Guest:
Chris Holden, Former Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee; Former Mayor of Pasadena; Advocate with LA Fire Justice

Episode Summary:
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Holden to explore how decades of public service—from local government to the state legislature—shaped his leadership in one of California’s most critical policy arenas: wildfire and utility regulation.We unpack the origins and impact of AB 1054, a landmark bill designed to stabilize California’s utility sector while driving stronger accountability and wildfire prevention. We discuss the Wildfire Recovery Fund, executive safety oversight, and the difficult tradeoffs involved in crisis legislation.We also hear about his current work with LA Fire Justice, supporting communities like Altadena and Pasadena that continue to face the devastating consequences of wildfires.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Pasadena and how community roots influence policy
• Why energy and utility regulation became a legislative focus
• The urgency and political climate behind AB 1054
• How the Wildfire Recovery Fund works—and where accountability fits in
• Expert oversight and tying executive pay to safety performance
• Cultural shifts within California utility companies post-AB 1054
• LA Fire Justice’s mission and the needs of local wildfire survivors
• Evolving legislative responses to climate-driven fire risk
• Long-term solutions California must prioritize for resilience

Quotes to Highlight:

Connect with Us:

Host & Executive Producer: Colby "Colb" Tyner
📩 Email: ctyner@radio-one.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
📱 Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
🌐 BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social

How to HelpUrban One is supporting the Brotherhood Crusade's Wildfire Relief Fund, which assists Altadena and Pasadena residents affected by the Eaton Fire. Donations provide essential resources such as food, medicine, and necessities to families in need.

To contribute, visit: BrotherhoodCrusade.org

If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎧 Description:

In this powerful part two episode of Altadena: After The Fire, we take you inside a live town hall held 100 days after the devastating Eaton Fire. Hosted by KBLA Talk 1580, this gathering in Pasadena brought together survivors, community leaders, attorneys, builders, and mental health professionals for a frank and emotional conversation about what has happened, what hasn’t, and what needs to happen next.Moderated by Dominique DiPrima and Dr. Nicquetta “Nick” Corde, this episode captures raw testimony and unfiltered perspectives from those on the ground—from displaced residents to environmental lawyers taking on Southern California Edison.📝 Show Notes:Key Themes Covered:

• Displacement & Resilience: Testimonies from residents like Martin Gordon and Ash Level reflect both the emotional toll and the fierce determination to rebuild Altadena, particularly its Black community.
• Legal Accountability: Attorneys from Quinn Emanuel explain how litigation may help close the insurance gap for fire victims and hold SoCal Edison accountable.
• Rebuilding Challenges: Joel Bryant, a local developer, breaks down what it takes for a homeowner to rebuild in the current market, especially in the face of toxic soil, labor shortages, and predatory land grabs.
• Mental Health & Grief: Dr. Isha Williams discusses the trauma facing residents and the importance of community-based healing.
• Youth and Cultural Legacy: Ash Level and Veronica Jones emphasize the need to elevate youth voices and preserve the historical identity of Black Altadena.

Featured Voices:

• Dominique DiPrima, KBLA Host
• James Farr, Conversation Live: Altadena Rising
• Martin Gordon, Pasadena Community Coalition
• Crystal Nix-Hines, Quinn Emanuel Trial Lawyers
• Joel Bryant, Housing Developer
• Ash Level, Altadena Rising Organizer
• Veronica Jones, President, Altadena Historical Society
• Dr. Isha Williams, Licensed Therapist
• Brandon Lamar, President, NAACP Pasadena
• Dr. Nicquetta Corde, KBLA Host

Highlights:

• Calls for transparency in disaster relief fund distribution.
• Warnings against “disaster capitalism” and out-of-town opportunists.
• Clear message: “Don’t tell us what we need. Ask us.”

🗣️ Quote of the Episode:

Connect with Us:
Host & Executive Producer: Colby "Colb" Tyner
📩 Email: ctyner@radio-one.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
📱 Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
🌐 BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social🤝 How to Help
Urban One is supporting the Brotherhood Crusade's Wildfire Relief Fund, which assists Altadena and Pasadena residents affected by the Eaton Fire. Donations provide essential resources such as food, medicine, and necessities to families in need.To contribute, visit: BrotherhoodCrusade.orgIf you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎧 Description:

In this powerful episode of Altadena: After The Fire, we take you inside a live town hall held 100 days after the devastating Eaton Fire. Hosted by KBLA Talk 1580, this gathering in Pasadena brought together survivors, community leaders, attorneys, builders, and mental health professionals for a frank and emotional conversation about what has happened, what hasn’t, and what needs to happen next.Moderated by Dominique DiPrima and Dr. Nicquetta “Nick” Corde, this episode captures raw testimony and unfiltered perspectives from those on the ground—from displaced residents to environmental lawyers taking on Southern California Edison.📝 Show Notes:Key Themes Covered:

• Displacement & Resilience: Testimonies from residents like Martin Gordon and Ash Level reflect both the emotional toll and the fierce determination to rebuild Altadena, particularly its Black community.
• Legal Accountability: Attorneys from Quinn Emanuel explain how litigation may help close the insurance gap for fire victims and hold SoCal Edison accountable.
• Rebuilding Challenges: Joel Bryant, a local developer, breaks down what it takes for a homeowner to rebuild in the current market, especially in the face of toxic soil, labor shortages, and predatory land grabs.
• Mental Health & Grief: Dr. Isha Williams discusses the trauma facing residents and the importance of community-based healing.
• Youth and Cultural Legacy: Ash Level and Veronica Jones emphasize the need to elevate youth voices and preserve the historical identity of Black Altadena.

Featured Voices:

• Dominique DiPrima, KBLA Host
• James Farr, Conversation Live: Altadena Rising
• Martin Gordon, Pasadena Community Coalition
• Crystal Nix-Hines, Quinn Emanuel Trial Lawyers
• Joel Bryant, Housing Developer
• Ash Level, Altadena Rising Organizer
• Veronica Jones, President, Altadena Historical Society
• Dr. Isha Williams, Licensed Therapist
• Brandon Lamar, President, NAACP Pasadena
• Dr. Nicquetta Corde, KBLA Host

Highlights:

• Calls for transparency in disaster relief fund distribution.
• Warnings against “disaster capitalism” and out-of-town opportunists.
• Clear message: “Don’t tell us what we need. Ask us.”

🗣️ Quote of the Episode:

Connect with Us:
Host & Executive Producer: Colby "Colb" Tyner
📩 Email: ctyner@radio-one.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
📱 Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
🌐 BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social🤝 How to Help
Urban One is supporting the Brotherhood Crusade's Wildfire Relief Fund, which assists Altadena and Pasadena residents affected by the Eaton Fire. Donations provide essential resources such as food, medicine, and necessities to families in need.To contribute, visit: BrotherhoodCrusade.orgIf you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.