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 Black community in Altadena and Pasadena — and how the community is rallying to rebuild from unimaginable loss.

📰 Part 1: The Day of the Fires (Tammy Mack, KJLH Radio)Highlights:

• Fires burn uncontrollably from Pacific Palisades to Altadena and into the Hollywood Hills, creating an "apocalyptic" scene.
• Over 10,600 acres destroyed in San Gabriel Valley alone.
• Mandatory evacuations issued across Santa Monica, Hollywood Hills, and other neighborhoods.
• Evacuation Shelters and Animal Shelters were urgently activated.
• Health Warnings:
• • Boil water due to toxins.
  • Wear masks to avoid breathing harmful smoke.
  • Generator safety tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Emotional check-in: Callers like Trayvon share disbelief at how fast and widespread the fires became.

Key Quote:"A lot of people woke up to darkness… fires burning homes, businesses, and dreams." — Tammy Mack

🏡 Part 2: After the Fire – The Fight to Rebuild (Brandon Lamar)Highlights:

• Historical Significance: Altadena was a sanctuary for Black families escaping racial violence.
• Fire Devastation: 80% of Black Altadena residents lost their homes; 10 churches and 5 schools were destroyed.
• Ongoing Challenges: Underinsurance, missing property deeds, displacement pressures, housing crisis.
• Community Actions:
• • Legislative efforts to fast-track deed transfers and defer mortgage payments.
  • Relief Drive helping thousands of families with essentials and temporary housing.
  • Partnering with Black-owned groups to retain homes in the community.
  • Fighting off predatory contractors and developers.
• Emotional Toll: Brandon shares the mental burden of witnessing and responding to such widespread loss.

Key Quote:"Disasters don’t discriminate — but social recovery does." — Brandon Donte Lamar

🙌 How Listeners Can Help:

• Donate:
  Every dollar goes directly to families for housing, essentials, and rebuilding.
  → projectpassioninc.com
• Volunteer:
  Help at Saturday distributions (11 AM–4 PM) at Pasadena Church, 425 N Sierra Madre Villa Ave, Pasadena, CA.
• Offer Professional Services:
  Licensed therapists, financial counselors, insurance specialists, honest contractors are needed.

Altadena: After The Fire – An Urban One podcast chronicling the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, California, in January 2025. A historic center of Black prosperity and culture, the community lost over 7,000 homes, schools, and businesses, leaving thousands displaced and fighting to rebuild.Hosted by Colby Colb, this series brings you on-the-ground reporting, in-depth interviews, and real stories of resilience. We examine the personal toll of the disaster, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.We’re also supporting the Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund, helping affected families and businesses recover. Visit BrotherhoodCrusade.org to contribute.Join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes.If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.

• • Email: ctyner@radio-one.com
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
  • Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
  • BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Los Angeles’ Dominique DiPrima and The LA Progressive’s James Farr for an in-depth discussion on:

• The environmental aftermath of the fire, especially as the region enters its annual winter rainy season
• The political ramifications of the displacement of 22,000 residents and what that means for future government resources
• The economic impact on small businesses, renters, and their rights in the wake of the disaster

Join us for this critical conversation on resilience, recovery, and the fight for justice in our communities.Guest Speakers:🎙️ Charisse Bremond – CEO, Brotherhood Crusade
🎙️ Dominique DiPrima – Host, KBLA Los Angeles
🎙️ James Farr – Journalist, The LA ProgressiveTopics Covered:✅ Community-led recovery efforts in Altadena & Pasadena
✅ The environmental risks tied to the fire and rainy season
✅ How displacement could impact future government resources
✅ Small business challenges and renters' rights post-disasterResources & How to Help:🔗 Brotherhood Crusade – Support families in recovery
🔗 LA Progressive – Read more on local policy and justice issues
🔗 KBLA Los Angeles – Stay informed with in-depth coverageAltadena: After The Fire – An Urban One podcast chronicling the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, California, in January 2025. A historic center of Black prosperity and culture, the community lost over 7,000 homes, schools, and businesses, leaving thousands displaced and fighting to rebuild.Hosted by Colby Colb, this series brings you on-the-ground reporting, in-depth interviews, and real stories of resilience. We examine the personal toll of the disaster, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.We’re also supporting the Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund, helping affected families and businesses recover. Visit UrbanOneCares.com to contribute.Join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes.If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.

• • Email: ctyner@radio-one.com
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
  • Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
  • BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 – Tawala recounts how he and his neighbors never thought a disaster like this could happen. The fire moved swiftly, leaving behind widespread destruction and despair.

• The road to recovery is filled with hurdles – The rebuilding process has been slow and frustrating. Residents are battling insurance companies, misinformation, and a lack of resources. The removal of debris won’t be completed until next year, and many families are still searching for a safe place to live.

• The media has moved on – Despite the disaster's severity, there is little to no major media coverage. Attention has shifted elsewhere, leaving residents feeling forgotten. Meanwhile, opportunists are trying to take advantage of displaced homeowners.

🤝 How to Help

Urban One is supporting the Brotherhood Crusade's Wildfire Relief Fund, which assists Altadena and Pasadena residents affected by the Eaton Fire. Donations provide essential resources such as food, medicine, and necessities to families in need.

To contribute, visit: UrbanOneCares.com

📩 Connect with Us

• Guest: Tawala Sharp – Contact: mrtawalasharp@gmail.com

• Host & Executive Producer: Colby "Colb" Tyner

• Email: ctyner@radio-one.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner

• Instagram: @officialcolbycolb

• BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social

If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 podcast dedicated to chronicling this community's journey toward recovery. Each episode provides up-to-date information from our partners in the Los Angeles area, offering in-depth interviews and on-the-ground reporting. We explore personal stories of loss and survival, examine the environmental and political factors contributing to the disaster, and discuss ongoing efforts to rebuild. Our mission is to keep you informed about Altadena's fight to restore normalcy while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.