From Tragedy to Community Action
When the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena in January 2025, destroying more than 6,600 structures, the founders of Altadena Talks Foundation were among those directly impacted.
Brian Baccus lost his family's home and the production equipment that made his work possible. Co-founder Jamal Smith's extended family lost nine homes, while Antoinette "Toni" Raines' family lost two homes.
Instead of stepping away, they stepped forward.
Within days of the disaster, they launched the Altadena Talks Podcast to provide trusted information, connect residents with critical resources, and ensure the voices of Altadena were heard during one of the community's darkest moments.
Since January 2025, Altadena Talks has produced more than 340 episodes, generating over 1 million views and engagements across multiple platforms while reaching tens of thousands of people each month with verified updates, interviews, and community resources.
Today, the Altadena Talks Foundation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community recovery, civic engagement, and equitable access to information. Through initiatives including the Altadena Community Wellness & Recovery Series, Disaster Voices Lab, and community-based media programs, we continue to help residents recover, rebuild, and remain connected.
Your support helps us continue this work by funding free community events, trusted communications, resource navigation, youth storytelling opportunities, and long-term recovery efforts.
Together, we're proving that even in the face of loss, communities can rebuild stronger when they have trusted voices, accurate information, and neighbors willing to show up for one another.
Help us continue turning tragedy into hope, connection, and lasting impact for Altadena and beyond.