Mercury in Gatorade

We open this episode with a few technical difficulties — because apparently Mercury is in Gatorade — and then get right to it! With Steve back in Washington, DC, reporting on the drama, the intrigue, and full-on mishegas, we dive into another important conversation: The difference between EDA and CDBG-DR funding models, and why what happens in Altadena could shape disaster recovery policy nationwide for years to come. We revisit a lingering question that refuses to go away. Why is there still no economic development plan for Altadena and why does the County seem uninterested in creating one? National Attention & Relevance. Has the national news cycle already moved on. We’re seeing major stories — even ones tied to national issues — getting passed over because there’s simply too much else happening. So what now? How do we keep Altadena’s story visible and relevant beyond our own echo chamber? Politics & Accountability. We take another look at the Governor’s race, including: • Gavin Newsom’s alignment with Karen Bass • Bass' own polling that positions Spencer Pratt as her leading challenger • And the question of who else is actually viable in this field Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s investigation is actively underway, with residents reporting outreach from the AG’s office requesting interviews about their experiences the night of the fire. A clear sign that this process is moving forward in a meaningful way. A Community. Shawna shares a reminder to stay connected through Beautiful Altadena's Stories where daily coverage includes community news, events, citizen journalism, resources, classes, grants, financial updates, local business updates, some humor, and more. You can follow along on both our public Facebook page and Instagram. We post literally hundreds of items every week! This week’s Small Business Shout Out goes to Sidecca, where you can find Shawna’s vintage 70s style Altadena shirt many have asked about. While their storefront has not yet reopened following flood damage after the fire, they continue to operate through pop-ups and online and are well worth supporting. More on their website and follow them on Instagram for the latest.