Longtime Altadena resident and Hollywood vet Andre Barnwell reflects on the community’s character—three distinct neighborhoods, strong Black homeownership, indie business vibe—and the night the Eaton Fire upended assumptions with 90-mph Santa Ana winds. Out of the devastation, he’s developing a youth-centered scripted series set in Altadena to create local jobs, showcase student talent, and reframe the town with optimism.

Why Listen

• First-person fire account from a 25-year resident
• Practical blueprint for community-rooted production
• How incentives are shifting filming geographies (GA/TX/Canada)
• Proof that hyper-local youth stories travel

Chapters

00:00 Intros • 02:14 Andre’s path (Philly → BET DC → LA)
04:59 Altadena’s map: East / Central / “The Meadows”
07:49 Indie business DNA; low-franchise culture
11:11 Altadena/Pasadena as “LA’s exterior lot”
15:11 Fire night: evacuations, horses running uphill, survivor’s guilt
21:01 The series idea; 26:22 Pilot shot, financing phase

Key Takeaways

• Place matters: Multi-generational Black homeownership strengthened resilience.
• Protect the vibe: Indie shops over franchises preserve identity.
• Build a pipeline: Student-led series = local crews, recurring jobs, long-term impact.

Notable Quotes

• “When you see an oak tree bend, that’s a whole different level.” — Andre
• “Let’s brand Altadena with something positive.” — Andre

Follow/Resources

• Andre’s YouTube: The Way We Do It — @TTWWDITV
• Seeking partners: pitch deck + pilot completed; financing underway

Host

Colby “Colb” Tyner — SVP, Programming, Urban One / Reach Media
📩 ctyner@radio-one.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner • IG: @officialcolbycolb • BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social

How to Help

Urban One supports Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund aiding Altadena/Pasadena families affected by the Eaton Fire. Donate at BrotherhoodCrusade.org. Have updates or firsthand stories? Contact Colby.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 100 days after the deadly Eaton Canyon fire, former Assemblymember Chris Holden joins host James Farr to discuss the path to recovery, the push for accountability from Southern California Edison, and the legislation meant to protect communities from future disasters. Later, Catherine Peoples of HPP Cares shares critical steps for rebuilding on fire-damaged land, from securing insurance payouts to ensuring safe soil remediation. This episode shines a light on Altadena’s resilience—and the urgent work still ahead.

Key Takeaways:

2:55 - Chris Holden on seeing the destruction firsthand
7:20 - What makes the Altadena community special
13:30 - Breaking down AB 1054 and the wildfire fund
18:20 - Pushing for accountability from the utility company

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.

Episode Summary:

Six months after the devastating Eaton Canyon wildfire that scorched parts of Altadena, journalist James Farr joins Tavis Smiley to reflect on what’s changed—and what hasn’t. Farr, who was evacuated with his family but spared from losing his home, shares his personal and journalistic insights on the community's ongoing struggle. While the flames are gone, the trauma and lack of comprehensive support persist. The conversation underscores a painful truth: despite promises and photo ops, real relief—especially financial—has yet to reach many displaced residents.

The episode dives into the bureaucratic slowdowns surrounding rebuilding permits, the underinsurance crisis, and the emotional toll of displacement. Less than 20 rebuilding permits have been issued in six months, and residents are being asked to pay or defer exorbitant fees just to begin recovery. Farr emphasizes that what’s needed isn’t more platitudes or donated goods—it’s long-term, material investment. As he puts it, this isn’t recovery; it’s a call for relief. The show closes with a powerful meditation on hope as both a responsibility and a survival tactic in the face of systemic neglect.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emotional and psychological toll of the fire six months later

• Slow permit processing and costly bureaucratic hurdles

• The difference between “recovery” and “relief”

• Black generational wealth in Altadena at risk

• The role of local media and accountability

• Ongoing displacement and inadequate insurance settlements

• Grassroots efforts like KBLA’s gift card drive to provide immediate help

• Reflection on community hope and resilience

💬 Highlight Quote:

“Where we are right now will burn and last far longer than the flames. The pain of it. The sting of it. And so people need resources… People need relief.” — James Farr

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.