Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)

the LA Fires: who's being forgotten?

Jan 14, 2025

In this engaging discussion, guests dive into the aftermath of the LA fires, shedding light on those often overlooked in mainstream media. Theo Henderson shares the struggles of the unhoused in navigating crises. Alissa Walker highlights the long-term risks the fires pose to families and homes. Sara Reyes and Maebe A. Girl discuss the importance of mutual aid initiatives. Mychal Threets emphasizes libraries as vital community hubs during disasters, advocating for their role in fostering resilience and connection.

01:26:57

Creator website

Episode guests

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Mainstream media's focus on wealthier communities contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by middle-class and unhoused residents in Altadena.

Mutual aid initiatives during the LA fires highlight grassroots efforts to support displaced communities, emphasizing the importance of local solidarity during crises.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis raises questions about the broader implications of hosting events like the Olympics amidst frequent disasters affecting vulnerable families.

Deep dives

Jon Stewart's Return to The Daily Show

Jon Stewart's comeback to The Daily Show highlights his critical commentary on contemporary politics and entertainment. His unique approach combines humor with incisive observations, allowing him to engage audiences effectively. By incorporating the voices of correspondents and contributors, the show offers diverse perspectives on current issues. This revival presents an opportunity for listeners to gain insights while being entertained.

Intro

2min

Support and Solidarity in the Wake of the LA Fires

3min

The Human Cost of Wildfires

12min

Reintegration and Resilience in Crisis

14min

Navigating Fire Emergencies in LA

10min

Navigating Fire Safety and Media Representation

5min

Navigating Homelessness in LA

13min

Aftermath of the Fires: Supporting the Unhoused

7min

Community Resilience and Support After Disasters

28min

10.

Libraries as Community Lifelines

9min

Wildfires have devastated Southern California in the past week, while mainstream media has remained fairly fixated on the wealthier communities and celebrities affected. Meanwhile, the majority of lives lost were in the middle class neighborhood of Altadena, and mutual aid efforts have blossomed across the city to address those affected. This week, Jamie reaches out to writers and organizers in Los Angeles to take a closer look at who will be at the forefront of this ongoing crisis.

Theo Henderson of We the Unhoused speaks to how the unhoused and newly displaced have to navigate city hostility; independent reporter Alissa Walker explores how the fires will continually affect families and the risk of holding the Olympics in LA; Sara Reyes, Maebe A. Girl, and Rachel Sanoff of SELAH talk mutual aid in a time of crisis; and Mychal Threets tells Jamie about the importance of libraries and community spaces in the wake of tragedy.

Displaced Black Families Mutual Aid: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview

Follow Theo Henderson and We the Unhoused here: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-we-the-unhoused-66071889/
https://x.com/TheoHen95302259

Follow Alissa Walker and Torched here:
https://www.torched.la/
https://bsky.app/profile/awalkerinla.bsky.social

Follow SELAH here:
https://www.selahnhc.org/volunteer
https://www.instagram.com/selahnhc/?hl=en

Follow Mychal here: https://www.instagram.com/mychal3ts/?hl=en

Tickets to The Bechdel Cast in San Francisco: https://sfsketchfest2025.sched.com/event/1rbOs

Buy A Paradise Built in Hell: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-paradise-built-in-hell-the-extraordinary-communities-that-arise-in-disaster-rebecca-solnit/11725474?gad_source=1

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.