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: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
- Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
- BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social
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