Let Them Eat Cake

18 Months Later Let's Follow the Money

We're back after a two-month hiatus. Between travel [https://beautifulaltadena.substack.com/p/a-note-from-portugal], Sacramento, and the landmark 18 months post Eaton Fire, there's a lot to catch up on. .Yes... we run long again. 18 Months Later This week marked 18 months since the fire and the latest numbers paint a sobering picture. Drawing from reporting by CBS News and Los Angeles Times [https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-07/nearly-40-of-la-fire-survivors-face-crisis-as-temporary-housing-funds-dry-up-survey-finds] on research from United Policyholders and Department of Angels, we look at where recovery really stands: • Nearly two-thirds of survivors remain displaced • About 100 homes rebuilt and nearly 1,800 structures under construction • Nearly 3,000 permits issued, including more than 1,200 ADUs • Nearly half of survivors have lost—or expect to lose—their insurance within the next year • Just 28% believe they'll fully recover • Nearly half of burned lots have reportedly been sold to developers We also revisit the rebuild itself, asking how many of those ADUs are intended for family use versus rentals, and unpack LA County's restrictive short term rental rules [https://planning.lacounty.gov/long-range-planning/short-term-rentals-ordinance/] and tax requirements. Who's Rebuilding Altadena and the Palisades? We look at the County's affordable housing initiatives, nonprofit acquisition strategies [https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-county-board-supervisors-community-opportunity-to-purchase-act-vote-apartment-building-sales-renters-landlords], and what increasingly looks like a nonprofit-led model for redevelopment. We also discuss what may be the biggest story no one is covering: a $250 million Private Activity Bond package in the Palisades for a newly created nonprofit called Uplifters to create affordable housing... with 65  $4 million dollar homes?  If that's happening there... when does it come to Altadena? We revisit Shawna's Substack on rebuilding without an urban or economic development plan [https://beautifulaltadena.substack.com/p/the-growing-threat-to-altadenas-recovery]—and Steve's earlier Substack, The First Rumbles [https://altapolicywonk.substack.com/p/the-first-rumbles], which now feels increasingly prophetic. Community, Representation & Power The Eaton Fire Collaborative announced its Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) Board appointments. Spoiler, neither Steve nor Shawna nor the Altadena fire survivors they campaigned for were elected, reinforcing concerns that recovery decisions continue to be driven by organizations rather than survivors. We also discuss: • PUSD tree removals [https://pasadenanow.com/main/pasadena-stop-work-order-alleges-pusd-removed-trees-without-required-permits] and the governance questions raised • Prang's tax promises and a local builder's cautionary tale • The heartbreaking CBS story [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DajPTO8PLdx/] of Mark Rodriguez, who died by suicide amid rebuilding struggles, and why these losses deserve to be counted. Legislation Watch The biggest story of the past several weeks has been SB 1090. We recap the community outrage [https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-07-01/altadena-residents-unify-behind-bill-preserving-single-family-lots], the press conference [https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2026/06/30/as-altadena-rebuilds-state-housing-bill-fuels-debate-over-density/], the trip to Sacramento [https://substack.com/@beautifulaltadena/note/c-286526056?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=3i0ev1], and Beautiful Altadena's position. We support SB 1090—with the amendment, with the urgency clause, and without the 180-day vesting language for outside developers – not as it is currently written.  We also discuss SB 9, SB 1123, SB 1116, and AB 2005, how they intersect, what's coming, and why the fight over Altadena's future is just beginning. The broader lesson? Our community still lacks infrastructure, including meaningful communications structure. Too many residents don't know what's being proposed or decided until it's already happening and too late. That's why Beautiful Altadena Alerts is coming soon. What's Next Shawna jokes that this chapter has been so demoralizing and depressing she now takes refuge in working on her dreaded inventory because even that's less soul crushing than this. (Be the dog, not the cone [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY2b4ATgXB2/]). We close with the question that ties this entire episode together.  Follow the money. Disaster recovery funding can become cover for a multitude of sins. It can be used to quietly fund priorities that have little to do with survivors—from legal settlements to nonprofit windfalls—while communities continue to struggle to understand where recovery dollars are actually going. We'll continue following the money, tracking the legislation, and connecting the dots in next week's episode. Small Biz Shout Out This week's shout goes to the growing list of Altadena small businesses that are open and need our support (and I'm still talking about espresso tonics!).  Stop by Altadena Watch, where Shant is back, and make a point of shopping local whenever you can. Every dollar spent locally helps rebuild the community we love. Check out Austin Scott's newest mural at George's Convenience (formerly George's Liquor), where community painting days are underway. Rebuilding isn't just homes it's preserving the culture and spirit that make Altadena, Altadena. Don't forget Beautiful Altadena Office Hours, happening every Wednesday from 11am–1pm at rotating Altadena coffee shops. Check the Beautiful Altadena Instagram, Facebook page, or group for the latest schedule and locations.

We Told You So

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, [https://altapolicywonk.substack.com/p/the-srp-crd-frankenstein-is-alive] and how the policies we flagged have materialized with consequences. The State Farm investigation, fine, and license questions [https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-05-04/state-farm-wild-fires-fines-regulators-license-mishandling-fire-claims-eaton-palisades] and ask the obvious: who actually benefits? (Hint: not fire survivors.) See Shawna’s breakdown on the Beautiful Altadena Substack [https://substack.com/@beautifulaltadena], along with her recently published guide on how to dodge bad contractors [https://beautifulaltadena.substack.com/p/guide-rebuilding-altadena].  A Tragic Death & the NPO Money Trail News out of the Palisades following the tragic death of Larry Vein [https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-05/larry-vein-palisades-voice-for-hope-dies], founder of Pali Strong, and the controversy over a $500K FireAid [https://palipost.com/larry-vein-founder-of-pali-strong-dies-at-61/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/councilmembermoulden] on car wash and storage projects • PUSD plans to demolish the historic Eliot campus [https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2026/05/06/pasadena-unified-superintendent-says-eliot-arts-magnet-tower-not-part-of-rebuild-plan/], 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 [https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-rancho-rise-from-ashes]. Netflix Is a Joke [https://www.netflixisajokefest.com/shows/comedy-for-the-community-altadena-eaton-fire-relief-hosted-by-deon-cole] 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  [https://www.instagram.com/blkcrust/]who used to pop up at the Rancho.  This episode was recorded on Thursday, May 7.

Let Them Eat Cake

We jump right into it with another Media Roundup, because there is still so much to discuss this week.  • Los Angeles Times [https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-04-22/angry-altadena-residents-ask-officials-to-halt-edisons-undergrounding-work]: Anger over Southern California Edison’s undergrounding work in Altadena boiled over as residents called for a temp halt to the project • CalMatters [https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/04/high-taxes-californians-get-little/]: Californians continue paying some of the highest taxes in the nation, but for what? • “Gavin Newsom’s Empire of Fraud [https://www.city-journal.org/article/gavin-newsom-california-fraud]” City Journal report and broader questions about leadership and spending in California • LAist [https://laist.com/news/la-olympic-games-ca-deal-no-sign-off-lose-money]: California still hasn’t signed the Olympics bailout promise so where is Gavin? Has he quiet quit his job? • LA County’s proposed $48.8B budget [https://ceo.lacounty.gov/budget/] and the context of LA City $14.85B and the State $348.9B • Edgar McGregor on County’s March 25 meeting on Eaton Canyon [https://myeatoncanyon.com/los-angeles-county-presents-conceptual-vision-for-eaton-canyon-recovery-at-public-meeting/] • Multiple outlets report on federal investigations involving dead and missing scientists tied to Caltech and JPL [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyw9rpdl4po]  And zoom out to the national picture: rising debt, extreme wealth concentration, billionaires becoming richer while ordinary people carry the burden, and the growing sense that we are watching history unfold in real time as class tensions rise. Legislation Watch There is a lot moving. We break down key bills.  • AB 1642: science-based clearance before occupancy standards for standing structures, schools, and commercial areas (passed first committee) • AB 1759: well-intended but flawed legislation that risks reinforcing bad policy • SB 1076: insurance coverage for homes meeting wildfire standards (killed in committee) • SB 1301: stronger protections against surprise non-renewals (headed to appropriations) • SB 877 / SB 878: more transparency, delay penalties, and consumer protections (advanced, long odds) • SB 982: climate damages bill allowing AG action against fossil fuel companies (failed) • Congressman Vince Fong’s fire tax relief extension act • LA County’s new Commercial Acquisition Fund • Barger backing $9.9M and 44 new OEM hires — still too little, but why now? Zone 0 & Land Use Convos We cover new Zone 0 updates [https://mailchi.mp/a445a87cf438/board-of-forestry-and-fire-protection-names-new-executive-officer-18171544] and the bigger land use questions shaping Altadena’s future. Shout-out to neighbor and listener Rich Rieber for hosting fire hardening workshops for La Crescenta neighbors. Spotlight major Altadena Land Use Committee conversations and invite members to join us on the podcast. Plus, SCE’s new rebuild hub on N. Fair Oaks Projects discussed: • Proposed Car Wash – 2185 Lincoln Ave • Mobil Redevelopment + Car Wash – 15 W. Woodbury Rd • Affordable Housing – 2214 Windsor Ave • CORE Community Center – Lincoln Ave & Archwood Small Biz Shout-Out This weekend is Webster’s Centennial Celebration happening Saturday 4/25, 12–4pm featuring Rhythms of the Village, live music, artists, pet adoptions, kids’ activities, local food, and even 26-cent drinks.  This episode was recoded on April 23.

Where's the Money

We open with another Media Roundup, because the headlines keep coming!  • La Movida del Agua! [https://hollismulwray.substack.com/p/de-las-bovedas-why-mutual-water-companies]Altadena Water Wars is back and talking consolidation • Mayoral race: Raman making moves, Pratt surging?, and what the latest dynamics may mean • Governor’s race: Swalwell’s campaign ending stumble, Mahan blowing his moment, Trump endorsing Hilton, and a rapidly shifting field; Antonio and Katie making labor moves, and with Swalwell out, signs that Democrats are consolidating around Becerra but can he win?  • Politico’s takedown [https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook-pm/2026/04/14/los-angeles-wildfire-rebuild-00871656] of the Altadena recovery efforts and broader questions about leadership • Politico and the Los Angeles Times [https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-09/rebuilding-permits-in-altadena-have-picked-up-but-construction-lags-financial-woes-loom] both acknowledging progress is slow, while Barger continues pointing to a lack of money • The New York Post [https://nypost.com/2026/04/21/us-news/trumps-executive-order-on-la-wildfires-unleashes-rebuilding-permits/] claiming “Thousands of Permits Approved After Trump EO” and our reaction: say what now? Where’s the Money? We spend time breaking down the alphabet soup of recovery funding and what these tools actually mean. CDBG, TIF, DRF, CRA.  What money exists, what money is being pursued, what money is being left on the table, and why so many leaders still seem committed to playing small ball. We also look at the increasingly strange political reality of Barger, Bass, and… Trump? [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXc9sZkj293/] as banks begin circling the rebuild conversation in a much bigger way. What’s Happening on the West Side Steve walks us through developments in the Palisades and beyond, including Lindsey Horvath’s Rebuild Authority [https://lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery-rebuild-authority/] push; the latest on CRD (our take: not happening); Jeremy Padawer’s Palisades crusade; and the billions in sales tax revenue [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXGA0nMgHY6/] the state stands to make from the rebuild Small Biz Shout-Outs This week’s shout-out goes to Bar Betsy [https://la.eater.com/restaurant-news/301580/bar-betsy-altadena-los-angeles-openings], which just opened last week two doors down from Betsy on Mariposa. An all-day concept with great pastries, brunch, lunch, girl dinner, amazing coffee, and the natural wine program you already know and love from Betsy. We’re also shouting out June Bug Tattoo, [https://www.instagram.com/junebugtattoos/] a displaced Altadena business now located at 4315 Eagle Rock Blvd — a women-owned collective worth supporting. And a reminder: Beautiful Altadena Office Hours continue weekly on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm. Check our @BeautifulAltadena [https://www.instagram.com/beautifulaltadena] Instagram or Facebook group for the latest schedule and locations. This episode was recorded on April 23, 2026.

Who's Running This Place?

We open with more politics, because whether people like it or not, policy and power are shaping every part of disaster recovery. The Races Ahead We dive into the Governor’s race, including a look at Matt Mahan’s visit to Altadena and why he missed the moment. We break down his platform, who we think is actually positioned to win, what candidates are getting wrong, and what they would need to do to get it right. We also touch on the Los Angeles Mayor’s race, where Steve believes Karen Bass still has the advantage, and the growing question of who may emerge to lead the County as the next CEO. Legislation Watch We run through key bills and policy efforts now in play: • HR 5366 – Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025, seeking to extend tax relief for survivors, thanks in large part to fire survivor advocates from Paradise's Camp Fire continuing to fight for all of us • John Harabedian’s hearing on extending the Mortgage Forbearance Relief Act • AB 1642, from John Harabedian and EFRU (Eaton Fire Residents United), focused on wildfire contamination standards for standing structures including homes, schools and commercial structures • SB 1352, Prang’s property tax legislation, and what it could mean moving forward Rebuild Reality We revisit the County rebuild dashboard and the broader affordability crisis staring survivors in the face. Between Insurance battles, taxes, debt taken on to rebuild and rising costs everywhere, how are ordinary families supposed to afford to remain here after all of this? We also share a little fire survivor humor from the community, including the surreal experience of browsing Zillow listings for burned lots with marketing copy like “Old Fence Poles!” You can't make this stuff up, folks. Sometimes you laugh because the alternative is screaming. Small Biz Shout-Outs This week we’re encouraging everyone to shop local for Spring, Easter, and Passover at Adelaide, Carciofi and Altadena Beverage / Zinnie’s Table Plus, Some Weekend Events • Sierra Madre Wisteria Festival — featuring Altadena favorites Kat’s Macarons and Cleo’s Critter Care (March 28, 12pm–5pm) • Electric Fever at Eagles Hall  (Saturday, March 28 at 7pm) • No Kings Rally at Altadena Community Church  (10:30am–12pm) This episode was recorded on March 26.