It’s a longer episode this week with one instead of two and Shawna is extra punchy on no sleep after a long week… buckle up!

Another Media Roundup and we hate to say it, but we told you so.

Everything we warned is now playing out in real time. Steve breaks down the latest in his SRP CRD “Frankenstein” is Alive, and how the policies we flagged have materialized with consequences. The State Farm investigation, fine, and license questions and ask the obvious: who actually benefits? (Hint: not fire survivors.) See Shawna’s breakdown on the Beautiful Altadena Substack, along with her recently published guide on how to dodge bad contractors. 

A Tragic Death & the NPO Money Trail

News out of the Palisades following the tragic death of Larry Vein, founder of Pali Strong, and the controversy over a $500K FireAid grant he reportedly hadn’t asked for and was trying to return. One of the most uncomfortable but necessary conversations remains where is the money is actually going? We examine the fiscal sponsorship model and how funds are skimmed at multiple levels. Steve breaks down “laundering appropriations” and “supply funds,” and how similar dynamics are playing out in disaster recovery. Year two is often the hardest for disaster survivors and we are in it. Check in with yourself and each other. Don't forget 988 is there for anyone who needs support. No one needs to suffer in silence. 

County vs Community

We dive into the growing disconnect between what the County’s top-down system wants and what the community is actually asking for — a gap that’s coming to a head. We’re seeing it everywhere:

 • Pushback on car wash and storage projects
• PUSD plans to demolish the historic Eliot campus, sparking petitions (and why petitions alone won’t cut it — calls and emails do)
• Ongoing SB9 fallout, lot splits, McMansion creep, and projects like Punahou
• Continued chaos around SCE undergrounding, with residents on Alzada organizing for answers

There’s still no economic development plan and where is the West San Gabriel Valley Plan? Before the next wave of funding hits, it’s time for the Altadena Town Council and community leaders to come together for a Hail Mary, to take charge of directing this rebuild ourselves. If we don’t, the same systems that got us here will decide for us what comes next.

Small Biz Shout-Out

Steve's ode to the dive bar and why we need the Rancho. Netflix Is a Joke bringing live comedy to Eagles Hall this week raising funds and giving fire survivors a much needed laugh. Check out the Rebuilding the Block market nightly from 6–8pm and grab a slice from BLK CRUST Pizza who used to pop up at the Rancho. 

This episode was recorded on Thursday, May 7.