out goes to Bar Betsy, which just opened last week two doors down from Betsy on Mariposa. An all-day concept with great pastries, brunch, lunch, girl dinner, amazing coffee, and the natural wine program you already know and love from Betsy. We’re also shouting out June Bug Tattoo, a displaced Altadena business now located at 4315 Eagle Rock Blvd — a women-owned collective worth supporting. And a reminder: Beautiful Altadena Office Hours continue weekly on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm. Check our @BeautifulAltadena Instagram or Facebook group for the latest schedule and locations. This episode was recorded on April 23, 2026.

    1 hr

  4. MAR 29

    Who's Running This Place?

    We open with more politics, because whether people like it or not, policy and power are shaping every part of disaster recovery. The Races Ahead We dive into the Governor’s race, including a look at Matt Mahan’s visit to Altadena and why he missed the moment. We break down his platform, who we think is actually positioned to win, what candidates are getting wrong, and what they would need to do to get it right. We also touch on the Los Angeles Mayor’s race, where Steve believes Karen Bass still has the advantage, and the growing question of who may emerge to lead the County as the next CEO. Legislation Watch We run through key bills and policy efforts now in play: • HR 5366 – Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025, seeking to extend tax relief for survivors, thanks in large part to fire survivor advocates from Paradise's Camp Fire continuing to fight for all of us • John Harabedian’s hearing on extending the Mortgage Forbearance Relief Act • AB 1642, from John Harabedian and EFRU (Eaton Fire Residents United), focused on wildfire contamination standards for standing structures including homes, schools and commercial structures • SB 1352, Prang’s property tax legislation, and what it could mean moving forward Rebuild Reality We revisit the County rebuild dashboard and the broader affordability crisis staring survivors in the face. Between Insurance battles, taxes, debt taken on to rebuild and rising costs everywhere, how are ordinary families supposed to afford to remain here after all of this? We also share a little fire survivor humor from the community, including the surreal experience of browsing Zillow listings for burned lots with marketing copy like “Old Fence Poles!” You can't make this stuff up, folks. Sometimes you laugh because the alternative is screaming. Small Biz Shout-Outs This week we’re encouraging everyone to shop local for Spring, Easter, and Passover at Adelaide, Carciofi and Altadena Beverage / Zinnie’s Table Plus, Some Weekend Events • Sierra Madre Wisteria Festival — featuring Altadena favorites Kat’s Macarons and Cleo’s Critter Care (March 28, 12pm–5pm) • Electric Fever at Eagles Hall  (Saturday, March 28 at 7pm) • No Kings Rally at Altadena Community Church  (10:30am–12pm) This episode was recorded on March 26.

    1h 10m

  5. MAR 28

    Living History

    Steve is back from Washington, DC, and we open with a wrap-up of his second recent trip to the capitol — including what’s being discussed, what still isn’t, and why decisions being made right now will shape recovery here and far beyond Altadena. We also tackle the latest funding twist: CDBG-DR money is on hold, adding more uncertainty to an already slow and uneven rebuilding process. One thing feels undeniable: we are living history right now — on multiple levels. Media Roundup The whistleblowers are coming out. We dig into major new reporting from LAist and the Los Angeles Times, including revelations that raise even more questions about the official response to the Eaton Fire. Stories discussed include: • A county employee allegedly with “a long history of sleeping on the job” was overseeing emergency workers sending evacuation alerts during critical moments of the fire, according to a whistleblower complaint filed by Nick Vaquero of the County Office of Emergency Management.  • New reporting that officials considered warning Altadena earlier — but chose not to because the situation was not yet considered “life threatening.”  • A look back at the Los Angeles Times’ comprehensive fire coverage hub, which collects key reporting on the fires and aftermath in one place. • Why these stories matter, what they reveal about decision-making, and why public trust continues to erode. Power, Policy & Ongoing Chaos We also touch on: • Edison executive pay and record profits, now drawing scrutiny across multiple outlets • Insurance back in the spotlight • The return of Zone 0 debates even as many pockets of Altadena were clearly helped by mature trees, not harmed by them • Prang’s SB 1352 Legislation • La Viña HOA drama and new tensions at the Country Club • LA County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the virtual kickoff meeting on April 8 On the Ground in Altadena We talk about driving around Altadena and the unsettling feeling that history is being written in real time and not always for the better. Meanwhile:  • Dirty soil concerns continue  • Code enforcement appears absent in the rebuild  • And according to the County, nearly everything is now a “civil matter” We also discuss the County’s shiny new Altadena Road to Recovery StoryMaps.ArcGIS rollout — a polished PR exercise that often feels disconnected from the reality many residents are experiencing on the ground. Small Business Shout-Out This week’s shout-out goes to the Altadena Library Goes Mobile initiative with the Curiosity Connection, helping bring library services directly into the community while the main branch rebuild moves forward. And a reminder: Beautiful Altadena Office Hours continue every Wednesday from 11am–1pm at a rotating Altadena coffee shop near you. This episode was recorded on March 26.

    1h 13m

  6. MAR 3

    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

  7. FEB 27

    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

  8. FEB 27

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

2.8
out of 5
11 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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