In this episode, host Jack Eidt discusses the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles and strategies for resilience with experts Richard Halsey and Lydia Poncé. We also include a clip on the climatic influence from Dr. Daniel Swain from UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.

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Richard Halsey, director of the California Chaparral Institute [https://californiachaparral.org/index.html], shares insights on protecting communities by hardening homes instead of destroying natural habitats. Indigenous activist Lydia Poncé emphasizes community resilience and mutual aid in response to the devastation. The episode explores the impact of climate change, poor urban planning, and the need for sustainable development.

We delve into the socio-political dynamics affecting relief efforts and the role of big corporations in the aftermath. Join us as we explore how to rebuild with compassion and foresight, as well as a comprehensive look at wildfire resilience and the role of Indigenous stewardship in preserving our ecosystems.

For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio

Resources

California Chaparral Institute Statement on the Fires: https://chaparralwisdom.org/2025/01/10/how-to-respond-to-the-recent-wildfires/?utm_source_platform=mailpoet

Full interview with Richard Halsey: https://wilderutopia.com/ecojustice-radio/chaparral-californias-misunderstood-biodiversity-hotspot/

Advocacy: https://wilderutopia.com/environment/confronting-wildfire-retrofit-communities-not-forests/

Lever News Discussion on Preventing Wildfires, including quotes from Jack Eidt: https://www.levernews.com/the-architects-of-l-a-s-wildfire-devastation/

Richard Halsey is the Director of the California Chaparral Institute, a non-profit, research and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of California's native chaparral ecosystem and supporting the creative spirit as inspired by Nature. Mr. Halsey works with the San Diego Museum of Natural History and teaches natural history throughout the state. The second edition of his book, Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California, was published in 2008.

Lydia Poncé (Mayo/Quechua) is an Indigenous Activist, Water Protector, co-founder of Idle No More SoCal. She hosts a show called Be a Better Relative on KPFK Los Angeles.

Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.

Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/

Podcast Blog: https://wilderutopia.com/ecojustice-radio/rising-from-the-ashes-wildfire-resilience-for-los-angeles-and-beyond/

Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio

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Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt

Co-Host Jessica Aldridge

Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats

Episode 245