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.
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Personal Evacuation Experience
- Jamie Loftus describes her experience during the fires, including evacuating to Long Beach due to worsening air quality.
- She and her boyfriend slept in separate beds wearing N95 masks, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Media Bias in Fire Coverage
- Media coverage of the fires overemphasized wealthy areas like the Pacific Palisades, neglecting middle-class neighborhoods like Altadena.
- This skewed public perception of the impact and made it harder to empathize with those struggling.
Impact on Altadena
- Altadena, a historically diverse middle-class area, suffered significant losses, impacting generational wealth built by Black and brown families.
- Racist redlining practices had made Altadena a rare oasis of homeownership for these communities.
