Recorded December 9, Episode 21 takes listeners through a pivotal week in our community’s recovery and resilience. We begin the episode with a milestone worth celebrating: the first homes rebuilt in both Altadena and the Palisades, but there's always more to the story. Then we turn to local spirit with a recap of the 105th Christmas Tree Lane lighting—a tradition that refuses to dim no matter how dark the year. Our media roundup pulls no punches, even if much of the press seems intent on that status quo. We look at Governor Newsom’s failed push in Washington for additional CDBG-DR funds, and the quieter but far more consequential story: his veto of AB 797, a decision that could have eased financial pressure for fire-impacted communities like Altadena and the Palisades months ago but would have shifted control away from those intent on keeping it.

And in a preview of next week’s deep dive, we open the door to one of the most urgent emerging issues: Altadena's water districts. Specifically, we highlight the Las Flores Water Company’s special meeting this Thursday, December 11 at the Altadena Library, where they’ll discuss the proposed “Fire Recovery Charge”—a fee expected to hit at least $3,000 per household. What’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for residents starts here.

This week’s Small Biz Shoutout goes to Cleo’s Critter Care—a local gem with an incredible story. Follow Cleo’s journey and her search for a new home on Instagram @cleoscrittercare and show some love to those who give so much to our community with her GoFundMe as she looks for a new location post-fire.