Rebuilding L.A.
Rebuilding L.A.
Podcast Description
What’s next for L.A. in the wake of its recent wildfires? In “Rebuilding Los Angeles,” broadcast journalist Kate Cagle examines the systems that failed us, the path forward and the innovative fire recovery efforts making L.A. more resilient. You’ll also hear inspiring stories from real Angelenos working to restore their lives and rise from the ashes. “Rebuilding Los Angeles” is more than an essential resource for California — it’s a cautionary tale for everyone affected by climate change.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes related to disaster recovery, community resilience, and climate change adaptation. Episodes explore topics such as the complexities of rebuilding homes and infrastructure in the aftermath of wildfires, the impact of environmental policies on urban planning, and personal stories of resilience from residents like Kelsey Szamet who is striving to return to her hometown. Specific episodes highlight the status of debris removal, considerations for fire-resilient rebuilding, and the emotional struggles of displaced families.
What’s next for L.A. in the wake of its recent wildfires? In “Rebuilding Los Angeles,” broadcast journalist Kate Cagle examines the systems that failed us, the path forward and the innovative fire recovery efforts making L.A. more resilient. You’ll also hear inspiring stories from real Angelenos working to restore their lives and rise from the ashes. “Rebuilding Los Angeles” is more than an essential resource for California — it’s a cautionary tale for everyone affected by climate change.
It’s been a year since two fires tore through Los Angeles County, killing 31 people and destroying 16,000 structures, and the disaster is still unfolding as thousands of people continue pick up the pieces, find new places to live, new jobs, new neighborhoods, and wrestle with whether to return to their old streets, which were burned beyond recognition.
It’s clear that we are still in the very early days of this recovery and there is a long way to go. There’s been some progress but, if you ask them how it’s going, survivors will tell you that not a lot has happened and there are plenty of roadblocks in their path. Many want to rebuild and move back home but still aren’t sure if they can afford it, or what else will be there if they do.
In this episode, taped Monday January 5, host Kate Cagle talks with three people — each from the three areas hit hardest by the fire: Altadena, the Pacific Palisades, and Malibu — and learns more about the challenges most people are still facing.
Guests:
Dana Brumfield, Altadena Resident, Business Manager, Pasadena Rosebud Academy
Wade Major, Malibu Resident, Film Critic, Public Works Commissioner
Nancy Fracchiolla, Pacific Palisades Resident, Actress, Retired Drama Teacher, Palisades High
Other voices in this episode: Palisades resident Tamara Rawitt and Altadena residents Zaire Calvin and Joe Ressa
Links:
LAFD leaders tried to cover up Palisades fire mistakes. The truth still emerged: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-12-31/lafd-leaders-tried-to-cover-up-palisades-fire-mistakes-truth-still-emerged
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