How To LA

Hey there! After 317 new episodes, the How to LA team is turning the page. We won't be producing weekly episodes anymore, but you'll hear our reporting on LAist 89.3 FM, on our website and on social media. Before we exited the party, we wanted to hang out with our homies, comadres and contributors one last time. Thank you for lettings us in your homes, speakers and communities. Follow along at LAist.com/newsletters and Instagram. Guests:Gab Chabrán, LAist food editor Cato Hernández, LAist reporter Joshua Letona, LAist social media producer Erin Stone, LAist reporter Antonia Cereijido, LAist Studios host Monica Bushman, LAist Studios producer Victoria Alejandro, LAist Studios producer  

#317: LAX tends to be a place that Angelenos avoid if they can help it, but today we're taking you there to check out a very cool, but not very well-known museum. It's one of 64 museums that are featured in a new book titled, “Also On View: Unique and Unexpected Museums of Greater Los Angeles.” Guests: author Todd Lerew; Jean-Christophe Dagohoy Dick, president of the Flight Path Museum

Marqueece Harris-Dawson is now one of the most powerful leaders in the city, as the new Los Angeles City Council President. He stepped into the position in September, two years after the council tape scandal shocked the city and the nation. Harris-Dawson speaks with Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido about the ongoing fallout from the scandal that could affect L.A.'s redistricting process, and he gets real about his top priority for the city, the L.A. 2028 Olympics, and the U.S. presidential election. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/join

#316: L.A.'s musical vibes are a mix of cultures -- stop on any street corner and you'll hear 80s radio hits, rock en Español, contemporary pop, or reggaeton blast from all sorts of cars over the roar of traffic. Join us for this episode, where we explore the history of remixing Spanish sounds and cultures to create radio hits, and talk with Girl Ultra, a contemporary artist who's touring songs in Spanglish that are just as inspired by Britney Spears as they are by Mexico City.    Guests: Mariana de Miguel, aka Girl Ultra; Professor Nathian Shae Rodriguez

#315: It's Halloween! So we're bringing you a slightly spooky episode today. Actually, whether you think it's spooky really depends on how you feel about cemeteries —and Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn't just any cemetery. Today, the Hollywood Forever is probably best known as the site of Cinespia's popular outdoor movie screenings, which have been going on for more than 20 years, but the history of the cemetery itself goes back much further. GUEST: Karie Bible, Hollywood Forever's official tour guide  

Bringing one back from last year! Keep up with the How to LA team via our Saturday night newsletter. Sign up here.  #173: Marigolds – or cempasúchi as the Aztecs named them – have long been the flower of choice for Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. This time of year, you've probably seen these bright, orange flowers all around your local flower shops, farmers markets and grocery stores. But traditionally, they're used in the making of ofrendas, the alters set up to honor those who have died for the day of the day.   To learn more about the meaning behind these beautiful, symbolic flower, HTLA heads over to Boyle Heights to speak to the owner of LatinX With Plants.  Guest: Andi Xoch, artist and founder of LatinX With Plants

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has resigned and agreed to plead guilty for a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars in COVID relief funds meant to feed needy seniors. Do's criminal charges and plea agreement follow an LAist investigation and federal probe. The U.S. Attorney called Do's conspiracy “Robin Hood in reverse.” Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido speaks with LAist Correspondent Nick Gerda about LAist's investigation and its impact. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/join

#314: Actor and comedian Marval Rex's first solo show, “REXODUS: Out Of The Closet Into The Tribe,” draws on his experiences with religion, identity, gender — and this city.   We had him on the show to really get into the state of transmasculine community in L.A. and how he's navigated 10 years of creating art and his exploration in acting and performance. We'll also hear from friend of the pod, journalist and author of  “We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film,” Tre'vell Anderson to get the scoop on what's going on with transmasculine roles in Hollywood today.  Don't forget to sign up for the HTLA newsletter here: https://laist.com/newsletters And you can read Brian De Los Santos' LAist story here: https://laist.com/news/rexodus-marval-rex-transmasculine-actor-to-create-his-own-show-los-angeles Guests: Marval Rex, Tre'vell Anderson

#313: We are back today with LAist's Gab Chabrán for another episode of Cheap Fast Eats. This time, we're taking you to West Hollywood. First up was Super Rad Sub Shop to sample some super tasty sandwiches that combine East Coast tradition with West Coast flavors. Later on, we got a taste of the midwest at Dtown Pizzeria, which serves up Detroit-style pies with lots of unique options (just don't try to order a single slice). And finally, we topped everything off with some smoothies at Kale Me Crazy.

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón is locked in a tough reelection battle this November against Nathan Hochman. In candid, in-depth interviews with LAist Correspondent Frank Stoltze, Hochman and Gascón make the case for their differing approaches to running the country's largest prosecutor's office and differing views on criminal justice reform.Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/join

#312:  We know summer is over, but hot dogs are an L.A. staple year round! We all know those bacon wrapped street dogs after a concert... In this episode, HTLA host Brian De Los Santos is joined by LAist food editor Gab Chabrán as we dig into the history of hot dogs in L.A, and the unexpected flavors that shape this city's most famous dogs. And since it's a food story, you know we're leaving the studio for a hot dog field trip. Stay tuned as we check out the world famous Oki-dog. For more, read Gab's story for LAist here. And check out our newsletter signups here.  

George Gascón faces backlash from inside his own D.A.'s office and from the public. He's become a national scapegoat  for right-wing media.  LAist Correspondent Frank Stoltze explores how Gascón's policies have played out for people imprisoned, like Jose Santana, and families of victims. And Frank speaks to recalled San Francisco D.A. Chesa Boudin about his experience and whether the November election could be a referendum on not only Gascón, but also the national progressive DA movement.Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/join

We're working on fresh episodes, so we're bringing you an oldie, but goodie from earlier this year! Dig in and enjoy!:  You know this podcast LOVES our food episodes, so we're teaming up with someone who loves LA's food scene as much as we do: Alex Cottrell, better known as LA Try Guy. In this new segment, Down To Feast, Brian and Alex show each other their favorite meal in the neighborhood. This first one is in Westchester, so next time you're going to LAX (or next time you're in the need of some ridiculously delicious Jamaican food) you've got some solid recommendations to choose from. Best Chicken Sausage Sammich (Brian): The Coffee Company Best Oxtail (Alex): Hungry Joes Music in this episode composed by: Austin Cross, Cortex, Dexter Thomas, Makoto Matsushita, Moon Mullins, The Sweet Enoughs

George Gascón is unlike many prosecutors. His background and sweeping criminal justice policy reforms as Los Angeles District Attorney have made him a polarizing national figure. LAist Correspondent Frank Stoltze speaks with Gascón about his journey from hard-nosed LAPD cop to one of the most progressive prosecutors in the country and reports on the rebellion inside Gascón's own DA's office that began brewing within hours of him taking office. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/join

#311: The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have wrapped, and right now in the sports world (or at least here in the U.S.) a lot of the focus is shifting to the start of football season. But today on How To LA, we're focusing on the increased attention that women's sports have seen in recent years, and how that's playing out in L.A. Helping us do that are some Angel City ultra fans, the club's co-founder and president, some long-time Sparks fans, and Sparks players Azurá Stevens and Dearica Hamby.

Voters elected Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón in 2020 on his promises to undo decades of mass incarceration, tackle what many viewed as excessive prison sentences, and to generally create a fairer system. LAist Civics & Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze explores the criminal justice system Gascón set out to change. He examines decades-old practices and the impact on the people imprisoned through the case of Jose Santana. Santana ended up being sentenced to 22 years in adult prison for robbing two kids of their cellphones when he was 15.  Grow your business–no matter what stage you're in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/join

Hey there! We're bringing you another episode of How to LA as part of LAist climate solutions week.  Today's episode is from 2023. It features our former associate editor and one of my favorite journalists, Aaricka Washington. She took me on a hike in Silver Lake, and we foraged for plants! And yes we did get audio of us tasting some of them. Hope you enjoy the exploration of our urban environment.  (And be sure to check out more stories at LAist.com!) 

Here at LAist, it's Climate Solutions week, and we're focusing on the future of food. How food and agricultural systems are tackling climate pollution and adapting to a changing planet. And why Southern California is at the center of how climate change impacts the food we eat, grow, and sell. So today on How to LA, we're bringing you a throwback episode from 2022. It was one of our first episodes, and it focused on produce from a Compton farm. You'll get to hear how the founders of Alma Backyard Farms set up a community service that engages local residents and employs formerly incarcerated people — all in the name of good food.  Guests:Erika Cuellar and Richard Garcia, co-founders of Alma Farms

#310:  Today, we're meeting up with one of our favorite L.A. based influencers, Drew Tillman!  Drew's known online for his date ideas in different pockets of this wonderful city, and in this episode, he's joining the How To LA team to take host Brian De Los Santos on a walking date around WeHo. We make the most of a beautiful Sunday by exploring spaces with delicious food and a strong community focus. Listen in to learn how to get curious about your city, and to hear some special spots in WeHo get a shoutout.  Don't forget to check out LAist on Instagram and TikTok too, for a video component to this episode!  Guest: Drew Tillman

#309: Today we are back with our summer series about places to explore and discover in Los Angeles. We've done parks, museums, road trip, and this time we are talking about happy hour! The neighborhood spots featured include: Big Bar in Los Feliz, The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena, and Chulita in West Adams.

#309: In honor of the American Cinematheque's "Friend of the Fest" program, we're rerunning their feature from our mini-series, Revival House! Victoria Alejandro is one of the podcasters invited to present a film this year. This Sunday, 8/25 at the Egyptian Theater, she'll be introducing the 80s classic "To Live and Die in L.A." You can find tickets here: https://www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/laist-presents-to-live-and-die-in-l-a-8-25-24/ Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, screening 1500 movies a year in three iconic theaters across Los Angeles, the American Cinematheque has a movie for everybody, every night of the week. In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro jumps into the history of these movie theaters and this programming group to shine a light on a little L.A. moviegoing history and spotlight the future of the American Cinematheque in this city. Check out our deep dive into the Egyptian Theatre's history and reopening here:  https://omny.fm/shows/howtola/revival-house-the-egyptian-theater-redux Guests: Professor and historian Ross Melnick, American Cinematheque artistic director Grant Moninger, Programmers Imani Davis and Cindy Flores, Senior Film Programmer Chris Lemaire

#308: It's like, totally wild that we haven't talked about the "Valley girl" accent yet. This week on How To LA, the team hits the streets to ask Angelenos about the origin of the accent...turns out, no one's really sure where it comes from. Except LAist reporter Caitlin Hernandez, who did a deep dive on the history of the iconic Valley sound. They join us to give the 411. It's like, so awesome, right? Read Caitlin's LAist story here: https://laist.com/news/la-history/los-angeles-valley-girl-accent-socal-california-english Guests: Caitlin Hernandez, man on the street interviews from Max, Calvin, and Monse on Wilshire. 

#307: Today we're heading out with LAist's Gab Chabrán to test some tasty cool drinks in L.A. — that's "cool" as in temperature, but also meaning something a little special and unique.We stopped for boba (and other tasty tea and coffee drinks) at Hey Hey on Sunset, sampled fermented Mexican drinks (tepache and pulque) at Mírate in Los Feliz, and finally tried out kava nectar (new to both me and Gab) at Kavahana in Santa Monica.

#306: We're publishing this on a Friday and you know what that means: we all scream for... (waiting for you to say it.)LAist food editor and Cheap Fast Eats co-conspirator Gab Chábran and HTLA host Brian De Los Santos host Culinary Connections: Ice Cream Social. It was a chat with owners from three Southern California ice cream eateries: Kinrose in Pasadena, Tocumbo Ice Cream in Anaheim, and 626 Hospitality Group in Arcadia.

#305:  What's the deal with the new mural on Western Avenue? A man holding a flowerpot crawling out of the sky?  That's performance artist Pope L., inviting folks into the new, permanent home of the non-profit formerly known as LAX Art. They've rebranded as The Brick, and their new brick and mortar gallery and exhibition space is formally opening in September. How To LA host Brian de los Santos spoke with artistic director Hamza Walker, and artists in the 3B Collective, to get the scoop on what this space means for contemporary art in L.A.  For more on the artists mentioned: Pope L.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N7OnQkch7s 3B Collective: https://www.craftcontemporary.org/exhibitions/highway-hypnosis/   Guests: Hamza Walker, the 3B collective

#304: Today, we're bringing you a deep dive into house music and how a music equipment lending library called Feminist Synth Lab is lowering the barriers to entry for people interested in DJing and making electronic music in L.A. This episode was reported by How To LA intern Veronica Daniel.

#303: We're continuing our summer series of places to explore - and this time we're heading to Miracle Mile and following the sweet sounds of jazz down Wilshire and onto the LACMA campus.  As LA's county museum, LACMA is exploring all sorts of ways to make sure the public feels welcome, from free membership for teens, free admission for LA County residents, and free jazz nights in the summers. You might even run into a friend, or see someone like artist Judy Baca working in the galleries. We ducked inside to get the scoop and see some art in the AC. And later, we shout out our other favorite museums around the city.  Read more on Judy Baca and LACMA on LAist here.  Guest: Chelo Montoya, assistant VP of public programs at LACMA

#302: Today we're talking about run clubs and how they foster community in L.A. Our associate editor (and our special resident marathon runner) Aaricka Washington looked into running clubs that were founded by Black, Asian and Latino people, the ways that they're offering inclusive, safe spaces for Angelenos, and why they've been growing more popular. 

#301: We're continuing our summer series of places to explore - and this time we're stepping out of the studio and into the wild. Evan's taking Brian on a tour of a park that meant a lot to him as a kid - and we're meeting the organization that acts as its steward: Tree People.  You've probably heard of them before - they do everything from trail restoration work to planting shade trees, just about everywhere in Southern California. But this is their home base, and when they're not reforesting swaths of the Angeles National Forest you can find them in the heart of LA at the top of Coldwater Canyon. Music in this episode composed by: Austin Cross, Imaginary Softwoods, Jerimiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer, Josiah Steinbrick, M. Sage, Mort Garson, Nicklas Nygren, Patricia Wolf, Wilson Tanner

#300: Three hundred episodes y'all! Can you think of a better way to celebrate than with the movable feast that is Cheap Fast Eats? I'll wait... No? Okay. Well buckle in and get ready to chow down as LAist's food editor Gab Chabran takes Brian to our first location OUTSIDE of LA County... From breakfast burritos to baklava and everything in between. This is Cheap Fast Eats, Fountain Valley. Restaurants featured: Artisan - 7 Leaves & Crema Bakery, Naugles, Ikram Grill

#299:  VCRs are buzzing again in the city...that's right! Watching a movie on VHS is back! But in 2024, with streaming and Blu-Ray, why watch something on tape? HTLA producer Victoria Alejandro spoke with VHS vendors, collectors, and other tape aficionados around the city (including filmmaker Vera Drew of "The People's Joker") to understand the subculture, the community, and let YOU know why tapes are back, baby! Guests: Filmmaker Vera Drew, head of Altered Innocence Frank Jaffe, Michelle Halac and Alex Gootter of Hollywood Entertainment, Erik Varho and Jessica Gonzales from Whammy!, Eliana Oropeza from Aztec Pickers, Jackie Forsythe from AMIA

This is our final installment of LA On The Margins, stories produced by journalism students at USC. In this episode, we meet an Uber driver -  slash - reggae artist who is trying to make it in this beautiful, complicated city... and we learn about his struggle with balancing the "city of the gig worker," with the "city of creativity."   

We're back with another installment of LA On The Margins, a collection of stories produced by students at USC. This time, reporter Sophie Sullivan takes us to the largest jail in LA County — a jail considered by many to be uninhabitable, and which, in 2021, was ordered closed by L.A. County Supervisors due to "inhumane conditions." But the jail still stands today. In this episode, we hear from families whose loved ones died while in custody of the jail and who now seek answers as to why. A warning - this episode contains mentions of suicide and includes strong language.This story was co-published and supported by the journalism non-profit the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.

#298: Did you know that we are in the middle of kitten season? It's a super busy time for shelter workers, cat rescues, and the many Angelenos who volunteer their time to help save cats. Today we are talking about those folks and what's being done in L.A. and OC to try to improve the lives of free-roaming cats in Southern California. According to L.A.'s Department of Animal Services, there's about 960,000 of them in the city of L.A. alone.  Read more at LAist: ‘Kitten season' sounds cute, but it's one of the toughest times for LA's cat crusaders

#297: Looking to escape the heat this summer? Well, look no further than LA's biggest swimming pool. We've got the team here with Brian in LAist's Studio B to share our favorite coastal recommendations, whether you're looking for a place to have quiet picnic or you're learning to tandem surf with your dog. All summer we'll have more recommendations for more ways to spend your weekend, so keep an ear out!

#296: Flavors From Afar is a caterer and soon to be restaurant in East Hollywood. As part of the nonprofit TIYAA Foundation, Flavors From Afar also hosts a culinary training program for folks from all over the globe who are new to this city. Consisting of migrants and refugees resettling in L.A. and looking for work, it's an 8 week training program designed to teach aspiring chefs everything from knife skills to applying for licenses. Associate editor Aaricka Washington checked out a class and is on HTLA to tell host Brian De Los Santos all about it. Check out their website for culinary sessions, catering and the Global Dinner Series here: https://www.flavorsfromafar.co/ And if you're curious, the next culinary session course for new participants will begin August 6th.  

#141: Ok - no more Cheap Fast Eats... But we've still got a great holiday treat for y'all. Maybe something to do this weekend to beat the heat? Today, we're revisiting the time Brian and Evan went down the LA River in a kayak.  Original episode description below: Whitewater kayaking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture the L.A. River. Too much concrete, right? Not enough water? Well, think again. Kayaking the L.A. River officially became legal in 2011 when the EPA declared it a "navigable waterway." And turns out... it's pretty fun! Join How to LA host Brian De Los Santos and producer Evan Jacoby as they paddle down a 2-mile stretch of river that does NOT have a concrete bottom and passes through the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve. Guests: Gary Golding, guide with LA River Expeditions & survivalist; Dennis Mabasa, COO of Friends of the LA River There's a lot of local stewards of the river who are working to make sure that parts of it can be enjoyed by all of us Angelenos as well as the birds and resident critters.  If you want to  keep up to date on all the things going on with the river, make sure to follow FOLAR on social media or check out their website at folar.org Also, you check out more info on the river on LAist.com/HowToLA. 

LA was rocked on March 4 when Dave Fink, a golf influencer, posted a viral video on Instagram detailing how brokers - largely using a Korean messenger app- were snatching up prime time tees at Los Angeles' public golf courses and reselling them. Here's how an unlikely crew of golf enthusiasts' fight to keep golf in L.A. accessible and affordable is paying off. Host Antonia Cereijido reports.   Grow your business–no matter what stage you're in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Listen to Reimagining Democracy for A Good Life, hosted by longtime equity advocate Angela Glover Blackwell. Available now at policylink.org/reimagining-democracy or wherever you get your podcasts Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Passing the Mantle is a new podcast from LAist Studios about family, curiosity and the things that change — and stay the same — across generations. It's co-hosted by Larry Mantle, host of LAist 89.3's AirTalk, the longest-running daily talk show in Southern California, and his son Desmond Mantle. Even though Desmond is in law school pursuing a different career, he shares his dad's fascination with the world and drive to understand why things are the way they are. Diving into topics like gender dynamics, mental health, religion and sex, Larry and Desmond will discuss shifting societal values, the life experiences that have shaped their perspectives and stories that neither of them have shared before... gaining a new understanding of the world, and each other, in each episode. Passing the Mantle premieres July 8th. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

BONUS: The Tournament of Cheeseburgers is over! And we have your winner. They along with some runner ups will be at Smorgasburg at The Row in DTLA this Sunday! Make sure to check out the free event and enjoy some excellent food.RSVP here: https://laist.com/events/tournament-of-cheeseburgers-at-smorgasburg-laTo honor this delicious moment we are sharing again a great live event I co-hosted with LAist food editor Gab Chabrán earlier this year, featuring the one and only winner of the Tournament of Cheeseburgers and other amazing burger entrepreneurs and chefs LA. 

#284: Happy 4th of July! It's the last day of our holiday Cheap Fast Eats marathon. Whether you're hosting the BBQ for your family and friends - OR you're just kicking it solo - if you're anything like us, the summer is all about FOOD. So kick back and enjoy some fireworks, or protect your dog from the big spooky boom booms, and do it while noshing on some of the best food L.A. has to offer. Original episode description below:Gab. Brian. Food. You know the drill — Cheap Fast Eats is back! This time, LAist food editor Gab Chabrán is taking HTLA host Brian De Los Santos to some of the best spots west of Sepulveda Blvd in the 818. A century ago Wheat and Lemon were the undisputed kings of LA's San Fernando Valley, a spill of land that existed almost exclusively to be farmed. But in the 1950's, as a post-war Los Angeles was flirting ever so closely with car-culture, the first strip malls of suburbia were born. Today we know these strip malls as the humble homes of the best food the Valley has to offer. Join us to hear about Gab's favorites - and check out his full guide on LAist.com. Restaurants visited: Cupid's Hot Dogs, Ay Papa Que Rico, New York Chicken & Gyro Music in this episode composed by: E Ro 3, Troye Sivan, Herb Ellis, Dexter Thomas, Slumberville, The ModArchive, Makoto Matsushita, Austin Cross

#239: Today we're continuing our holiday marathon of Cheap Fast Eats! Whether you're hosting the BBQ for your family and friends - OR you're just kicking it solo - if you're anything like us, the summer is all about FOOD. So kick back and enjoy some fireworks, or protect your dog from the big spooky boom booms, and do it while noshing on some of the best food L.A. has to offer. Original episode description below: Cheap Fast Eats is back! Did you miss us? It's our monthly segment featuring LAist food editor Gab Chabrán and all his favorite spots to grab a quick and inexpensive meal throughout L.A. This time we're in Boyle Heights - the true East Side, for those who know. Come along as we eat our way through some rainy day comfort food. Restaurants featured in this episode: Pioneer Chicken, Brooklyn Ave Pizza, Mariscos Jalisco For Gab's full list of Cheap Fast Eats in Boyle Heights, check out his article on LAist.com: https://laist.com/brief/news/food/cheap-fast-eats-chow-down-in-historic-boyle-heights-for-10