In this special double episode of After the Ashes (think: '80s after-school special meets legislative meltdown), we dive into a weekend full of political gut punches. Despite community protest, SB782 passed and the County machine wins, so now what? AB797, the much-hoped-for counterpoint, got unexpectedly vetoed. And Newsom killed SB629, the Zone 0 bill, too. Spoiler alert, Altadena was 0 for 2 on this one and now it's time to get to work holding the County accountable. 

We also unpack the Wall Street Journal story on billionaire lottery winner Edwin Castro and how the article pretty much confirms no one reads. Comments were overwhelmingly positive, but he could not have been more clear about the fact that his $10 million purchase of 15 lots to develop is business, not philanthropy. 

It’s a long one, because there’s a lot to say. 

Small Business shout-outs in this episode include Guillaume at Le Pain Beurre, who's bringing proper French bread to Altadena Bev at their pop-ups and could use your support as he rebuilds his life and business after total loss to the fire; gluten free baker Jenny Caloca aka Altadena Bread Co, who's also just getting back to baking after losing her home and cottage bakery to the fire, but is hot off of a major gluten-free comeback after winning the top award in the GF category at the World Bread Awards; and another Altadenan, Frank Kim, at Highlight Coffee on Lincoln, where they're sporting a new façade with the words "HOPE" and "COFFEE FOR REBUILDING."  Find them all online and show them all some love! 

@pain_beurre_altadena
@altadenabreadco
@highlightcoffee