Guest:
Chris Holden, Former Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee; Former Mayor of Pasadena; Advocate with LA Fire Justice

Episode Summary:
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Holden to explore how decades of public service—from local government to the state legislature—shaped his leadership in one of California’s most critical policy arenas: wildfire and utility regulation.We unpack the origins and impact of AB 1054, a landmark bill designed to stabilize California’s utility sector while driving stronger accountability and wildfire prevention. We discuss the Wildfire Recovery Fund, executive safety oversight, and the difficult tradeoffs involved in crisis legislation.We also hear about his current work with LA Fire Justice, supporting communities like Altadena and Pasadena that continue to face the devastating consequences of wildfires.

Key Topics Covered:
Growing up in Pasadena and how community roots influence policy
Why energy and utility regulation became a legislative focus
The urgency and political climate behind AB 1054
How the Wildfire Recovery Fund works—and where accountability fits in
Expert oversight and tying executive pay to safety performance
Cultural shifts within California utility companies post-AB 1054
LA Fire Justice’s mission and the needs of local wildfire survivors
Evolving legislative responses to climate-driven fire risk
Long-term solutions California must prioritize for resilience

Quotes to Highlight:“We knew we had to act—not just quickly, but responsibly. Lives and livelihoods were on the line.”
“Accountability isn’t just about dollars. It’s about systemic change.”
“The communities closest to these fires are often the last to get help. That has to change.”

 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. 

Guest: Chris Holden, Former Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee; Former Mayor of Pasadena; Advocate with LA Fire Justice
Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Holden to explore how decades of public service&mdash;from local government to the state legislature&mdash;shaped his leadership in one of California&rsquo;s most critical policy arenas: wildfire and utility regulation.We unpack the origins and impact of AB 1054, a landmark bill designed to stabilize California&rsquo;s utility sector while driving stronger accountability and wildfire prevention. We discuss the Wildfire Recovery Fund, executive safety oversight, and the difficult tradeoffs involved in crisis legislation.We also hear about his current work with LA Fire Justice, supporting communities like Altadena and Pasadena that continue to face the devastating consequences of wildfires.
Key Topics Covered:
<ul data-start="2327" data-end="2905">
<li>Growing up in Pasadena and how community roots influence policy</li>
<li>Why energy and utility regulation became a legislative focus</li>
<li>The urgency and political climate behind AB 1054</li>
<li>How the Wildfire Recovery Fund works&mdash;and where accountability fits in</li>
<li>Expert oversight and tying executive pay to safety performance</li>
<li>Cultural shifts within California utility companies post-AB 1054</li>
<li>LA Fire Justice&rsquo;s mission and the needs of local wildfire survivors</li>
<li>Evolving legislative responses to climate-driven fire risk</li>
<li>Long-term solutions California must prioritize for resilience</li>
</ul>
Quotes to Highlight:
<blockquote>&ldquo;We knew we had to act&mdash;not just quickly, but responsibly. Lives and livelihoods were on the line.&rdquo; &ldquo;Accountability isn&rsquo;t just about dollars. It&rsquo;s about systemic change.&rdquo; &ldquo;The communities closest to these fires are often the last to get help. That has to change.&rdquo;</blockquote>
&nbsp;Connect with Us:
Host &amp; Executive Producer: Colby "Colb" Tyner 📩 Email: ctyner@radio-one.com 🔗 LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinkedin.com%2Fin%2Fcolbycolbtyner&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjwhitehead%40urban1.com%7C687731e7134044a4fd5408ddb0f0b97e%7C6941a1465ef94278882f85efea53658c%7C0%7C0%7C638861270163860078%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=GK%2BPstdtzD%2F41i5QcW4QvfLxs19OWkHruMvoXfjMMQs%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-start="1557" data-end="1629" data-auth="NotApplicable">linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner</a> 📱 Instagram: @officialcolbycolb 🌐 BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social
How to HelpUrban One is supporting the Brotherhood Crusade's&nbsp;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: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrotherhoodcrusade.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjwhitehead%40urban1.com%7C687731e7134044a4fd5408ddb0f0b97e%7C6941a1465ef94278882f85efea53658c%7C0%7C0%7C638861270163882251%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UxYd4dQsxAmJlSR14ZwBz6mCDFbW4EfaiHSQTsIw9c0%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-start="2000" data-end="2055" data-auth="NotApplicable">BrotherhoodCrusade.org</a>
If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.&ensp;

Altadena: After The Fire – An Urban One podcast chronicling the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, California, in January 2025. A historic center of Black prosperity and culture, the community lost over 7,000 homes, schools, and businesses, leaving thousands displaced and fighting to rebuild.Hosted by Colby Colb, this series brings you on-the-ground reporting, in-depth interviews, and real stories of resilience. We examine the personal toll of the disaster, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.We’re also supporting the Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund, helping affected families and businesses recover. Visit UrbanOneCares.com to contribute.Join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes.If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.
Email: ctyner@radio-one.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social

Altadena: After The Fire&nbsp;&ndash; An&nbsp;Urban One&nbsp;podcast chronicling the aftermath of the&nbsp;Eaton Fire, which devastated&nbsp;Altadena, California, in January 2025. A historic center of&nbsp;Black prosperity and culture, the community lost over&nbsp;7,000 homes, schools, and businesses, leaving thousands displaced and fighting to rebuild.Hosted by&nbsp;Colby Colb, this series brings you&nbsp;on-the-ground reporting, in-depth interviews, and real stories of resilience. We examine the personal toll of the disaster, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore&nbsp;Altadena&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage.We&rsquo;re also supporting the&nbsp;Brotherhood Crusade&rsquo;s Wildfire Relief Fund, helping affected families and businesses recover. Visit&nbsp;UrbanOneCares.com&nbsp;to contribute.Join us as we document the journey of a community determined to&nbsp;rise from the ashes.If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.
<ul data-end="593" data-start="109">
<ul data-end="593" data-start="263">
<li>Email: ctyner@radio-one.com</li>
<li>LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner" data-linkindex="0" data-start="344" data-end="416" data-auth="NotApplicable">linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner</a></li>
<li>Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/officialcolbycolb" data-linkindex="1" data-start="438" data-end="499" data-auth="NotApplicable">@officialcolbycolb</a></li>
<li>BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social</li>
</ul>
</ul>

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