Thursday, March 20, 2025

Political Gumbo: It’s Only a Matter of Time

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Hard to believe in a few weeks, it will be 90 days since the deadly fire on the mountain and a once in a lifetime wind event combined to decimate Altadena and do serious damage to some homes in Pasadena.

Yes, let’s not forget the losses suffered in Pasadena as the rebuild effort in Altadena continues.

I got the first call this week, the Army Corp. of Engineers is going in to knock down my living room wall, which is about the only thing standing at my place.

They have to do it to make the property safe before the debris removal can proceed.

No shock there.

Truth to tell I’m surprised anything was left standing based on the devastation left in the wake of the fire.

Still, things are moving forward. Plans for the new house are all but done.

No insurance issues, knock on … well knock on debris.

Still not used to Fontucky. Grateful nonetheless.

Sisters like mine are amazing.

It’s just a matter of time before I put the key back in the door and blast the Motown music so loud the people at Southern California Edison will tremble.

Good luck in court, well not really.

More as we get closer.

Either way, Thanks to those of you who continue to take the time to check on me.

Respect.

I’ve been staying away from co-signing on a lot of the fundraising efforts or lawyer talks.

I see a lot of people and groups collecting money, and I’m starting to wonder where all the cash is going.

One and only warning, fly right. We are starting to take a closer look.

But one group I can give some respect to is the Eaton Fire Collaborative.

This one reads like a who’s who of local stakeholders. More than 80 officials, groups and nonprofits are part of this one.

You name a group and they are part of it.

Some of the folks involved include former Deputy Police Chief Darryl Qualls and Jill Hawkins, both of whom are members of the John Muir Alumni Association.

Stand up people.

Others include Heavenly Hughes of My TRIBE Rise, Alexander Boekelheide of PCC, and Vannia de la Cuba, who works in the Mayor’s office.

Pasadena Educational Foundation, Pasadena Jaycees, Pasadena Police Department, My Tribe RISE, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena Unified School District, the John Muir Alumni Association and the City of Pasadena.

Altadena Library District, Altadena Rising, Altadena Rotary and the Altadena Town Council.

The list goes on and on.

I have high hopes for this one, provided they can stay on mission, and nobody considers themselves Michael and declares the rest of the group a collective Tito.

That one should be obvious. If not this should explain it:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2shwcQT/

Rise up Altadena. The story is still being written.